Research Grants Officer, Office of Research Services

Overview

Description The Research Services Team in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Research Grants Officer. This full-time fixed-term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Services Office (RSO) works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. RSO aims to increase sponsored research revenue, reduce financial, reputational, and market risk, and manage compliance for the university. With a mandate to provide timely, effective pre- and post-award services, RSO is accountable to the Vice-President (Research) and operates in a complex and competitive environment serving researchers, faculties, University leadership, and funders.

Within RSO, the Research Grants and Training Programs Division includes External Grants, Postdoctoral Office, and Internal Grants. The External Grants team focuses on assisting and advising researchers applying for funding from the Tri-Council agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other provincial and federal government sources, non-profit organizations, and similar international organizations, including the U.S. Government and Horizon Europe.

Reporting to the Manager, External Grants, the Research Grants Officer (RGO) is responsible for administering a wide range of complex granting programs with a high volume of work, peaking annually in the Fall. The position is driven by constant, multiple, and simultaneous deadlines, continuous change and shifting priorities. The work environment is fast-paced, service-oriented, and highly computerized. The incumbent may consult with and seek advice from the Manager, External Grants, on complex issues, but carries out day-to-day operational responsibilities with independence and latitude.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Pre-Award Grant Administration

• Advises faculty members on appropriate research funding opportunities through a variety of mechanisms as appropriate (e.g., funding calls, website, information sessions).
• Educates researchers with regard to timelines and procedures related to the grant submission process.
• Provides the administrative review of external grant applications to ensure compliance with granting agency and University requirements.
• Interprets and implements University and sponsor policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Recommends applications for approval/signature of Director, Research Grants & Training Programs;
  Senior Director, Research Services;
  Associate Vice President (Research);
  Vice President or President.
• Liaises with external agencies during and after application submission and with other units in Research Services and Finance as necessary.

Leadership and Communication

• Keeps up to date on funding opportunities in what continues to be a rapidly expanding and complex array of programs.
• Ensures our research community is kept informed, in a timely manner, of emerging opportunities, program changes, and deadline information.
• Advises researchers on the development of competitive research proposals by coordinating workshops and information sessions.
• Maintains and develops content for the External Grants section of the website, and other communication materials, as appropriate.
• Evaluates current procedures and, as required, identifies and recommends changes or improvements to internal policies and procedures in order to better facilitate the grant administration process.
• Expected to provide input into future planning related to the External Grants portfolio and to the strategic planning exercises of the unit as required.

Post-Award Grant Administration

• At the award stage, prepare a package of information for Finance to initiate project set-up, including the collection of all required certifications and approvals.
• Manages intake of sub-grants from other institutions for projects falling in the RGO portfolio.
• Liaises with legal units as needed to facilitate the legal review of any agreements associated with awarded grants.
• Liaises with the ethics unit on any questions relating to certification requirements and compliance.
• As file owner for grant records, ensures the Research Management System contains current application and award data related to the portfolio, and that other electronic files are kept up to date.
• Provides ongoing maintenance of grant files and acts as the first point of contact for any amendment to the grant, including extensions.

Qualifications / Requirements

• A graduate degree (or undergraduate degree with two additional years of relevant experience) is required, with work experience in research or university administration or policy.
• Experience in administrative procedures and computer applications would be considered a strong asset.
• Flexible attitude and ability to adapt to changing workloads and priorities required.
• Ability to provide accurate information professionally, courteously, and in a timely manner, respecting appropriate…