Research Program Assistant Director

Date Posted: 01/03/2024
Req ID: 35492
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Inst for Aerospace Studies
Campus: University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
Position Number: 00055997

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) is internationally recognized for the excellence of its research and educational programs. It is home to the graduate programs leading to the degrees of M.Eng., M.A.Sc., and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. Most areas of modern aerospace engineering are covered by our faculty including many facets of aeronautical engineering (with an emphasis on green aviation) and space engineering (with an emphasis on robotics and microsatellites). UTIAS faculty members have made many historic research contributions, and today we collaborate with research facilities and industry partners worldwide to advance this dynamic field.

If you are a passionate and dedicated individual, our department offers opportunities with potential for growth and development within a community atmosphere! We are located at Dufferin and Steeles.

Your opportunity:

The WinTOR ORF-RE program is a collaboration between 6 faculty members from UTIAS and U of T CS, working together on autonomous driving in winter conditions.  The program started from September 2023 and will be running for 5 years. To date, the research team includes: 2 postdocs, 8 PhD students, 6 MS students, as well as four industry partners. The program is supported by the University of Toronto Robotics Institute.

This position will support the faculty members and the strong team of researchers in completing the main objectives of the program.  The position will also help grow this effort into a sustainable long-term research program in autonomous mobility, which is embedded as one of the foundations research pillars in the Robotics Institute. You will work closely with Prof. Steven Waslander, the lead investigator on the Wintor Program, and with the faculty and administrative members of UTIAS, CS and the RI.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Cultivating ongoing, high-profile prospective partnerships that advance strategic agendas.
• Developing marketing and partnership plans that support research needs and objectives.
• Delivering presentations to promote programs, opportunities and/or initiatives.
• Conducting detailed analysis of grant application policy to maximize research funding.
• Producing complex reports involving statistical and/or financial information for funding agencies.
• Producing detailed statistical report and analysis on facilities utilization, planning and revenue generation/spending to support decision making.

Essential Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Doctorate Degree in a field of engineering or science with a focus on robotics, artificial intelligence or other relevant computer science/engineering discipline, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years related experience in advanced research and developing in engineering and/or applied science or an equivalent industry.  
• Proven excellence in collaborative, industry-supported research in engineering or an equivalent industry.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying and cultivating funded research partnerships with academic and corporate organizations engaged in advanced engineering research or an equivalent industry.
• Demonstrated experience in research, research proposal writing, research management.
• Experience with public-private partnerships or related industrial experience.
• Proven success in executing on large-scale, strategic research partnerships in the >$ million range, developing and executing business plans.
• Experience in industry areas such as business development, marketing, strategic planning, or management consulting, with proven success in revenue generation.
• Business development and stakeholder management in a complex environment, including ability to negotiate partnerships and influence key decision makers at the senior executive level within corporations, government and other key organizations that are part of the robotics/AI research and innovation landscape within Toronto, Canada and globally.
• Deep understanding of advanced research and technology development.
• Ability to manage funding initiatives with senior level individuals working in both public and private sector environments,to complete grant applications and manage budgets and status updates.
• Superior project management skills and proficiency in computing skills.
• Superior communication skills including ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively; superior presentation skills with ability to effectively develop presentation materials using a variety of tools (E.g. Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint).
• Ability to actively listen to partners, donors and faculty with a technical focus, identify areas of common interest, and to articulate a compelling case for robotics at U of T.
• Ability to design and implement processes, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work with high degree of independence with good initiative, judgement, tact and discretion.
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

Assets (Nonessential):

• A nuanced understanding of the research and innovation landscape within Toronto, Canada and globally.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Efficient
• Insightful
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Responsible
• Self-directed

Closing Date: 01/17/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $93,752 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $119,892. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

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.