Job Description

Position Summary:

The SCILS Principal Investigator, reporting to the Centre Manager, provides technical leadership to applied research projects. This includes collaborating with industry partners for project planning, budgeting, and execution., acting as Principal Investigator, leading research teams, and ensuring research quality in compliance with Seneca policies. In addition, the incumbent will also lead the development of funding proposals, actively contributes to SCILS\' strategic planning, and plays a key role in establishing best practices, standard operating procedures, and fostering relationships with researchers from other institutions.

Responsibilities:

SCILS Research Projects

• Leads collaborative development of project plans, milestones, timelines, and budgets.
• Ensures project alignment with industry/community needs and promotes student involvement.
• Executes project activities in accordance with the plan.
• Develops and writes funding proposals, emphasizing technical aspects and research direction.
• Assists in hiring and training research assistants for project success.
• Responds promptly to industry/community inquiries.
• Assigns duties to Co-Investigators and Research Assistants (RAs).
• Provides supervision, guidance, and mentorship to RAs for quality deliverables.
• Ensures proper spending of funds in line with policies.
• Collaborates with the research team to meet project timelines and budgets.
• Informs the Centre Manager of expenses and research contract matters.
• Liaises with Seneca faculty and administration for required resources.
• Applies research ethics and/or biosafety reviews as needed.
• Integral team member ensuring technically sound, ethical, and efficient projects.
• Stays current with scientific literature and life science trends for SCILS improvement and strategic advice to partners and research management.

External Relations and Advocacy

• Represent/promote SCILS at events (e.g., trade shows, seminars, conferences) to highlight applied research.
• Acts on behalf of Centre Manager or Director in discussions related to applied research and innovation.
• Identifies and engages external partners, ecosystem networks, and funding opportunities to enhance SCILS.
• Cultivates scientific collaborations with researchers from other colleges, universities, and research institutes.

SCILS Operations

• Manages administrative tasks: equipment procurement and center-related space issues.
• Contributes to internal and external committees and task forces as needed.
• Actively assists in planning applied research events associated with the center.

Qualifications:

Education

• Minimum Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Cosmetic Sciences
• The ideal candidate will have unique, broad experience across disciplines. For example, an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in separate disciplines

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience conducting research outside of graduate research, preferably within industry or industry partnered.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing research projects, including staff supervision and budget oversight.
• Proficient in research design, methods, and the development of research grants.

Skills

• Strong communications skills with the ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, external partners, and stakeholders, fostering an environment conducive to successful research outcomes.
• Efficient management of time, resources, and project deliverables, ensuring projects are completed within specified timelines and budgets.

Note: A skills assessment test will be administered during the recruitment process.

Seneca College