Research Administrator
About The Position
The Research Administrator – Operations & Events is a senior administrative role designed to support the research-intensive and graduate-student-heavy mission of the Department of Biochemistry. The position is centred on scientific events and research operations, including management of common infrastructure, space and facilities coordination, and support for departmental research initiatives and reporting. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Student Affairs Officer for matters related to events, communications, and HR-related administrative responsibilities (e.g., absences, vacation). The role will also work closely with the Chair to support research-related initiatives and performance reporting. The role serves as a central coordination point for research-related activities across the Department and with partner units and research centres (e.g., GCI, CRBS, MRM, SBMS). The incumbent contributes substantively to departmental events planning and execution, policy implementation, research operations coordination, and preparation of metrics and reports related to shared resources and research activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline required
- Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience in research administration, research operations, or a research-intensive academic environment.
- Experience supporting research operations, infrastructure coordination, or complex administrative dossiers.
- Strong understanding of the research and graduate training lifecycle.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage complex, interrelated dossiers and competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of discretion and professionalism.
- Proficiency in financial tracking and reporting.
- Knowledge of English: Level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
- Authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec.
Nice To Haves
- MSc or higher is a strong asset.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate the identification, documentation, and management of shared research equipment and common infrastructure.
- Provide administrative and operational support for the enactment of departmental policies related to infrastructure access, prioritization, cost-sharing, renewal, and expansion.
- Coordinate service contracts, vendor interactions, and renewal planning in collaboration with Finance, Procurement, and Facilities.
- Act as departmental liaison with Facilities Management regarding laboratories, offices, and shared research spaces.
- Document research support usage, needs, acquisitions, decommissioning, and repurposing.
- Support departmental research planning through preparation of metrics, summaries, and reports (e.g., annual reports, reviews).
- Support, plan and coordinate equipment funding applications (e.g., CFI-type initiatives).
- Track and support improvements in departmental research safety and sustainability practices.
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of laboratory, office, and common spaces, including occupancy and functional use.
- Support the Chair in space allocation and reallocation processes through data-driven analysis and policy compliance. Communicate and support transparent procedures aligned with departmental, Faculty, and University guidelines.
- Support consultations and policy revisions arising from departmental decision-making processes.
- Oversee planning and execution of departmental scientific events, including student research seminars, symposia, retreats, visiting scientists, and special lectures.
- Coordinate logistics, communications, and post-event follow-up with administrative and academic stakeholders.
- Update and proof research-focused departmental communications, including website content, in coordination with Faculty guidelines.
- Ensure timely dissemination of information related to research achievements, funding successes, infrastructure updates, and events.
- