Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID:

4608

Internal Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

External Closing Date:

Open Until Filled

# of Openings:

1

• Salary Information:

13 - BCGEU Pay Grid - $33.88 to $37.81 per hour

Employment Type:

Permanent Full Time

Workplace Type:

Hybrid

Travel Frequency:

Employee Group:

Support Staff (BC General Employees Union)

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

8:30am-4:30pm

Hours per Week (BCGEU):

35

We are currently seeking a Research Services Specialist to join our Office of Research Services team.

Job Overview

The Research Services Specialist works closely with all researchers in the efficient post-award administration of their externally funds research projects, ensuring the projects are administered in alignment with funding agency guidelines. Provides detailed and timely reports to senior administrators on the status of institutional research funding.

Communicates with external funding agencies to ensure KPU’s research administration practices and procedure are updated as and when funding agencies revise their guidelines. Acting as the primary liaison between KPU administrative units and researchers, facilitating the smooth operation of research projects. This position requires a broad and detailed knowledge of institutional and external funding agency policies and procedure as well as knowledge and competency in research finance. The candidate must be detail-oriented, able to meet tight deadlines, and capable of making sound recommendations with minimal supervision.

Priority consideration will be given to BCGEU employees currently impacted by layoff at the same or lower pay grade

Education and Experience

• Minimum of five years of administrative experience plus two years of post-secondary education, preferably Research Administration certification, and/or business or administration courses or credential or an equivalent combination of education training and experience;
• Experience working in a research administration environment required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of all research administration and compliance (e.g. research ethics, animal care etc.) over the entire life cycle of research activities;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate financial activities and to monitor compliance with policies and agreements;
• Demonstrated ability to perform advanced Microsoft Office and Internet applications;
• Ability to key 40 wpm with a high degree of accuracy;
• Experience with content management systems;
• Demonstrated initiative, organizational, and decision-making skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member;
• Superior communication skills, including excellent oral and written skills;
• Working knowledge of institutional policies, funding agency policies, and program guidelines;
• Proven ability to manage and prioritize tasks, meet changing priorities, work to deadlines, and make responsible decisions while maintaining high levels of customer service;
• Flexible in scheduling as overtime and out-of-town travel may be required;
• Proven ability to handle confidential matters and materials with tact and discretion.

As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.

Salary Information
Salary and wage increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.