Research Administrative Specialist – University of Alberta

Title of the Job: Research Administrative Specialist

Location: Edmonton, AB

Job Description: DescriptionThis position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: .Location – This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.Working for the University of AlbertaThe University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and worldshapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people-from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.Working for the DepartmentResearch administration encompasses aspects of pre and post-award activities as well as compliance and financial responsibility for the ongoing management of and reporting requirements associated with the U of A’s role in conducting research and as holder of research funds. As the Vice-President (Research and Innovation; VPRI) portfolio and the colleges/faculties are jointly accountable for these activities it is essential to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships between the VPRI portfolio, colleges/faculties and the researchers within in support of the common goal of developing and aligning the implementation of research administrative systems, processes, policies and procedures to ensure that the policies and procedures of our external funding agencies and the University are followed.Position SummaryReporting to the Manager, Research Administration Support Services and as a vital member of the Research Partner Network, the Research Administration Specialist will work collaboratively with the VPRI portfolio, colleges and faculties to provide researchers and research units university-wide with tactical, targeted, hands-on end to end (pre and post-award) research administration procedure and policy related assistance and guidance, in support of the University’s overall research endeavour.The primary goals of this position are to help researchers navigate the research administration continuum so as to minimize delays in processing research projects, to enhance researchers’ experience with the necessary administrative aspects of application/proposal preparation, submission and post-award management and to work with administrative units (i.e. departments and faculties) to ensure that we have efficient processes in place to effectively manage research funds received by the University.In all facets of this role, this position endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to Indigeneity, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and to convey respect for those undertaking the research endeavour.DutiesTactical and Administrative Support to Researchers and Departments

• Develops and maintains end-to-end expertise on research administration policies and procedures for UAlberta and external funding agencies.
• Proactively anticipates policy and procedure-related research administrative needs, designs and offers supports and resources to address the ongoing and emerging needs.
• The primary point of contact/resource for researchers, their staff, and college/faculty administrators regarding VPRI-related administrative activity (i.e. work done in Research Administrative Services, Research Ethics, etc.). Includes, but is not limited to file follow-up and/or investigating where files are at on behalf of the researchers, navigational support, providing advice and guidance on end-to-end research administration policies and processes (both the university and external funding agencies).
• Collects and curates up-to-date information for researchers re: funding opportunities, proposal preparation and submission, award set-up, budget management and reporting, and end-of-project reporting and close-out.
• Assists researchers with administrative aspects of their grant applications and/or awards

Problem Solving/Issue Resolver

• Acts expediently and with a service orientation to solve researchers’ administration-specific problems, drawing on a well-developed understanding of researchers’ and research units’ needs, as well as university and research sponsor (i.e. external funding agencies) policy, procedure or processes. Consults, as needed prior to responding.
• Liaises with VPRI central areas (i.e. centres of expertise), including Research Ethics and Research Administrative Services, other central units, and external funding agencies, as needed on researcher’s behalf to resolve issues.
• Helps researchers make connections with other units, including other partner networks and/or areas as appropriate and necessary; ensures they know where to go for help outside the VPRI portfolio and/or gets them the help needed. Ensures issues are resolved.

Tactical Guidance and Advice

• Acts as the go-to research administration resource and provides authoritative and tactical ‘lead hand’ advice to researchers and college/faculty/departmental administrators (including the generalists in the faculties) including identifying opportunities for training, integration of processes, and/or streamlining for efficacy
• Provides support to researchers and departments/faculties/colleges with respect to compliance requirements, certification rules, and ethics requirements, referring to central units in VPRI portfolio when necessary.

Other Duties as Required

• Recognizes learning opportunities and seeks mentorship and professional development that enhances their efficacy in the role.
• Reviews grant applications/proposals for accuracy, completeness, appropriateness and eligibility of budgets, compliance with sponsor and University guidelines;

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a research or administrative environment, preferably in a post-secondary environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of granting policies, funding organizations and the research funding environment within a Canadian academic setting.
• A commitment to exceptional client service with a positive and professional approach.
• Demonstrated efficient and effective analysis; problem-solving and negotiation skills; organization, tact and discretion.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, with tact and grace and with recognition that research information is confidential, and communications require discretion and judgement.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse professionals and provide them with advice and direction.
• Knowledge of administrative structures, policies and procedures within the University of Alberta, as well as University of Alberta systems would be an asset.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight October 27, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

Company Name: University of Alberta

Salary: $56040.79 – 76820.84 per year

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