Research Administrator

Job Summary

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Engineering (FoE) is a research-intensive Faculty that thrives on research excellence, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting jointly to the Associate Dean Research (ADR), Faculty of Engineering, and the Director, Finance & Administration, the Research Administrator will provide comprehensive administrative support for research activities in the Faculty, including ensuring compliance with institutional and funder policies at all stages.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews grant applications both at the draft and submission stages, advising Principal Investigators (PIs) and/or the ADR on compliance issues related to internal and external policies, regulations and requirements, as well as recommendations to strengthen applications.
• Oversees research accounts for PIs including overseeing expenditures, transfers, procurement, revenue collection, invoicing, and reconciliations. This includes ensuring continued compliance with institutional and funder requirements, and providing advice and direction as required.
• Contributes to research budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting based on in-depth knowledge of university and funding agency requirements. Prepares regular and ad hoc financial reports and summaries.
• Maintain ongoing awareness of funding opportunities and programs, deadlines, and changes to university and funding agency policies, guidelines and processes, keeping PIs and ADR up-to-date through regular, stream-lined communications.
• Serves as a key liaison withcentral administrative units Financial Services, Research Services) and external partners at all stages to facilitate efficient resolution of administrative and financial matters.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in business administration or finance plus at least two to three years of university-level experience in research administration (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Excellent collaboration, interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Experience working in deadline driven environment with excellent attention to detail and the demonstrated ability to navigate complex, changing regulations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Canadian research granting agencies.
• Experience using Office 365.

Assets

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.