Neuroimmunology Research Program Manager

Job Summary

The Research Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the research program of the UBC Chair in Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Dr. Jan D. Lünemann (principal investigator, PI), located in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. This role is responsible for the overall direction, planning, and performance of a multi-project research portfolio, ensuring alignment with program priorities and the strategic objectives of the MS Research Network. The position is integral to carrying out the goals and strategic priorities of the MS Research Network and works closely with the Chair, whose work focuses on brain health and immunology research, specifically as it relates to immune-mediated diseases of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and related disorders. This individual will also work closely with clinician-scientists, researchers, as well as research and clinic staff at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, and within the broader PHSA community including Vancouver Coastal and VCHRI as well as Network Manager, MS Research Network.

Organizational Status
The Research Manager will report directly to Dr. Lünemann. Dr. Lünemann, the inaugural UBC Chair in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Autoimmune Neurology Research and Director of the MS and Neuromyelitis Optica Program UBC. The Research Manager works at the program portfolio level to translate the Chair‘s vision into priorities, strategy, and direction, oversees alignment, risk management, and performance and leads external relationships and partnerships for the development, implementation, and coordination of a multi‑project research portfolio spanning basic, translational, and clinical research in multiple sclerosis and related autoimmune neurological diseases. The research program will accelerate innovation and advance clinical disease management for the benefit of people with MS and beyond.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty of Medicine —comprised of approximately 2,600 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 620 full-time academic and over 14,000 clinical faculty members—is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, 3 schools, and 26 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty of Medicine delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.

The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.

Work Performed

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Neuroimmunology research program, establishing priorities, goals, work plans, timelines, and deliverables across multiple projects; monitors overall progress to ensure alignment with program and MS Research Network objectives.
• Leads the development and implementation of strategic research plans by conducting environmental scans, identifying emerging opportunities and risks, developing strategic recommendations, and translating the Principal Investigator's (PI) scientific vision into operational plans. Aligns initiatives with program and MS Research Network priorities and coordinates implementation across multiple research projects and collaborators.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations of research projects, including detailed work planning, timelines, deliverables and communication across the research team.
• Develops and maintains study protocols, amendments, and operational documentation, translating research projects and concepts into written documentation.
• Prepares and manages ethics submissions, renewals, and amendments, ensuring adherence to regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Acts as the primary liaison for the research program, leading communication with collaborators, funding bodies, and external stakeholders to facilitate partnerships, resolve complex issues, and ensure effective information flow.
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with internal and external collaborators, health authorities, industry, funding agencies, commuinty organizations, and other collaborators. Represents the research program in partnership discussions, negotiates operational aspects of collaborations, and advances strategic partnership opportunities aligned with MS and NMO Research priorities.
• Leads financial planning and resource management by developing budgets, forecasting resource requirements, monitoring expenditures, and providing strategic recommendations to support program priorities and the responsible stewardship of research funds.
• Provides expert advice and strategic recommendations in research administration, program management, and project management to support PI and program-level planning, decision-making, and implementation.
• Leads the identification, assessment, and prioritization of funding opportunities by monitoring funding landscapes, evaluating alignment with research priorities, developing funding strategies, and coordinating competitive grant development activities.
• Coordinates and provides oversight of research compliance, ensuring grant applications, ethics submissions, and research outputs meet institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepares and oversees the development of reports, presentations, and other documentation related to research program activities for internal and external audiences.
• Leads the development and implementation of strategic communications and knowledge mobilization initiatives to enhance the visibility and impact of the research program. Develops communication strategies, identifies dissemination opportunities, oversees the preparation of communications materials, coordinates communications across collaborating organizations, and provides strategic advice on stakeholder engagement and communications approaches.
• Oversees workforce planning and staff oversight, including defining roles, supporting recruitment, and providing guidance and performance direction to staff.
• Leads the development and implementation of strategic communications and knowledge mobilization initiatives to enhance the visibility and impact of the research program. Develops communication strategies, identifies dissemination opportunities, oversees the preparation of communications materials, coordinates communications across collaborating organizations, and provides strategic advice on stakeholder engagement and communications approaches.
• Oversees the planning and delivery of program-level events and engagement activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in judgment could lead to inappropriate decisions impacting the Neuroimmunology Research Programs‘ finances and other resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of the Research Programs‘ operations and the reputation of the Program, MS Research Network, involved Faculties and University.

A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required and relied upon by the MS Research Network’s academic leaders and others in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities.

Errors in judgement in handling personnel issues could lead to legal/financial issues, disruption to the Neuroimmunology Research Program activities, grievances and impact the reputation of the Unit, Faculties and University.

The incumbent is responsible for proactively identifying, communicating, and escalating issues, risks, and unusual situations to the PI as they arise or are anticipated.

Supervision Received
This position works under the overall supervision of the Principal Investigator. The incumbent exercises a high degree of professional judgement, autonomy and strategic leadership in translating the PI’s scientific vision into operational strategies, recommendations, and implementation plans. The PI retains ultimate accountability for the scientific direction of the research program and key strategic decisions. The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with minimal day‑to‑day supervision, exercising independent judgement in carrying out responsibilities based on broad objectives and priorities.

Supervision Given
This position will provide functional guidance and day‑to‑day support to research technicians, trainees, and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This includes providing direction related to assigned tasks, supporting onboarding and training processes, and ensuring work is completed in alignment with project requirements and timelines, under the overall supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Minimum Qualifications
For research work, a post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD is strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive team member capable of fostering cooperative relationships with the research team, stakeholders, and staff to enhance the flow of information and ideas.
• Ability to follow direction while also demonstrating initiative and self-direction in response to changing project needs.
• Experience in qualitative research, preferably a health-related field.
• Background in immunology, neuroscience and neuroimmunology considered an asset.
• Knowledge of current research regulatory guidelines (ICH-GCP, Health Canada Div. 5, research involving human subjects) and standards is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with PeopleSoft or Information System preferred.
• Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
• Knowledge of University administrative policies, procedures, guidelines.
• Experience performing literature reviews.
• Experience writing ethics applications and grant applications.
• Experience preparing manuscripts and PowerPoint presentations of research results.
• Experience with the secure management of confidential research materials.
• Strong understanding of ethics protocols and strict adherence to data security and research ethics policies.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work, multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures preferred; familiarity with file and records classification systems is an asset.
• Commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.