Research Funding Administrator

Date Posted: 02/06/2024
Req ID: 35900
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Services Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00005819

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possibleso that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best — advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight andaccountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your opportunity:

As a member of a team within the Research Services Office (RSO) the Research Funding Administrator (RFA) contributes to the provision of professional client service to the University of Toronto research community. Under the general supervision of the Research Funding Officer or Research Funding Manager, the RFA implements administration procedures including the efficient administrative implementation of research funding applications and awards, ensuring the timely and accurate entry of data contained in AMS (upon which significant data analysis supporting
institutional research strategy is based), and liaising with divisional business officers and with faculty members to interpret system-generated information regarding funding agreements and activity and will offer advice on solving or avoiding administrative difficulties.

The RFA stays abreast of University and sponsor policies and procedures and provides administrative support to the team, including assistance with organizing in person or web-based workshops for U of T faculty and administrative staff, review of applications for research funding, preparing sub-grant agreements, drafting correspondence, and providing administrative support to internal peer review committees. The incumbent supports the effective communication with the University research community using the most effective communication and information systems tools.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the firstpoint of contact for general enquiries and responding to enquiries within the defined scope of the role and redirecting as appropriate
• Advising on pre and post research award administration providing options and solutions
• Identifying non-standard issues associated with applications and awards and escalating for review
• Verifying research funding proposals are complete, accurate and adhere to University and sponsor guidelines and procedures
• Establishing and maintaining restricted research funds according to agreed upon sponsor terms and conditions
• Coordinating meeting schedules, agendas, materials, action and follow-up items
• Performing routine data entry, updating and maintaining database records, and generating reports

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two (2) years relevant experience working with numbers and data, including financial information.
• Experience working with the University's Research Information System (RIS) and Financial Information System (FIS) or equivalent systems.
• Excellent numerical, data management, record keeping and administrative skills; superior attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills including the ability to work with a broad range of information system tools including spreadsheets, databases, and information systems and web-based applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to exercise tact and sensitivity in dealing with varied clientele
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Superior organizational skills, as well as demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to review detailed documents, follow multi-step administrative processes and meet strict deadlines.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience working with research funding agencies.
• Experience working with sponsor-based electronic systems
• Demonstrated understanding of research fund administration.
• Knowledge of the University’s research-related policies and procedures.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Organized
• Responsible
• Team player

Closing Date: 02/21/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Term This is a TERM role ending August 2025, with the possibility of renewal.
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 08 -- $61,600 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $78,775. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Recruiter: Anita Chooraman

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.