Department Vice-President Research Innovation - Research Services Office

Posted date July 25, 2025

Closing date August 7, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $65,148 to $108,588.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more**.**

Working for the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) Portfolio

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

The Vice-President (Research and Innovation) Portfolio is implementing a plan to enhance and guide creative research and innovation priorities and improve administration for those we serve. One of the main goals is to promote an ambitious research and innovation strategy that will increase our research, entrepreneurship and commercialization activity and funding.

Position

Are you a collaborative leader with a passion for research administration and a drive for operational excellence? The University of Alberta is seeking a Manager, Applications Review Team to lead a high-performing group that supports the preparation and submission of complex peer-reviewed research funding applications. This team plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional policies, while helping researchers secure funding that fuels innovation and discovery.

Duties

Applications Review Team Leadership & Operations

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Applications Review Team, ensuring clear priorities, balanced workloads, and consistent performance.
• Develop annual work plans and set measurable team objectives.
• Oversee performance management, training, and development of staff.
• Support recruitment and onboarding for new team members.
• Maintain up-to-date job descriptions and team structure aligned with operational needs.
• Develops and maintains a service model that meets the needs of the Colleges for the effective delivery of end-to-end research administration activities, including major institutional research proposals.

Application Review & Submission

• Provides institutional approval and sign-off on grant applications/proposals up to and including $2,000,000 total project cost, ensuring completeness, eligibility, and compliance with sponsor and institutional guidelines.
• Provide expert advice to researchers and administrators on funding applications, budget development, and sponsor requirements.
• Partner with internal teams (Contracts, Legal Counsel, Risk Management, etc.) to assess legal, financial, and compliance aspects of applications.
• Submit applications through sponsor portals on behalf of the institution.
• Address complex or high-risk applications directly as needed.

Information Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between researchers, colleges, sponsors, and central administration units for pre-award matters.
• Ensures the integrity of data and the information management requirements related to application documentation is entered and managed appropriately in the RAS Grants Management System (e.g., sponsor deadlines, guidelines and procedures, conditions and obligations of acceptance of funding, application documents).
• Maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to facilitate smooth research administration processes.

Process Improvement and Management

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes and tools used by the Applications Review Team.
• Maintain accurate application data in the Grants Management System.
• Track key metrics and prepare reports on application volumes and outcomes.
• Support education and outreach around application processes and policies.

Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree required.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in a university research administration environment, with solid knowledge of academic structure and culture.
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of research funding policies, sponsor guidelines (federal, provincial, private, and international), and institutional compliance requirements.
• Skills:
  • Proven leadership and team management experience.
  • Ability to demonstrate professionalism with a high level of tact, discretion and the capability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to navigate a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution abilities.
  • Proficiency in business process improvement and service excellence principles.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

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

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 7, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.