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Position Summary:
The incumbent will lead the McGill Research Security and Compliance Team (hereinafter referred to as the “team”), under the Office of Innovation and Partnerships (I+P). They will be responsible for developing appropriate research security plans and research risk mitigation strategies and vetting the partners who work with McGill on research projects and commercialization licenses in order to reduce reputational damage, risk to our intellectual property and/or loss of revenue. Aside from day-to-day leadership and supervision of the research security and compliance team members, the role will focus on making the team the “one-stop shop” for requests relating to security and compliance risks emanating from research partnerships and licensing activity at McGill and liaise with other units at McGill involved in research security, i.e., Information Technology (IT) Services and Legal Services. Reporting to the Director of I+P, the successful candidate will set goals and objectives for the team and develop robust processes and tools to ensure appropriate reviews and plans are made to best protect McGill and its researchers.
The incumbent should have a detailed and extensive knowledge of the academic research environment as well as University policies and practices governing the conduct of research, ownership of intellectual property, financial measures related to research and commercialization, and current research risk and compliance strategies at McGill. The incumbent must also have excellent leadership skills, superior oral and written communications skills, and the ability to adapt to the complex and changing University, industry, and government environments. They will have a proven record in the management of research partnerships and an understanding of the academic, commercial, financial and legal requirements of university research and licensing. A strong background in information technology and finance, including a university degree in one of these areas, is an asset in dealing with companies, researchers, other units at McGill, and funding agencies in this role.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Be the primary contact for the entire VPRI sector for research security and risk compliance issues.
- Oversee a team of approximately 4 staff, distribute the work within the team, follow up and report regularly to VPRI on issues and trends.
- Develop and implement processes and tools that are aligned with the Government of Canada’s National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, and other relevant federal and provincial guidelines for research security.
- Develop training material and provide training and information sessions to researchers and staff on the requirements for security risk assessments and compliance with funding agencies.
- Manage the development of research security plans and compliance measures and be responsible for advising researchers on how to prepare relevant sections in grant applications for various agencies, including NSERC Alliance, Mitacs, NIH, Genome and others.
- Provide information about research security for partnership/collaboration agreements including agreements for Research Units, such as Centres and Equipment and Technology platforms (i.e., Core Facilities).
- Keep up to date on research security best practices and new trends and standards. Continuously update and improve the processes and tools to ensure that McGill researchers have access to up-to-date information at all times.
- Implement a database to track research partners, risk mitigation plans, and update the database regularly.
- Liaise with units and teams within the VP-RI sector, i.e., Office of Sponsored Research and Strategic Initiatives, to manage and support development of grant applications.
- Liaise with other units and sectors of the University including Legal Services, IT Services, Faculties, and Global Engagement about international partnerships and collaborations.
- Liaise with the Provost and Vice-Principal Academic Office for the management of research-related conflicts of interest.
- Implement and keep up to date with software tools to evaluate potential partners and recommend software procurement as necessary.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (science, engineering, finance); graduate degree or MBA would be an asset. 8+ years of relevant experience in research security and compliance, financial compliance or information technology management in a private or public organization. Direct experience in government or a university related to research security would be an asset. Knowledge of federal and provincial R&D funding agency programs and policies. Demonstrated proactive leadership skills, strong project- and time-management, attention-to-detail, and problem-solving skills are required. Ability to make critical or difficult decisions when managing relationships and complex negotiations, or when faced with challenging situations or personalities. Team player who thrives in an environment of exchanging information and ideas, and who will support colleagues in the VPRI sector to meet collective goals. Outstanding oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including excellent presentation skills and the ability to be an articulate advocate for the University in external relations. Ability and confidence to communicate effectively with senior administration (McGill and government), researchers, and with industrial partners. Ability to understand and promote the aspirations of McGill while ensuring alignment with the requirements of industry partners, university researchers, governmental priorities, and institutional policies vis-à-vis research security. Experience and knowledge related to research compliance and security software tools would be an asset. Experience in analysis of corporate financial records and structure would be an asset. Proven ability to lead team members. Familiarity with an academic or corporate research environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in both French and English.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 08) $92,020.00 - $115,020.00 - $138,020.00
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Director Innov & Partnerships
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2023-04-09
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] .