Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a National Network Program Director, Canadian Organoid Network. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Prinicipal Investigator.

Predict logistic and scientific needs of the national network and, work or delegate the work to successfully fulfill those needs and provide assistance/training on all levels of logistics and scientific functions while supporting research labs across Canada and internationally. Stressors include the high volume of work, multiple priorities, and numerous and often simultaneous deadlines. Stress level from moderate to high. Work in an environment of continuous change, and shift in priorities and must be able to multitask. Multiple deadlines on a daily basis need to be met, which are highly stressful. The position entails a high volume of workload. Supervision needed is null, however, supervisors will advise on priorities. The position is fully responsible for the delivery of work.

This role will be responsible for the management and function of a national tissue sharing network with a budget of $5.3 million. This individual will be overseeing all activities related to the network disseminating tissues to labs across Canada and likely internationally. This role will be responsible for building/planning and managing research projects on a short- and long-term basis. These include but are not limited to the following: managing available funds and resources (according to funds and granting agency policies); building or assisting in writing grants applications to secure funding; managing the day-to-day and bigger picture logistics needs of project operations; delegating different project tasks to team members (data analyst, research coordinator, research assistants, and trainees) to accomplish research project within budget and schedule. plays a role in the long-term planning of research projects and the orientation of the research groups through recommending new subjects/ideas to explore; reporting on current projects; advising on the budget and the need to apply to grant competitions; advising on hiring which impact the numbers of projects that can be undertaken.

Travel to other national sites may be required.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Network Operations and Leadership

• Facilitate collaborative project management delivery within cross-functional departments of all the nodes of the network. Meet regularly with other site leads to assess progress toward milestones and deliverables
• Have significant effect on the future of the network and larger personalized medicine initatives with the CSM by determining and strongly influencing decisions that will affect the expansion and continued funding of national network, solidifying the U of C\'s position as a leader within human translational research
• Liaise with other biorepositories internationally to work towards international harmonization of best practices with sample preparation and characterization to enhance global scientific rigour and reproducibility
• Predict logistic and scientific needs of the network and, work or delegate the work to successfully fulfill those needs and provide assistance/training on all levels of logistics and scientific functions
• Ensure compliance with Closed Port Network Management. Engage and lead a unified team with a culture that promotes collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and extraordinary research activities that are relevant and produce a visible Impact on the Network Goals
• Responsbible for generating a communications strategy to connect with stakeholders
• Develop, implement, and maintain various means of communication for all network stakeholders
• Involved in the development and updating of the initiative\'s strategic plan to align the capabilities, needs, and shared objectives. Work towards developing a sustainability plan for the network. Design a logistics workflow for equitable biospecimen dissemination to network members and work with node managers to develop and validate the cost-recovery structure
• Lead and oversee research project progression including, ethics submission, and managing network-wide ethics protocol
• Network Finances

• Build/plan and manage research projects on a short- and long-term basis. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Managing available funds and resources (according to funds and granting agency policies)
• Build and assist in writing grants applications to secure funding
• Managing the day-to-day and bigger picture logistics needs of project operations
• Delegating different project tasks to team members (data analyst, research coordinator, research assistants, and trainees) to accomplish research project within budget and schedule
• Contribute to the long-term planning of research projects and the orientation of the research groups through recommending new subjects/ideas to explore
• Reporting on current projects
• Network Staff management

• Proactively determine positions that would support the strategic goals of the Network and ensure salary decisions are aligned with needs and budgets
• Manages the creation job profiles, hiring, and onboarding of staff
• Performs and engages staff in annual performance reviews
• Full-scope performance management of staff, including termination when required to provide feedback and encouragement to staff
• Oversees the complete range of human resource management for operational staff (technicians, clinical coordinators, site directors)
• Ensures all staff have a Hazard Assessments in place to reduce risk for their position

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Masters or PhD in related field preferred
• A minimum of 9 years of related experience is required, with preferred experience in biobanking and 5 years of progressive experience in supporting studies directly
• Familiarity with IBD Research would be an asset
• Experience hiring and managing in a Unionized and/or Academic environment an asset
• Highly developed organizational and interpersonal skills and the capacity to work as a team member are critical
• Broad and comprehensive knowledge of human research ethics and current best practices and logistics of biobanking processes
• The candidate should be able to communicate verbally and in writing with both scientists and research industry personnel
• Significant experience with patient-oriented or clinical research, including an understanding of human ethics protocols and knowledge of regulations pertaining to human studies
• Willingness to work with human tissue samples
• Demonstrated experience in writing manuscripts, reports and grant applications
• Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
• Understanding of safety codes and standards related to the position\'s specialization
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of and compliance with human and animal ethics regulations, including experience with the handling, storage and shipping of human tissues
• Experience with laboratory and project management
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), GraphPad, Adobe Illustrator, internet usage
• Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable

Application Deadline: July 24, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our . For more information visit .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada\'s leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation\'s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada\'s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide in line with the foundational goals of , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

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Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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