Senior Advisor Research Development

at  McGill University

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The Senior Advisor Research Development (RD) is a key member of the Research Development team in the Strategic Initiatives of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (VP-R+I) sector. The Research Development team supports grants that are of high value to the University and in alignment with the University’s strategic research goals. The Sr Advisor role includes identifying interdisciplinary research synergies, matching funding opportunities and working with teams of faculty and possibly external researchers and other stakeholders to submit highly competitive funding proposals. In this capacity the Sr Advisor is contributing to the attainment of McGill’s objectives and targets for research (dollar value and /or number of successful proposals). The position also involves designing related research support services, including training, resources, consultations and outreach, as well as providing reliable information on administrative processes.
The position reports to the Associate Director (Research Development) and works closely with researchers, Faculties administrators (including Deans and Associate Deans of Research), staff in units under the VP-R+I portfolio, i. e., the Office of Sponsored Research, Office of Innovation and Partnership.
The Senior Advisor (RD) brings experience, knowledge, and expertise to the planning and development of applications to strategic funding opportunities programs, at the federal, provincial, and international levels, and to efficient implementation of research projects. The Sr Advisor (RD) has three key areas of responsibility: 1) development of major research proposals involving complex partnerships in both the public and private sectors; 2) project management to organize large-scale grant proposal involving planning, processes, and progress monitoring; 3) analysis of results, data, and other relevant information in order to plan for future grant applications.
Primary Responsibilities

Research Development

• Development of complex, high-risk, large-scale grant applications involving multiple stakeholders for submission to research funding opportunities. For example, institutional initiatives for programs such as Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) (Innovation Fund, Major Science Initiatives, JELF), Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC), Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO) under the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec (MEIE), and other programs for the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), for Genome Canada programs, and Horizon Europe.
• Develop management processes and tools to facilitate the development of research proposals for institutional programs, and keep up-to-date documentation (e.g., procedure manuals, guidelines, etc.).
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (s) and Faculty-based support and provide guidance during the development of grant applications.
• Keep up-to-date information about researchers’ interest in leading or participating in major initiatives and make recommendations for funding research opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures for research administration, including signing authority on grant applications and contracts, and resource allocation.
• Develop content, organize, and give presentations (in English and French) in information sessions on topics such as new programs, grantsmanship, new procedures and changes to regulations to new faculty members and selected applicants.
• Evaluate the need for resource allocation to projects and make recommendations for approval to the AVP-RI, Faculty dean, or Provost as relevant.

Project Management

• Responsible for providing outstanding service and support to McGill’s scientific community throughout the proposal development process.
• Manage an effective review process of research proposals at the university.
• Lead the development of proposals for a variety of programs across diverse research areas.
• Manage the development of complex, institutional funding proposals (e.g. CFI IF, CERC).
• Manage the development and review sections of a proposal, i.e., management plan, budget justification, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), data management plan, etc.).
• Review, negotiate, as needed, research agreements for the successful proposals.
• Mange a team of support functions for various areas related to research, e.g. Intellectual Property, research compliance (ethics, animal care, and hazardous materials), budget planning and finance, fund raising, and space planning for research laboratories or core facilities.
• Prepare appropriate reports, briefings, and other documents for funding agencies and Senior Administration including the VP-R+I, AVPs, Deans, in a timely fashion.
• Ensure a high level of responsiveness and effectiveness while handling several complex proposals.
• Communicate with end-users and stakeholders via in-person meetings and other communication channels.

Analysis of performances and trends

• In collaboration with other team members, review competition outcomes, track and analyze data for annual reports on McGill’s performance compared to our peer institutions in the target programs.
• Keep track of and analyze trends in the research landscape (Quebec, Canada, internationally).
• Develop in-depth analysis of McGill’s research portfolio and strategic priorities at the institutional and Faculty levels.
• Prepare plans and recommendations to adapt McGill support programs, investment and other resources allocation to align with external trends.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Over 5 years’ experience in research development and administration in a Canadian University or Funding Agency.
• For research project leadership and development, a post-graduate degree or an equivalent professional designation is required with a minimum of five years of related experience, including experience in a field of specialization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong scientific/research background in order to develop, evaluate, analyze and negotiate complex funding applications through all agency and University channels.
• Ability to think strategically and identify high-risk research developments at a very early stage.
• Direct experience developing strategies and building projects to ensure their success within a public or private sector research environment.
• Excellent leadership skills to bring together diverse stakeholders and develop winning teams, leveraging individual strengths and overcoming differing points of view.
• Self-motivated, with strong organizational skills, able to effectively prioritize a wide range of responsibilities, able to supervise multiple projects simultaneously, and to work well under pressure.
• Works with wide latitude and from generally defined goals from the VP-R+I and the university strategic research plan.
• The successful candidate will be expected to be a self-starter and work independently, with minimum supervision.
• They will require resourcefulness in identifying opportunities and challenges and pursuing them independently, reporting regularly to the Associate Director Research Development.
• Additionally, the successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in an environment that requires flexibility and adaptability to respond to shifting and emerging priorities.
• Strong technical skills in the Office 365 suite, especially Excel, Word, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and demonstrate a high level of leadership and professionalism in working with a team of people to achieve specific outcomes.
• Fully bilingual in both written and spoken English and French in order to communicate with external stakeholders, make presentations and develop/compose complex and sensitive documents targeted to multiple audiences.
• Service-oriented approach to people and a proven ability to problem solving.

« Connaissance du français et de l’anglais: L’Université McGill est une université de langue anglaise où les tâches quotidiennes peuvent nécessiter une communication verbale et écrite en anglais. Le niveau d’anglais requis pour ce poste a été déterminé comme étant de niveau 4 (qualificatif) sur une échelle de 0-4.»
“Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.”
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 07) $88,830.00 - $111,040.00 - $133,250.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM3A - General Administration - Senior Professional/Manager
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Associate Director, Research Development, Strategic Initiatives
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2024-11-22
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

Please refer the Job description for details