Education

Master's degree

Skills

Microsoft Office
Project management
Presentation skills
Computer skills
Communication skills

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 15

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Faculty of Science’s mission is to be a cornerstone of society’s development through the education of students, the creation and dissemination of knowledge, innovative partnerships with industry, government, and other educational institutions in the global community.

Responsibilities

The Research Officer will be responsible for enhancing the overall research success and productivity within the Faculty of Science with the goal of positioning Science locally, nationally and internationally as a research-intensive Faculty. The role will directly assist with increasing research funding with an emphasis on tri-council funding, including industry-related funding and research contract income. The role will assist with identifying opportunities for funding, communicating relevant information to faculty members, and reviewing, editing and assisting with preparing grant applications, ensuring that each proposal conforms to Western's and funding agency policies, procedures and criteria. The role will also foster collaboration among researchers within Western's, its local affiliates, and other national and international peer institutions and coordinate their research efforts to enhance research success and innovation. The role will design processes and implement strategies to support the acquisition of and reporting on grant funding and will provide related expertise to faculty regarding internal and external grant processes, pre- and post-award.

Qualifications

Education:

Master’s Degree (in a Science-related (STEM) discipline preferred)

Experience:

5 years’ experience working in research/program administration in an academic research or government environment with faculty, researchers and/or external stakeholders
Preparing, writing, and/or supporting the preparation of, successful grant applications to the Canadian peer-reviewed granting system
Working with Science-related Faculty (Engineering, Science, Medicine, etc.) on the preparation of successful grant applications to NSERC and their partnership programs preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of the best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals and of Canadian peer-review granting systems, processes and procedures
Familiarity with intellectual property management, including copyrights and patents
Familiarity with financial statements with the ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other funding sources
Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
Oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and delivering presentations
Communication skills with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports, translate information into easily understood terms, summarize information, and provide a rationale for action
Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
Ability to understand researchers needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with associates and colleagues including senior management
Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues
Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
Familiarity with Western Policies and Procedures relating to research preferred

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.