Job Description

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Position Summary:

"DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics" (D2R) is an ambitious new research initiative led by McGill University, that is supported by the Government of Canadas Canadian First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) program and by funding from multiple other organizations. Launched in 2023 for seven years, D2R integrates complementary Canadian and international research strengths at McGill and D2R partner sites into a unified program designed to make D2R a global leader in the discovery, development and delivery of genomics-based RNA Therapeutics.

The D2R Secretariat will lead the execution of the implementation plan, support the scientific strategy and the operations over the duration of the initiative. As part of the D2R Secretariat, the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is seeking a Senior Awards Officer who will provide leadership and guidance to the Secretariat in the post-award management of D2R.

Reporting to the Associate Director Awards Management in OSR, the Senior Awards Officer works in very close collaboration with the D2R support office, in particular the D2R Director of Administration, as well as with other D2R dedicated colleagues in the Vice Principal Research and Innovation unit and Financial Services. The Senior Awards Officer leads post-award activities of the Secretariat to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions mandated by CFREF and McGills engagement towards other D2R funding partners.

This role is critical for assuring smooth and compliant research administration services to the McGill research community and our external sponsors and partners under this initiative. As such, the incumbent is expected to be proficient with overarching research administration concepts that stem from academic institutional policies and sponsors requirements, with a thorough knowledge of the life-cycle of research awards, contract negotiation, and pre-to post-award management.

Specifically, this position is liaising with other McGill University offices involved in contractual matters and oversight of the CFREF funding; i.e. Research Financial Management Services, Research Compliance offices, Faculty of Medicine financial services, Legal Services, Risk Management. The Senior Awards Officer also liaises as required with external entities such as funders, partners, site studies, and government entities on matters related to administration such as agreements, finance, and reporting.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and guidance to the D2R support office in all aspects of post-award activities of the Secretariat with regards to monitoring and reporting requirements to CFREF, with national and international partners (academic and industrial) as well as other potential national, provincial, and international research sponsors;
• Ensure that the monitoring framework established for meeting compliance responsibilities that fall under McGills purview is met, taking appropriate steps to improve its effectiveness, and that key stakeholders are compliant with such requirements;
• As part of the Secretariat, provide leadership and guidance to involved researchers and staff on compliance and eligibility matters towards CFREF requirements, McGill institutional policies and other stakeholders regulations;
• Interpret and analyze sponsor guidelines and liaise with external sponsors and partners on interpretation issues, establishing prompt and effective communication methods to key stakeholders.
• Provide expert guidance related to the acceptance, negotiation, activation and post-award management of related grants, agreements, and sub-contracts to Research Financial Management Services (RFMS)/Financial Services, Faculty of Medicine in coordination with Legal Services and compliance offices to support the daily and long-term management of D2R;
• Draft, review and negotiate complex collaboration agreements, data/material transfer agreements and sub-award agreements to be implemented with the D2R partners and sites as relevant;
• Identify areas of award managements weakness and develop related risk mitigation policies. Provide advice, support, and training to the research community involved in this national large-scale initiative on post-award issues;

• Support and advise the Associate Director of the OSR and the D2R Director of Administration in planning, developing and implementing administrative procedures and processes to enhance award management support of D2R and ultimately ensure compliance with sponsor requirements.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Good knowledge of research administration is required; an understanding of financial transaction streams and how they are processed a plus. Previous experience in contract negotiation and research project management. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. Self-motivated, with well-developed organizational skills. Service oriented approach. Must be able to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in working with internal and external stakeholders to achieve specific outcomes. Knowledge of, and confidence in, using and navigating software programs, databases, and web portals (knowledge of InfoEd an asset). Excellent writer and presenter with ability to prepare reports and presentations. Bilingual in both written and spoken English and French. Minimum five (5) years related experience, including specifically experience in the drafting and negotiation of contracts/agreements. Knowledge of concepts and principles applying to research data management in Indigenous communities is a plus.

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

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.

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: Associate Director Awards Management

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2023-08-22

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, .

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