Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
About the role
Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.
Research Acceleration & Strategic Initiatives (RASI) supports the university research community in the incubation and development of research grants, infrastructure projects and initiatives. A key goal of the office is to provide researchers and the university with services and programs that afford a competitive edge when applying for external research funding.
Primary Purpose: Reporting to the Senior Research Specialist, the Research Specialist supports the development of competitive large-scale and institutional research proposals by providing project management assistance, drafting and editing key sections of proposals and managing programs to support research proposal development and special projects.
Nature of Work: This position will work as an essential member of RASI, to substantively contribute to cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research proposals. The Research Specialist will take initiative to deliver exceptional service to USask research stakeholders through the delivery of tailored support to strengthen grant-funding proposals, and by assisting in developing and delivering programs and services that support the development of research capacity.
This position requires in-depth knowledge spanning provincial and federal research funding opportunities to effectively assist faculty with research proposal development. The incumbent will be required to work independently, but also as part of a team environment and across administrative boundaries. The work is highly challenging and this position would have responsibility for ensuring that inflexible deadlines are met. Extended and non-standard hours may occasionally be required. The ability to take initiative, coupled with strong problem solving skills, is essential for success in this position
Accountabilities:
- Work independently and as part of a team to provide specialized expertise and services in proposal development, including project management support, substantive grant editing, drafting of key proposal components, budget development, peer review support, and portal support, for researchers leading large-scale and institutional proposals.
- On behalf of RASI, manage the delivery of institutional and internal grant programs by providing professional services and program support, including information sessions, workshops, etc.
- Design proposal development materials, provide expert advice, and support post-award project launch while ensuring adherence with university and relevant funding agency requirements.
- Contribute to the success of the RASI team by undertaking special projects of strategic importance to the unit as assigned.
- Perform background research, such as environmental scans, etc. to inform proposal or research cluster development.
- Build collaborative relationships and partnerships within the university and with funding agencies to effectively share information.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape.
Education: A graduate degree; a PhD is an asset for this position. A combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Experience: The incumbent should have:
- a minimum of 5 years of related experience in a post-secondary setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
- expert knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape, with an emphasis on large-scale and institutional granting opportunities;
- proposal development and substantive editing experience; and
- an appreciation of the complexities, challenges and rewards of research.
Skills:
- Demonstrated strong writing skills and excellent communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver proactive, user-oriented services to stakeholders.
- Proven interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to work flexibly both within a team and independently.
- Effective time management skills with the ability to react to shifting priorities.
- Strong organization skills and proven ability to manage multiple tasks with tight timelines.
- Ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Knowledge of university research administrative procedures and practices.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Sara Mueller at sara.mueller@usask.ca.
Department: Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
Supervisor Job Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 9/19/2025
Closing Date: 9/26/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
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.
About University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading the way in tackling pressing problems like water and food security. Research, teaching and learning at USask is enhanced by our array of world-class facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
A range of excellent programs, from business, law and public policy to engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions us to cross traditional discipline boundaries and work together to bring a unique perspective to key global challenges. With more than 25,000 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,000 self-declared Indigenous students and more than 3,000 international students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.
Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
About the role
Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.
Research Acceleration & Strategic Initiatives (RASI) supports the university research community in the incubation and development of research grants, infrastructure projects and initiatives. A key goal of the office is to provide researchers and the university with services and programs that afford a competitive edge when applying for external research funding.
Primary Purpose: Reporting to the Senior Research Specialist, the Research Specialist supports the development of competitive large-scale and institutional research proposals by providing project management assistance, drafting and editing key sections of proposals and managing programs to support research proposal development and special projects.
Nature of Work: This position will work as an essential member of RASI, to substantively contribute to cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary research proposals. The Research Specialist will take initiative to deliver exceptional service to USask research stakeholders through the delivery of tailored support to strengthen grant-funding proposals, and by assisting in developing and delivering programs and services that support the development of research capacity.
This position requires in-depth knowledge spanning provincial and federal research funding opportunities to effectively assist faculty with research proposal development. The incumbent will be required to work independently, but also as part of a team environment and across administrative boundaries. The work is highly challenging and this position would have responsibility for ensuring that inflexible deadlines are met. Extended and non-standard hours may occasionally be required. The ability to take initiative, coupled with strong problem solving skills, is essential for success in this position
Accountabilities:
- Work independently and as part of a team to provide specialized expertise and services in proposal development, including project management support, substantive grant editing, drafting of key proposal components, budget development, peer review support, and portal support, for researchers leading large-scale and institutional proposals.
- On behalf of RASI, manage the delivery of institutional and internal grant programs by providing professional services and program support, including information sessions, workshops, etc.
- Design proposal development materials, provide expert advice, and support post-award project launch while ensuring adherence with university and relevant funding agency requirements.
- Contribute to the success of the RASI team by undertaking special projects of strategic importance to the unit as assigned.
- Perform background research, such as environmental scans, etc. to inform proposal or research cluster development.
- Build collaborative relationships and partnerships within the university and with funding agencies to effectively share information.
- Maintain excellent knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape.
Education: A graduate degree; a PhD is an asset for this position. A combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Experience: The incumbent should have:
- a minimum of 5 years of related experience in a post-secondary setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
- expert knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape, with an emphasis on large-scale and institutional granting opportunities;
- proposal development and substantive editing experience; and
- an appreciation of the complexities, challenges and rewards of research.
Skills:
- Demonstrated strong writing skills and excellent communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver proactive, user-oriented services to stakeholders.
- Proven interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to work flexibly both within a team and independently.
- Effective time management skills with the ability to react to shifting priorities.
- Strong organization skills and proven ability to manage multiple tasks with tight timelines.
- Ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Knowledge of university research administrative procedures and practices.
Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Sara Mueller at sara.mueller@usask.ca.
Department: Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives
Supervisor Job Title: Sr. Research Specialist
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 9/19/2025
Closing Date: 9/26/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
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.
About University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is leading the way in tackling pressing problems like water and food security. Research, teaching and learning at USask is enhanced by our array of world-class facilities, including the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, VIDO-InterVac, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security and the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.
A range of excellent programs, from business, law and public policy to engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine, positions us to cross traditional discipline boundaries and work together to bring a unique perspective to key global challenges. With more than 25,000 students from around the globe, including nearly 3,000 self-declared Indigenous students and more than 3,000 international students, our strong community and well-recognized experts will continue to drive USask to be the university the world needs.