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.

Research Operations supports the institution’s research mission – providing a highly coordinated suite of services that cover all aspects of the research life cycle. The Institutional Strategic Awards (ISA) team – a core part of Research Operations – focuses on supporting SFU’s largest and most complex research proposals, nominations, and projects. Complementing our research development and institutional program specialists, ISA has a team of Research Project Managers who provide SFU project leaders with support for developing, operationalizing, and efficiently managing complex research-related projects.

About the Role

We are seeking two Research Project Managers (RPMs) who will work in collaboration with the ISA Research Management team, faculty members, administrative units, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the success of complex, large-scale research projects at SFU.  The scope of engagement will vary greatly among projects, but most frequently the RPMs will support project leaders in the management of major research grants and contracts by helping develop, implement, and assess deviance from project plans, schedules, and budgets. The RPMs will also typically coordinate reporting, help the researcher navigate the SFU research ecosystem, facilitate communications and collaboration, and ensure overall compliance with funder and institutional requirements.  The roles will support recently funded projects to expand the Canadian component of a global particle physics research endeavor and establish a regional testbed for quantum-secure communications, and new proposals for the CFI Innovation Fund and Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund.  Both positions will have an emphasis on budget development and management for large-scale infrastructure projects.

The candidates should have direct experience supporting researchers and managing complex research projects, including CFI and PacifiCan projects. They should have knowledge of project management principles and methodologies as applied within a research environment.  They should also have experience on large-scale research infrastructure projects, including around procurement, renovations, hiring, and navigating an institution’s research-related units.   The candidates should be detail-oriented, have experience managing complex budgets, and are ideally familiar with SFU financial systems. They should also be a proactive and resourceful problem-solver who can anticipate project needs/risks and handle evolving and uncertain situations with minimal direction. They should have a service-oriented mindset, excellent communication, take pride in creating value, and enjoy working and growing as part of a collaborative team. 

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Science or Applied Sciences, or other relevant discipline, and three years related experience in the administration and development of research contracts, grants, and networks, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Excellent knowledge of university research and governmental funding agency research policies, rules, regulations, and best practices.

• Excellent knowledge of budget management and administration in an academic setting.

• Excellent project management skills.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, quantitative, analytical, communication, interpersonal, time management, and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

Assignment end date: 1 year from hire date.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.