Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives

Job Description

Job title: Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives

Company: University of Saskatchewan

Job description: Research Specialist, Research Acceleration and Strategic InitiativesThe Research Acceleration & Strategic Initiatives Office (RASI) advances the university goals of research excellence by supporting the university research community in the incubation, development and submission of research grants, infrastructure projects, and personnel and training awards. A key goal of the office is to provide researchers with services and programs that afford a competitive edge when applying for external research funding and to ensure alignment with granting agency requirements and priorities. RASI also provides select post-award support.Primary Purpose: Working as part of the RASI team, this position will be instrumental in providing high-quality, innovative programming to support research success for early career researchers (ECRs) through tailored research support services and targeted grant facilitation. This position will act as a key point of contact and referral for ECRs, and will be instrumental in launching and supporting ECRs at USask.Nature of Work: Reporting to the Programs Coordinator, RASI, this position will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues in RASI to provide innovative programming for ECRs and new faculty hires. The Research Specialist will strategize and deliver a program that supports the unique needs of early-career researchers, while providing grant facilitation services to targeted funding programs. The work encompasses a broad range of duties and requires the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. The position requires the capacity to build relationships. The Research Specialist will be required to identify challenges faced by ECRs, strategize, and develop programming to respond to these. An appreciation and understanding of career-stage challenges for researchers is essential to providing high quality service.Knowledge of the research funding landscape is essential for success in this position. The ability to take initiative, coupled with strong program design skills, is essential for success.Accountabilities:

• Coordinate and deliver the DARE Initiative (Discovery, Achievement, and Research Excellence), an innovative researcher development program that provides targeted resources and experiences to early career researchers at USask.

• Manage a research intake process for new faculty hires at USask, introducing them to the research process and USask research community, identify their start-up research needs, and enabling a smooth launch of their research programs.

• Facilitate interdisciplinary grant development programs that are targeted to select groups and/or funding opportunities.

• Provide a positive introduction and early career research experience at USask through ongoing opportunities for connection, support and learning.

• Design and coordinate events to support early career researcher development, including networking and learning events.

• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of early career researcher experiences and needs.

• Provide grant facilitation services to researchers for targeted funding programs, including proposal development support, providing expert advice, and ensuring adherence with university and funding agency requirements.

• Build collaborative relationships and partnerships within the university and with funding agencies.

• Maintain excellent knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape.

• Monitor and report on portfolio benchmarks and outcomes.

Education: A graduate degree. A combination of education, training and experience may be considered.Experience: The incumbent should have five years of experience in a post-secondary setting, preferably within research administration. Expert knowledge of the Canadian funding landscape and an appreciation of the complexities, challenges and rewards of research is necessary. Experience working in a diverse environment.Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver innovative and user-oriented programming to stakeholders.

• Demonstrated strong writing skills and excellent communications skills.

• Possess strong problem-solving abilities and effective relationship-building capabilities.

• Proven interpersonal skills coupled with the ability to work flexibly both within a team and independently.

• Ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality

• Effective time management skills with the ability to react to shifting priorities.

• Knowledge of university research administrative procedures and practices.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to .Department: Rsrch Acceler’n&StragicInitves
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 – 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 4/3/2025
Closing Date: 4/16/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace GuidelinesThe successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Job date: Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:32:02 GMT