Senior Project Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level C

Job Title
Senior Project Manager

Department
Administration | Department of Medical Genetics | 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
May 31, 2024

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2025

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 position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

Summary

Dr. Josef Penninger joins UBC as the Canada 150 Research Chair in Functional Genetics in the Department of Medical Genetics and is one of the leading medical researchers in the world who has made multiple ground-breaking discoveries that have revolutionized the field of functional genetics and translational medicine and have led to the development of novel therapeutic entities.

The Senior Research Manager provides leadership and strategic management of Dr. Penninger's research program, a multi-million dollar research program comprised of 10 postdoctoral research fellows, graduate trainees, and staff that is on the leading edge in developing robust, bar-coded, repairable, genome-wide haploid genetics in embryonic stem cells, combined with tissue differentiation. The incumbent is responsible for advancing the research program by leading the design, implementation and management of (1) research projects and syntheses, (2) training and capacity development initiatives, (3) knowledge translation activities, (4) program fundraising and financing, and (5) human resource planning and recruitment.

Work Performed

Penninger Research Program

• Collaborates with Dr. Penninger to develop and implement a strategic plan and timelines to meet the goals and objectives identified in the Canada 150 Chair proposal, a multi-million dollar research program.
• Responsible for the establishment of a fully functional complex laboratory environment to support the work of twenty scientists. Works with UBC facility management and architects to determine the needs of the research program. Directs space planning and project management for international move of laboratory equipment and lab specimens from Vienna to Vancouver. Provides leadership, planning (strategic and financial), implementation, supervision, evaluation for a wide range of research activities.
• Provides direction on establishing and accommodating research priorities; provide analytical and methodological support in designing and developing research studies; facilitate collaboration with other research groups and establish the infrastructure for multi-centre or multi-university research projects; oversees and works with team members to write grant applications and manuscripts for publication; and act as a point of contact for the Penninger Research Program at various scientific and community meetings.
• Management of the research program to ensure long-term viability of the research program by proactively identifying appropriate national and international research funding opportunities from both private industry and government and non- government organizations; oversees financial reporting of research grants and contracts. Leads the planning, preparation and submission of grant applications, business case proposals for match-funding opportunities, including budget forecasting and justification.
• Oversees the operation to ensure effective and efficient management of all research projects and consults with local, national and international partners to develop scientific collaborations, initiatives and programs.
• Engages in continual environmental scanning regarding factors impacting translational life science research, biomedical policies, and strategic opportunities for research and fundraising.
• Creates and executes strategic human resources plans that are coordinated across projects of the research program. Responsible for hiring, managing, terminating staff including a team of technicians, trainees, and students and ensures all hiring, training, supervising and evaluations of staff are in compliance with University processes and are consistent with the requirements of the research program's needs.
• Responsible for procurement of large scale equipment and negotiate large scale reagent and consumables for molecular/cell biology research for the research program.
• Analyzes, designs, and optimizes lab processes, workflows, operational best practices, and management of reagent consumption. Establishment and oversight of a digital inventory system for lab supplies, chemicals, and cell lines.
• Develops long range budgets and provides fiscal forecasting for multi- year research projects. Identifies cost-saving opportunities including coordinating core service agreements between departments/research programs.

Organizational Status

The Senior Research Manager reports to Dr. Josef Penninger. External interactions will be at the local, national and international levels with other Departments, research organizations, community organizations, university, and research institute personnel.

Consequence of Error or Judgement

The incumbent must be able to work independently and exercise extensive judgment and decision making in developing policies and procedures and in the overall coordination and management of the service and operational objectives of the Penninger Research Program.
Error in judgment could have the following adverse consequences:
- Inability to successfully develop and implement strategic initiatives could diminish the research program's ability to attract the support of the scientific community
- Inability to successfully meet funding agency deliverables, may result in reduced future funding
- Poor public/private sector relationships or animal oversight could result in a negative image of both the research program and may impact on research funding made available through partnerships

Supervision Received

This position operates independently and receives little direct supervision. The incumbent must be able to identify circumstances that require consultation with appropriate associates, project managers, Leaders, faculty, programmers, and other staff and must be able to seek out that consultation in a timely and professional manner.

Supervision Given

Directly responsible for hiring and supervising research personnel, which also includes performance appraisals, payroll management, and ensuring that performance goals are met within an appropriate budget. The Senior Research Manager will be responsible for managing up to 10 staff and graduate research assistants in the Penninger Research Program.

Minimum Qualifications
For research project leadership, a post-graduate degree or an equivalent professional designation is required with a minimum of five years of related experience, including experience in a field of specialization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of seven years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications

The candidate must have a Master's degree or Doctorate in a relevant discipline. Training in project management would be an asset. Must have familiarity and experience working in biomedical research. Must have at least 5 years of experience managing and supporting large, complex research projects. Must be familiar with university research environments and grant funding processes. Ability to independently identify research goals, develop and implement research projects. Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated ability to take initiative. Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. Ability to think conceptually (i.e., use creative, conceptual, or inductive reasoning or thought processes to identify patterns in complex data, and identify key or underlying issues in complex situations). Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to develop and monitor project budgets and knowledge of budget processes. Ability to effectively use the normal range of programs at an intermediate level. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a variety of different audiences. Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Ability to establish effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government, communities and various academic collaborators.