Lead Research Advisor, Grant Development Services

Lead Research Advisor, Grant Development Services

Reporting to the Director, Grant Development Services, the Lead Research Advisor develops and implements strategic projects and activities to improve the success of research funding requests and increase the University’s research intensity. The incumbent provides hands‑on support to research teams, in collaboration with cross‑functional teams, in the development of compelling research funding applications to Tri‑Agency and other grant funding agencies.

The Lead Advisor brings scientific/scholarly expertise and significant knowledge of Canada’s research funding landscape, stakeholders, researchers, networks and current and future trends in research funding strategy and compliance.

CA$/yr - CA$/yr

Strategic Priorities and Initiatives: In collaboration with the Director and team members, supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy and structure of support to increase success in multi‑million‑dollar research grant opportunities that leverage the University’s priorities and unique research strengths. Supports new approaches to research collaboration, creating a state‑of‑readiness, establishing priorities for response and creating cross‑linkages and collaboration with the research community, faculties and OVPRI units.

Follows research activity trends within the University and externally to identify priorities and recommend new initiatives.

Advisory Services and Research Support: Leads the coordination of highly complex pre‑submission large‑scale scientific grant development and review processes to develop compelling proposals and effectively respond to the funding opportunity objectives, priorities, eligibility and selection criteria:

• Project management of full cycle of complex, multidisciplinary grant proposal development including ensuring early preparation, ongoing point‑of‑contact, expert advice, communication with the research team and key stakeholders and advancing successful proposals to post‑award administration;
• Analyzes and interprets granting agencies’ requirements and guidelines;
• Supports the assembly of intra‑institutional (across faculties and affiliated institutes) and inter‑institutional expert research teams;
• Undertakes outreach to multi‑sector partners, including identifying suitable partners aligned to the research goals;
• Manages internal and external review processes;
• Prepares institutional application sections, supports budget development and generation of schematics;
• Expertly edits complex applications to ensure a convincing proposal suitable for a multi‑disciplinary review panel.

Operations: As lead point‑of‑contact for a given project or grant development process, the incumbent will plan, organize, guide and oversee the project and processes with all stakeholders to ensure priorities and activities are undertaken as effectively and as efficiently as possible. Develops and implements internal project management regulations and procedures in order to improve efficiency and strategic relevance. Analyses and solves complex administrative problems in a timely manner.

Liaison and Guidance: Liaises between researchers and granting agencies to ensure that all parties possess the information they need to optimize their chances of success. Designs and leads workshops and information sessions for researchers on how to prepare high‑quality funding requests and on administrative procedures related to research management in order to provide clarity and streamline the process. Cultivates relationships with external partners and collaborators for large research grants and programs.

Collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, including faculty research offices, affiliated institutes, researchers, program managers, and finance teams, to gather necessary information and ensure a comprehensive approach to a project or grant proposal development. Consults and provides expert guidance to faculty, staff, and university‑wide administrators on complex grant developmental issues.

Research Promotion: Effectively communicates strategic research funding opportunities, developmental support available and…