Research Chairs Facilitator

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

As Canada’s fastest-growing research-intensive university—measured by sponsored research income growth—SFU provides an inspiring environment that fosters collaboration, professional development, and work‑life balance. Research Operations plays a vital role in supporting SFU’s research mission by offering integrated services across the entire research life cycle. The Institutional Strategic Awards (ISA) team, a key part of Research Operations, specializes in developing large‑scale funding proposals, prestigious award nominations, and strategic research initiatives that enhance SFU’s research impact.

The ISA team designs and leads initiatives to boost research capacity, income, and visibility y support faculty members in securing top research grants, awards, and prizes, and collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver coordinated services throughout the research lifecycle. This includes pre‑award proposal development and post‑award project management for programs such as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Innovation Fund and SSHRC Partnership Grants.

The Institutional Programs team also manages major research chair programs such as Canada Research Chairs (CRC), Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) and Canada Impact+ Research Chairs and Emerging Leaders.

As a key member of the Institutional Programs team, the Research Chairs Facilitator plays a vital role in supporting SFU’s research chairs portfolio including Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, Canada Impact+ chairs, etc. Leveraging their research administration expertise, the Facilitator advances institutional priorities, enhances funding success, and supports faculty in preparing competitive nominations. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with program requirements, coordinating complex nomination processes, and aligning submissions with federal and institutional research policies.

By providing expert guidance and supporting efficient nomination processes, this position strengthens SFU’s capacity to attract and retain top research talent. The Research Chairs Facilitator’s ability to manage projects, build relationships across disciplines, and navigate research funding requirements will contribute to SFU’s reputation as a leader in research excellence.

You are a highly organized and proactive professional with experience in proposal editing and development, grant administration, and project management. You excel at working across disciplines, demonstrating diplomacy, discretion, and a strong service orientation. You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and strategic vision. You are committed to ensuring that SFU’s research chairs portfolio is managed in accordance with each program’s equity, diversity, and inclusion requirements, including transparency and public accountability standards.

Your ability to support faculty, navigate complex funding requirements, and drive research initiatives makes you an essential contributor to the success of SFU’s research chairs portfolio.

Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Equity Studies, or a related/relevant discipline, and four years of experience in research development and administration at a Canadian university, funding agency, or related organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Familiarity with Canadian funding agencies, grant application processes (e.g., CRC, CERC, NFRF).
• Strong understanding of research proposal writing, review, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Strong organizational, analytical reasoning, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Capacity to maintain…