Research Manager - Queens University

The Department of Medicine (DOM) is the largest clinical department within Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS) with 14 sub-specialty divisions and over 160 faculty members. The Research Manager will report formally to the Department Head and work with close direction and guidance from the Department of Medicine Faculty Research Lead to advance the Department’s overall research agenda. The Research Manager will also work in close collaboration with the Manager of Operations and central departmental administrative staff in the Department of Medicine as a member of a cohesive team.

The Research Manager is also expected to work closely with staff members in the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME), a translational research institute housed in the Department of Medicine, to collaborate on complementary initiatives and activities focussed on bolstering research productivity and success for DOM faculty members, where applicable and appropriate.

The Research Manager should establish productive and positive working relationships with research staff at QHS, Queen’s University, and Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) in order to leverage existing resources and expertise to support DOM faculty members, especially those who are new- and early- clinician investigators. The incumbent should also endeavour to develop a sound understanding of the complex research policies, processes and systems that span and intersect across Queen’s University and KHSC so that they may provide advice and guidance to DOM faculty members, especially those who are beginning to build their research portfolios.

The Research Manager is expected to foster a community of practice amongst existing DOM research staff, who currently function within the silos of individual researchers or research units in the Department. The Research Manager will lead the exchange of best practices, ideas, and development of consistent processes and/or policies amongst this community of practice which will further strengthen the integrity and status of current and growing DOM research activity.

The Research Manager must function with an exceptional level of accuracy, confidentiality, judgement, and efficiency in a fast-paced and high-volume environment with tight timelines. The incumbent is expected to act with initiative, make decisions independently, work collectively and consult with other staff and colleagues as required. The Research Manager should be able to identify solutions to problems, contribute to the shaping of the Department’s strategic research direction, and identify opportunities for increased efficiencies and enhanced collaboration in the research domain.

This position may require the incumbent to occasionally work flexible hours including evenings and weekends to accommodate events and/or meetings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively contribute to strategic discussions to determine short- and long-term research goals of the Department. Support the DOM Faculty Research Lead in developing a strategic plan for research growth in the Department.

• Provides high-level administrative and project management support to the DOM Research Committee (chaired by the DOM Faculty Research Lead) to enhance and advance the Department’s research agenda and to implement new research initiatives within the DOM.

• Work closely with the DOM Faculty Research Lead to recommend, develop and implement a robust research-focused mentorship program for new- and early-clinician investigators.

• Works closely with the DOM central administrative team especially in the areas of finance and human resources to address and resolve issues in those areas (e.g. research account deficits, performance issues of staff, etc.)

• Responsible for identifying and working with faculty members to resolve research account reporting and deficit issues while adhering to sound financial stewardship rules at Queen’s University & KHSC.

• Identify need for staff resources, assist clinician investigators and research units in the recruitment and selection process for new research staff while working closely with the human resources team in the DOM.

• Establish and foster a community of practice among existing DOM research staff to share best practices and exchange ideas. Lead the development of shared resources and guidelines to foster consistency and ease of information access for all research staff within the Department.

• Facilitate and support the onboarding process of new research staff in the Department.

• Leverage existing pool of DOM research staff to identify bridging solutions to support individual researchers or research units if there are unexpected staffing issues.

• Provides reliable and in-depth support and guidance for navigating the funding application systems, grant application processes, ethics policies and procedures, and all relevant research policies and processes across Queen’s University and KHSC, especially for new- and early-career DOM researchers.

• Provide practical and strategic advice to clinician investigators in the area of preparing and maintaining budgets as it relates to grant applications and relevant funding awards.

• Provide high-level support to resolving and/or escalating concerns relating to research integrity and ensure adherence to research ethics policies across Queen’s University & KHSC.

• Provide advice and expertise related to contract and agreement reviews, especially for new- and early-clinician investigators.

• Establish productive and positive working relationships with research staff at QHS, Queen’s University, and Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) in order to leverage existing resources and expertise and to promote collaboration amongst groups.

• Work closely with the Translational Institute of Medicine (TIME) to collaborate on complementary research initiatives and activities where applicable.

• Regularly and proactively undertakes environmental scanning of research productivity in the Department and report back to senior leadership. Regularly and proactively identifies trends and new events in opportunities for and threats to research productivity and advise senior leadership of such findings.

• Responsible for preparing support packages and support letters required from the Department Head for faculty members’ grant applications and research award nominations.

• Actively work with researchers and research groups within the DOM to identify and monitor funding opportunities, including those that encourage multi-disciplinary research collaboration.

• Facilitates a variety of workshops, training sessions, information events and programs aimed at increasing the success rate of applications and funded projects especially for new- and early- clinician investigators.

• Serve on committees, working groups and task forces internal and external to the Department as appropriate.

• Manage special events related to the research domain of the Department.

• Manage communications and promotional materials related to research activities in the Department.

• Serve as the first point of contact as content expert for research questions, comments, and recommendations regarding projects.

• Undertake other duties as delegated in support of the Department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.

• Several years (5 to 10 minimum) of progressively relevant and responsible experience in a research environment, preferably within an academic or health-based institution.

• Experience in financial administration and project management relating to research.

• Comprehensive knowledge of research policies and processes across QHS, Queen’s University and KHSC is an asset.

• Ability to work non-traditional hours to support research events periodically.

• Proven superior leadership, managerial, interpersonal and organizational abilities.

• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in management, including the confidence, tact, discretion, and judgement to work effectively with academic researchers and senior administrators.

• Respect for diversity and actively promote inclusion in the workplace.

• Analytical skills to perform complex reporting and forecasting. Interpretive and problem-solving skills, with the ability to examine a number of alternative possibilities and arrive at the best solution.

• Ability to adapt to emerging technology.

• Excellent judgement and initiative.

• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to make editorial and grammatical suggestions to strengthen proposals and put forth stronger funding arguments.

• Ability to lead, support, motivate and promote a team environment.

• Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative member of a diverse team.

• Ability to interpret multiple funding sources and direct revenue, overhead and expenses accordingly.

• Discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive information.

• Demonstrated interpersonal, listening and business relationship skills.

• Self-motivated with an ability to take initiative and responsibility for projects from beginning to completion.

DECISION MAKING:

• Responsible for managing research priorities set by the Department Head and DOM Research Faculty Lead.

• Determine appropriate and strategic opportunities for grants and contracts.

• Required to work independently on daily research and financial issues; making decisions and resolving related problems within guidelines.

• Exercise sound judgement of when issues need to be escalated to senior management or when other colleagues within the team need to be consulted with.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of funding sources/agencies for research grants and contracts and make recommendations to potential grantees. Determine coordination required in preparing grant proposals. Determine timelines to ensure critical deadlines for submission are met.

• Make recommendations regarding improvements to grant applications; suggest and help implement changes.

• Assist with interpreting which financial, human and equipment resource requirements should be included in grant contracts. Make decisions regarding budget preparation and account administration.

• Prioritize time and duties to ensure deadlines are met.

• Make decisions on behalf of researchers, when appropriate and if required. Determine when to refer problems or sensitive issues to more senior staff or other individuals as required.

• Make recommendations regarding research administration procedures, suggest and help implement changes.

Please apply online at:
https://clients.njoyn.com/CL4/xweb/xweb.asp?clid=74827&page=jobdetails&jobid=J1225-0308&BRID=EX436417&SBDID=21474&LANG=1.