Senior Strategic Research Navigator

Summary:

The senior strategic research navigator provides leadership in the design and implementation of innovative programs and services that enhance the success of university researchers. This position drives institutional efforts to strengthen research, scholarly, and artistic work (RSAW) by proactively developing and executing strategies that expand research capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase the competitiveness of research funding proposals.

This role focuses on leading the development and delivery of new research support models, building and mobilizing cross-college research teams, identifying emerging research opportunities, and providing strategic and technical expertise to enhance the quality and impact of funding applications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads the development and implementation of innovative, researcher-centered programs and initiatives to enhance competitiveness for Tri-Agency and other external funding
• Translates institutional research priorities into actionable strategies and programming that drive measurable outcomes
• Leads strategies for individual, multi, and cross-disciplinary research projects, including team formation, process design, and proactive problem-solving to remove barriers
• Provides expert, strategic guidance to faculty in developing high-quality research proposals, including advice on framing, structure, and alignment with funding criteria
• Offers advanced pre-award management support such as project coordination, substantive proposal editing, and portal navigation for strategic funding programs
• Identifies and addresses systemic gaps in research capacity through the design and delivery of targeted initiatives and tools
• Identifies, engages, and supports cross-unit and interdisciplinary research teams to respond to emerging funding opportunities
• Leads reporting and analysis to inform institutional research development priorities, trends, and outcomes
• Facilitates collaboration across colleges and departments, especially where local research facilitation capacity is limited or requires augmentation
• Conducts environmental scans and analyses to inform programming and strategic decision-making
• Designs and delivers workshops, training sessions, and seminars to build institutional capacity in competitive proposal development
• Develops key performance indicators, monitors portfolio progress, and reports on the effectiveness of research development initiatives
• Builds and sustains strong working relationships with faculty, research leaders, administrative units, and external partners
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion, and responds to different perspectives with curiosity and non-judgement
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree is required; a doctoral degree is preferred
• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in a research-intensive academic or equivalent environment
• Experience leading or supporting complex, multi-and-interdisciplinary research initiatives and building collaborative research teams
• Proven success in developing, supporting, or securing Tri-Agency or equivalent external research funding
• A demonstrated track record in research proposal development, scientific or technical editing, and team facilitation
• Comprehensive understanding of research administration, compliance requirements, and external funding policies and processes.

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Phani Adapa at phani.adapa@usask.ca

Department: Research Accelerator & Strategic Initiatives
Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $87,266.00 - 145,353.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3

Posted Date: 10/22/2025

Closing Date: 11/12/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action**.**
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.