Research Administrator
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Information
Position Title
Research Administrator
Research Project
Centre for Water Resources Studies
Department/Unit
Civil & Resource Engineering
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number
S028-26
Employee Group
Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)
Position Type
Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
1 year
Employment Type
Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)
1.0
Salary
$43,754 - $55,384 per annum at 35 hours per week
Classification
Provisional Statement
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary
The Centre for Water Resources Studies (CWRS) was established in 1981 by the Faculty of Engineering to address water issues facing Atlantic Canada through applied research. Continuing this tradition, the objective of the Centre is to pool the research resources of Dalhousie University to address real challenges faced by the water community and provide a platform for the development and appropriate application of water technology; water quality analysis and advancement; and outreach through knowledge transfer to our stakeholders. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Administrator will support the faculty, staff, and students in their advancement of water and wastewater research at Dalhousie University. The Research Administrator will play a central role in administrative and financial operations of the CWRS and provide crucial organizational structure to the dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
-
Monitors expenditures across accounts to ensure compliance with budgets, University policies and procedures, and funding agency guidelines; identifies accounts at risk of over- or underspending, works with account holders to develop a feasible budget to complete the project, and escalates complex, high-risk, or non-routine financial issues to the Director
-
Assists in budget preparation for new research activities, supports proposal submission processes and compiles data for financial reports, claims, and reconciliations required by funding agencies and Dalhousie University.
-
Coordinates all hiring and appointment documentation and supports onboarding and financial orientation of new staff, students, and trainees, ensuring timely processing and understanding of Dalhousie systems, policies, and reporting expectations in a complex, high-activity research funding environment.
-
Acts as proxy approver for time entry approvals and Chrome River reimbursements and inputs graduate student funding for CWRS faculty via GFP 2.0 in accordance with approved account structures, funding guidelines and policies, and oversight direction
-
Prepares and processes fee-for-service invoicing for laboratory activities and provides account coding and procedural support for students and staff purchasing consumables, equipment, or seeking reimbursement for travel and related expenses, in accordance with funding agency terms and Dalhousie University policies.
Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
-
Two-year post-secondary diploma in accounting or minimum two-years accounting experience, preferably in a post-secondary education setting or equivalent combination of experience and education.
-
Ability to work with considerable independence as well as work productively and supportively in a team environment.
-
Strong understanding of budgeting and monitoring financial accounts.
-
Highly developed organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to set multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
-
Ability to exercise sound judgement and make appropriate decisions within established policies and escalation pathways.
-
Ability to deal effectively, tactfully, and positively with university employees, students, and funding agencies.
Assets
-
Knowledge of the research funding environment, and university policies and procedures relating to research funding management.
-
Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Teams, and Outlook, with the ability to create and work with complex spreadsheets.
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:
-
Respect & Inclusion
-
Adaptability
-
Knowledge & Thinking Skills
-
Communication
-
Service
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.
We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
02/27/2026
Close Date
03/09/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.
Research Administrator
Top Benefits
About the role
Position Information
Position Title
Research Administrator
Research Project
Centre for Water Resources Studies
Department/Unit
Civil & Resource Engineering
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number
S028-26
Employee Group
Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)
Position Type
Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable)
1 year
Employment Type
Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)
1.0
Salary
$43,754 - $55,384 per annum at 35 hours per week
Classification
Provisional Statement
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary
The Centre for Water Resources Studies (CWRS) was established in 1981 by the Faculty of Engineering to address water issues facing Atlantic Canada through applied research. Continuing this tradition, the objective of the Centre is to pool the research resources of Dalhousie University to address real challenges faced by the water community and provide a platform for the development and appropriate application of water technology; water quality analysis and advancement; and outreach through knowledge transfer to our stakeholders. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Administrator will support the faculty, staff, and students in their advancement of water and wastewater research at Dalhousie University. The Research Administrator will play a central role in administrative and financial operations of the CWRS and provide crucial organizational structure to the dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
-
Monitors expenditures across accounts to ensure compliance with budgets, University policies and procedures, and funding agency guidelines; identifies accounts at risk of over- or underspending, works with account holders to develop a feasible budget to complete the project, and escalates complex, high-risk, or non-routine financial issues to the Director
-
Assists in budget preparation for new research activities, supports proposal submission processes and compiles data for financial reports, claims, and reconciliations required by funding agencies and Dalhousie University.
-
Coordinates all hiring and appointment documentation and supports onboarding and financial orientation of new staff, students, and trainees, ensuring timely processing and understanding of Dalhousie systems, policies, and reporting expectations in a complex, high-activity research funding environment.
-
Acts as proxy approver for time entry approvals and Chrome River reimbursements and inputs graduate student funding for CWRS faculty via GFP 2.0 in accordance with approved account structures, funding guidelines and policies, and oversight direction
-
Prepares and processes fee-for-service invoicing for laboratory activities and provides account coding and procedural support for students and staff purchasing consumables, equipment, or seeking reimbursement for travel and related expenses, in accordance with funding agency terms and Dalhousie University policies.
Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
-
Two-year post-secondary diploma in accounting or minimum two-years accounting experience, preferably in a post-secondary education setting or equivalent combination of experience and education.
-
Ability to work with considerable independence as well as work productively and supportively in a team environment.
-
Strong understanding of budgeting and monitoring financial accounts.
-
Highly developed organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to set multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
-
Ability to exercise sound judgement and make appropriate decisions within established policies and escalation pathways.
-
Ability to deal effectively, tactfully, and positively with university employees, students, and funding agencies.
Assets
-
Knowledge of the research funding environment, and university policies and procedures relating to research funding management.
-
Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Teams, and Outlook, with the ability to create and work with complex spreadsheets.
Job Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:
-
Respect & Inclusion
-
Adaptability
-
Knowledge & Thinking Skills
-
Communication
-
Service
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration
Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.
We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity
If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Open Date
02/27/2026
Close Date
03/09/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
About Dalhousie University
One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.
Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.