Research Contracts Administrator (Internal Posting)

Job Summary

Dalhousie University, under the leadership of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, administers over $270M annually in research funding. Reporting to the Research Grants Facilitator and Contracts Supervisor, the Research Contracts Administrator is responsible for facilitating research contracts, grant agreements, amendments and contribution agreements from the Grants and Contracts unit at the Office of Research Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews non-legal terms of grant agreements, amendments, contribution agreements and contracts prior to sending through to Research and Innovation Legal.
• Gathers necessary supporting documents for files not reviewed at the pre-award stage, Investigator Checklist, funding guidelines, budget, scope of work, PI eligibility, etc.
• In consultation with an Associate Legal Counsel, reviews collaborative research agreements between researchers, funding agencies and collaborating institutions, including tracking progress and trouble-shooting agreements and amendments in progress.
• Supports the tracking and reporting on research projects and their results. Notifies researchers of reporting requirements, reviews reports and advises the Manager of any issues or outstanding documentation.
• Supports internal programs by working with the Grants and Contracts team. This includes assisting with preparing application guidelines and forms, reviewing applications, and responding to questions regarding internal funding programs from the Dalhousie research community.
• Provides financial administration support for funding opportunities. Keeps current on granting agency financial guidelines.

Note

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

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required in a related field, plus approximately five years’ related experience, in a research or contract administration or related environment (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Above average communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally in person and by e-mail.
• Excellent judgment, strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Tact, sensitivity and diplomacy, and well-developed interpersonal skills are essential for dealing with researchers and various stakeholders.
• Proficient technological skills in word processing, financial spreadsheets, e-mail, database management, and electronic file transfer.

Assets

• Financial management and/or reporting experience.
• Knowledge of the research funding environment including funding programs, research funding agencies and practices, and functions related to research and research administration.

Job Competencies

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

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

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 for this position are restricted to current employees of Dalhousie University as described in the .

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.