Project Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level C

Job Title
Project Manager

Department
Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging | Leadership | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
$6,551.00 - $9,418.83 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
January 22, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Jan 22, 2027

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

This is a 3-year term position.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for providing management in all areas of program development, implementation, and administration for the Canadian Microbiome Mapping Initiative (CMMI) - a large, trans-disciplinary research program focused on developing a multi ‘omics platform to investigate the role of the microbiome in health and disease. This includes: strategic plan development and implementation; human resources; ethics proposal development; engagement with study Investigators, funders, internal and external collaborators, partners and stakeholders; resource allocation; communications and knowledge translation; and policy development and implementation. The Project Manager plays a key role in liaising with the Faculty of Medicine’s Development & Alumni Engagement staff to proactively support donor stewardship and accountability. 

The incumbent requires minimal supervision and is independently responsible for their regular work, with a decision-making authority. They will have the ability to assess and implement work required to achieve objectives, strong organizational skills, diplomacy and the ability to provide leadership in creating positive and supportive work environments. The incumbent will work with leadership and faculty, to develop infrastructure systems of support in all areas of administration, policy and procedure interpretation, human resources, financial planning, protocol development, grant development, and other resources to support Investigators.

The incumbent is required to develop, foster and maintain excellent relationships, both internal and external to the CMMI, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Medicine and University, with an awareness of external and internal political and scientific environments. This position acts as the administrative representative for the CMMI, contributing to the Faculty of Medicine, UBC units and partner organizations through participation in various committees, working groups, meetings and projects.

Organizational Status
 

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world. 

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre For Healthy Aging (ELCHA) is a Faculty of Medicine-approved research centre at UBC. The ELCHA brings together researchers across disciplines to investigate aging in a comprehensive and holistic way in order to help people in British Columbia, across Canada and around the world stay healthy, happy and active as they age. A key goal of the centre is to understand the biological changes that occur with age and the mechanisms involved in age-associated diseases.

The CMMI is a large, collaborative initiative involving investigators in the ELCHA, other UBC research centres and external collaborators. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of the ELCHA, Dr. Michael Kobor, and will be based on the UBC Vancouver campus. The Project Manager of the CMMI will work closely with the Research Director of the ELCHA and Investigators, trainees and staff working on the CMMI.  The primary goal of the CMMI is to develop an integrated multi ‘omics platform to investigate the biological mechanisms and pathways by which the microbiome influences health and disease. This will include investigations into healthy aging as well as validation of the platform in clinical contexts, beginning with Parkinson’s disease.

Work Performed

Strategic Initiatives and Direction:

Leads the CMMI team to implement goals, objectives and milestones; establishes and participates in other committees, working groups, task forces as required in support of program goals and administrative and operational efficiencies ensuring wide ranging stakeholder representation and engagement. 

Works under the direction of the Director, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Medicine and in partnership with the CMMI’s Investigators and Leadership Committee. A key focus will be developing a plan for long-term sustainability to support the continuation and expansion of the program.

Manages the implementation of specific initiatives in support of the CMMI’s strategic and operational priorities and opportunities; provides administrative support, project oversight and reporting as needed. 

Working with the CMMI’s academic leaders, assists with the development, facilitation and management of strategic partnerships and the development of agreements, working with appropriate UBC and external agencies, including University Industry Liaison Office, Philanthropic foundations, government ministries, University Administration, health authorities, non-profit organizations, industry, granting agencies and clinical sites across Canada as required to achieve common goals and objectives.

Research Development and Management

Works with CMMI’s Investigators to develop timelines for completion of project milestones and ensures milestones and deliverables are completed as scheduled

Develops protocols, standard operating procedures, material transfer agreements, publication agreements and other documents as required

Identifies internal and external stakeholders to engage in research program activities to maximize reach and impact of CMMI’s deliverables

Engages with site and cohort Investigators and staff to ensure participant recruitment and sample and data collection is proceeding as planned; trouble shoots as required to increase recruitment and study completion

Leads communication and reporting to CMMI Investigators and to funders; prepares results for discussion and reflection through reports, presentations or summaries

Identifies, pursues and negotiates institutional, provincial, federal and international funding opportunities to support development and implementation of the CMMI’s initiatives, projects, and knowledge translation activities

Writes, submits and maintains research ethics approval for projects.

Manages leading edge research projects, including writing, editing and submitting collaborative funding applications to enhance interdisciplinary research at UBC and with other institutions, including large-scale grants. 

Human Resources and Leadership:

Assists with the strategic planning and management of human resource activities in the CMMI ensuring equity and compliance with employment agreements.

Manages human resources services, employee relations, staff development, equity and terms of employment.

