Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Paediatrics in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Program Manager. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reports to the Principal Investigator.

The Research Manager\'s role will be multifaceted, and include directing the research program well as managing local, national and international collaborative research projects and program operations. This large, patient-centered clinical research program is focused on understanding how the brain develops following injury early in life and developing neurotechnology solutions to enhance participation in life for children with disabilities. The team is multidisciplinary including clinicians, engineers, neuroscientists, trainees at all levels, patients and their families.

An important component of this position is to develop, guide and manage partnerships with internal and external collaborators and stakeholders. As part of this, the individual will help establish networks for collaboration locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. This aspect requires an in-depth understanding of the complexities of conducting research in a clinical setting, and an ability to liaise between various branches of the program, including clinical, research, and potential commercialization activities.

Position Description

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

• Work with the PI to set the strategic direction of the research program
• Propose ideas and play a central role in long range planning to enhance research productivity
• Direct and manage the research program including overseeing research progress and adjusting project objectives as necessary
• Oversee activities of project staff and trainees
• Provide guidance in the development, design and implementation of research projects
• Oversee the implementation of research activity metrics within the program to evaluate progress, facilitate reporting and to share accomplishments internally and externally
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues in other areas (e.g., Finance; Human Resources; Information Technology; Communications; Supply Chain Management, Research Services, etc.) and external organizations to successfully plan, implement, monitor/evaluate and sustain projects
• Ensure meticulous budget oversight, including allocating, monitoring, and reporting to funding agencies
• Work with the PI to identify funding opportunities and contribute meaningfully to grant development
• Initiate and manage institutional, national, and international collaborations to further the work of the research team
• Ensure necessary ethical and safety approvals are obtained for the success of the research program
• Establish and oversee internal processes for purchases and expenses of the research team
• Manage the workload of individual team members to maximize productivity
• Establish and maintain accurate electronic and paper records regarding research
• Assist in writing research proposals
• Prepare annual research program reports
• Works with the PI to develop and implement appropriate plans for the dissemination and knowledge translation of research findings, internally and externally
• Presents research-related data at scientific meetings and stakeholder education sessions

Staff Management

• Work with PI to determine positions that would support the strategic goals of the research team
• Manage the creation of job profiles, hiring, and onboarding of staff
• Manage the performance and development of individual team members to maximize success and motivation
• When required, perform disciplinary actions, including terminations
• Optimize team processes and collaboration methods to enhance overall team performance and efficiency
• Oversee the complete range of human resource management for research staff and students
• Ensure all staff have the required certifications and training to meet the requirements of the team
• Coach and mentor students and staff

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree is required, ideally in the area of health sciences
• Clinical research experience is required
• Minimum of five (5) years of research coordination/management experience, preferably in health sciences
• Experience and training in project and program management best practices
• Experience managing, conducting, and overseeing grant funded research projects Experience hiring and managing staff in a unionized environment
• Advanced knowledge of research administrative procedures is required
• Leadership skills including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, mentoring, and the ability to motivate, inspire and build confidence in others to achieve common goals
• Ability to manage human, financial and physical resources within a research environment
• Knowledge of the Conjoint Research and Ethics Board (ethic submissions, annual updates, reporting of adverse events) required
• Knowledge of University of Calgary business and research systems (Peoplesoft, IRISS, eFin, HR, Legal Services) required
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of database software such as Microsoft Project, Access, and REDCap,as well as the ability to train research staff on these platforms, and an ability to learn program-specific software applications
• Certification in an accredited research course an asset
• Knowledge of best practices related to clinical research at the national and international level
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills
• Requires expert skills in strategic collaboration, facilitation, and communication, including the ability to communicate difficult concepts and negotiate with others
• Self-directed, enthusiastic and honest in the performance of duties
• Ability to manage time effectively and determine priorities as well as delegate tasks appropriately
• Knowledgeable in grant writing and in writing medical/scientific research protocols
• Experience in writing medical/scientific literature for publication and presentation
• Experience in working with internal/external teams to manage and grow a project and/or program

Application Deadline: July 28, 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 2 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. Management and Professional Staff (MaPS) Positions are currently under review as part of the Alberta Labour Relations Board exclusion review process. Visit the for more information.

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.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

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

University of Calgary