Job Description

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Position Summary:

McGill University is seeking a Senior Advisor (Programs) for an ambitious new research initiative, "DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics " (D2R), that is supported by the Government of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s program Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and by funding from multiple other organizations over seven years, starting in 2023. D2R integrates complementary Canadian and international research strengths at McGill and D2R partners sites into a unified program designed to make D2R a global leader in the discovery, development, and delivery of genomics-based RNA therapeutics.

The position is based in the D2R support office and reports to the D2R Director of Administration. The Senior Advisor (Programs) works closely with the D2R Chief Science Officer (CSO) and D2R governance committees to support the development and implementation of the suite of D2R funding programs. The position is involved in the development of processes and tools to facilitate the submission of proposals and reporting on D2R-funded research projects. The mandate includes preparing calls for proposals for the D2R suite of funding programs, coordinating merit review processes, and post-award administration. The Senior Advisor (Programs) works closely with the research administration teams within McGill in the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Research Compliance Offices, and Research Financial Management Services (RFMS).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare calls for proposals for the suite of D2R funding programs and seek feedback and approval from the relevant D2R governance committees.
• Develop and ensure that application instructions, forms, templates, and other tools are clear and readily available.
• Manage merit review processes, which often involves contacting external reviewers, providing material in a timely manner, collating feedback, and preparing reports to support the D2R Research Steering Committee (RSC) and Board decision-making.
• Develop processes and tools to administer research funding, fund opening, and transfer agreements, and liaise with the McGill units involved in research administration including OSR, Research Ethics, and RFMS.
• Responsible for providing outstanding customer service and support to McGill\xe2\x80\x99s scientific community throughout the granting process and ensure a high level of responsiveness and effectiveness while handling complex files.
• Ensure all information is complete and deadlines are met.
• Liaise with funding agencies regarding the interpretation of guidelines, directives, and policies.
• Contribute to developing reporting templates and forms, including online tools and databases that track research progress, project outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
• Keep abreast of procedures for research administration at McGill and D2R partner institutions and organize support functions with appropriate units related to e.g., agreements, compliance, Intellectual Property, fund administration, etc.
• Assist with the development and delivery of information sessions, workshops, and presentations as appropriate for each D2R call for proposals to ensure that criteria, guidelines and reporting requirements and processes are well understood by applicants.
• Conduct administrative reviews of proposals to D2R funding programs prior to scientific merit review to ensure that applications are complete and aligned with D2R program goals and objectives.

• Oversee the work of consultants or casual staff who provide services related to program implementation and application review/writing.

• Keep track of and analyze trends in the research landscape (Quebec, Canada, internationally) in relation to the D2R scientific mandate.
• Prepare plans and recommendations to adapt and improve D2R funding programs to align with the D2R overall mandate.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Excellent administrative skills with a record of successfully bringing together diverse stakeholders and experts from across disciplines, sectors, and jurisdictions. 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. 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. Strong technical skills in the Office 365 suite, Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Teams. 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. Service-oriented approach to people and a proven ability to problem solving. Bilingual in both written and spoken English and French is required.

Connaissance du fran\xc3\xa7ais et de l\'anglais. L\'Universit\xc3\xa9 McGill est une universit\xc3\xa9 de langue anglaise o\xc3\xb9 les t\xc3\xa2ches quotidiennes peuvent n\xc3\xa9cessiter une communication verbale et \xc3\xa9crite en anglais. \xc2\xbb

\xe2\x80\x9cKnowledge 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.\xe2\x80\x9d

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor\'s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 07) $87,090.00 - $108,860.00 - $130,630.00

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Assistant Vice-Principal (Research Development)

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2023-09-14

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, .

McGill University