Ensures engagement opportunities for staff, faculty, and trainees involved in the CMMI through meetings, events, participating in projects and committees, inclusion in ELCHA and UBC-wide activities, individual and group consultation, etc.

Establishes and maintains strong and strategic working relationships to identify, secure, support and monitor international activities that advance the priorities of the CMMI; facilitate collaborative working relationships with national and international organizations; and identify partnership opportunities and facilitate the dissemination and exchange of research knowledge.

Finance and Resources:

Oversees financial activity for the multi ‘omics research program and the development of financial models to manage budgets, funding allocations, revenue and expense projection and analysis in support of business operations, and strategic priorities; oversees the development of systems and processes to resolve problems and improve management of financial resources.

Reviews budgets and financial analyses/summaries, evaluates priorities and makes recommendations for budget reductions and management of available resources; provides advice and recommendations for managing budgets.

Liaises with Faculty of Medicine Finance staff and other UBC finance personnel.

Communications and Knowledge Translation:

Working with Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Creative and Communications and Development and Alumni Engagement Office, assists with development, implementation and maintenance of CMMI communication strategies and systems, tools and projects (website, email distribution lists, communication, social media accounts, bulletins/newsletters, reports, etc.). 

Oversees CMMI internal and external communications ensuring recognition of CMMI members and achievements. 

Identifies relevant external stakeholders and develops effective knowledge translation activities (e.g., lay summaries, workshops, etc.) to disseminate research findings from CMMI activities of faculty and trainees. 

Oversees event organization and management and related costs.

Other:

Interprets University, Faculty, and partner institution policies and procedures; develops and implements CMMI policies and procedures in alignment with these and to meet goals and objectives in consideration of relevant internal and external requirements.

Liaises with internal and external units and organizations on behalf of the CMMI; participates in various committees and working groups, contributing towards goals and objectives.

Exercises considerable judgment and decision making in CMMI operations, resource allocation and human resource management.

Acts on behalf of the CMMI as delegated/requested.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Considerable judgement is required for all areas of CMMI Program development, operations and resource management including the delegation of responsibilities and decision-making. Errors in judgment could lead to inappropriate decisions impacting CMMI finances and other resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of CMMI operations and the reputation of the CMMI, involved Faculties and University.

A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required and relied upon by the CMMI’s academic leaders and others in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, milestones, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities.

 Errors in judgement in handling personnel issues could lead to legal/financial issues, disruption CMMI Program activities, grievances and impact the reputation of the Unit, Faculties and University.

Supervision Received
 

The CMMI Project Manager works independently, reporting to the Director, Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging and the Leadership Committee of the CMMI. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of long-term goals.
Supervision Given
 

Direct and indirect supervision of administrative and education staff members through multiple levels of subordinates with responsibilities in administration, human resources, finance, education, IT, space, health and safety, communications and faculty support is anticipated once the program grows.
Minimum Qualifications

For research work, a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

A MSc/PhD in a relevant discipline including the biological or health sciences is strongly preferred. Basic understanding of molecular biology and experience with wet-lab research is an asset. Experience working at a management level within an academic setting with related experience in strategy development and implementation of academic and research programs. Experience in a senior administrative role managing complex relationships, preferably in a University environment or other large organization is also desirable. Knowledge and experience in organizational governance. Demonstrated experience in financial, human resources and communications management. Experience in the review of research proposals and development of program reports. Experience in research program development; scientific writing and familiarity with the policies and procedures of national and international funding agencies. Demonstrated experience in UBC financial, human resources and communications management is an asset. Proven ability to work with or direct and lead a team. Proven ability assessing opportunities in a variety of science and technical disciplines. Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, project management, organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to deal tactfully with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Mastery of English grammar and punctuation is essential, with the ability to read health research text analytically and critically, and make substantive editorial recommendations to improve readability, clarity and impact.

Demonstrated comfort with technical writing and effective translation of complex scientific information into clear and succinct language for a broader audience is essential. Creative problem solving and decision-making; mentorship abilities. Computer competency with knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications. Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain the respect of senior administration and also to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action. Ability to deal with senior University Officers and external stakeholders in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building. Ability to be comfortable, credible and persuasive within academic, government or business environments; ability to initiate, build and nurture academic and research partnerships. Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities. Excellent political acuity, tact, judgment and discretion. Ability to interpret and evaluate policy and procedural requirements. Must be highly self-motivated and sustain a high degree of initiative. Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Proven judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in areas where there are no established policies or guidelines. Ability to take initiative, manage effectively and meet goals in a complex environment. Ability to foresee, prevent and resolve conflicts and other problems. Must be a talented and fluent writer, able to concisely summarize information and provide a rationale for action.