AVP - Research Development and Services

This position is an Academic Administrator appointment with an initial term of 3 years. Professors with tenure at the University of Alberta (at the associate or full level) are welcome to express their interest. This posting is restricted to internal applicants.

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $550 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

We are currently seeking a creative, driven, and solution-focused Associate Vice-President (Research Development and Services) to join the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) portfolio leadership team. In this role, you will report to and work closely with the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) to help researchers increase sponsored funding success and provide support to researchers on complex research management processes and issues. You will work with a team that incorporates various aspects of research administrative services. You will provide leadership and oversight to researcher development programs and resources to develop pathways for success across the researcher life cycle (early career researchers, mid-career researchers, research leadership for building and leading large research teams and large research grants, etc.). Responsibilities of the role also include overseeing research awards, internal funding, the Canada Research Chair program (in collaboration with the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)), and the promotion of Indigenous initiatives in research (in collaboration with the Vice Provost, Indigenous Programming and Research) and equity, diversity and inclusion in research.

A key responsibility of the position will be to develop close relationships with the research community, to understand their needs and challenges, and initiate and foster a more collaborative and collegial approach to research development and success.

Drawing on a deep understanding of the research funding ecosystem and of the University, including its research operations, you will lead and motivate a team of professionals overseeing research administration, awards, funding, and researcher development. The role serves as a liaison to funding agencies and government to support development and administration of successful research grant applications.

Your principal responsibilities will be to:

• Provide strategic direction and supervision to the staff of the portfolio that report directly to you.
• Develop and implement strategic plans and supports to increase tri-agency funding, including identifying new funding opportunities and leveraging existing relationships
• Provide primary leadership in developing and delivering research leadership training and resources to support researcher development and success across the researcher lifecycle and the research ecosystem (early career researcher, mid-career researcher, leading large team grants, community-engaged researchers, Indigenous engaged research, etc.)
• Establish, monitor, evaluate, and modify processes, procedures, and/or standards, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission, values, goals, and objectives, as well as all local, provincial, and federal laws and regulations.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, strategic partner, and source of quality analysis, advice, and recommendations for the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and the University Senior Leadership Team,
• Foster an institution-wide collaboration and ensure the provision of support and guidance to academic units.

As our ideal candidate, your profile will include:

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a research discipline with preference for an individual with interdisciplinary research experience and interests. At least 15 years of experience as an active researcher, with basic knowledge of the University of Alberta’s enterprise system and research administration processes.
• Five to seven years of demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to build a service culture of excellence, combined with ethical and effective leadership practices that both nurture trust and foster excellence in the work environment.
• Strong capacity to deal with ambiguity, conflicting needs, and ethical issues.
• Extensive experience as a proactive leader with the ability to identify key issues, define corrective actions, and lead others towards resolution and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate strategic imperatives to a diverse group of cross-functional leaders of all levels.
• Ability to lead and unify teams to provide world-class service, to make decisions, and work collaboratively with others to solve problems.
• Ability to work independently; highly motivated and detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Expertise in and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in research and commitment to supporting Indigenous research initiatives
• Ability to network and interact, as well as identify and support effective partnerships with key groups and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and motivate others.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in written form in a clear, straightforward, and professional manner.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks and meet all deadlines.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.