Research Facilitator

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is a research-intensive Faculty that thrives on research excellence, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Associate Dean Research (ADR) for day-to-day performance management and oversight, and to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs, Office of Research Services (ORS). The Research Facilitator advises on and assists the FoE research community with all aspects of research from idea to funding.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field plus approximately five years’ related experience in research administration or related environment (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to deal with the high volume and interdisciplinary setting, and to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), and the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with various stakeholders.
• Has participated in equity, diversity and inclusion training, especially in relation to research.

• Reviews and advises on how to strengthen FoE researchers’ grant applications, with particular focus on Tri-Agency and works in coordination with Dalhousie’s ORS staff to facilitate the review of applications, confirmation of institutional commitments, and other requirements as needed to support the submission of competitive research applications.
• Monitors funding announcements and ensures that faculty are made aware of grant opportunities that fit with their research goals. This assumes a high level of interpretive and selective skill and an in-depth knowledge of the research interests of the academic faculty.
• In partnership and coordination with central units, including ORS and the Office of Commercialization and Industry Engagement, supports the Associate Dean, Research to collaborate and coordinate with private sector, non-governmental organization, foundations, charities, community-based organization, government departments to secure support on large, multi-disciplinary research grant application projects.
• In coordination with ORS, supports the development and delivery of outreach sessions for both the faculty and the university to promote information sharing on relevant research funding opportunities, with a particular focus on the Tri-Agency competitions. Identifies research synergies and creates opportunities for new avenues of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research.
• Advises on knowledge translation priorities and strategies, as well as approaches for research impact evaluation. Works with FoE Manager, Facilities and Safety to identify research space needs and opportunities.
• Under the direction of the Director, Finance & Administration, implements Faculty-level research policies and procedures designed to optimally support faculty in their research careers and to ensure compliance with funder requirements at all stages of a grant lifecycle.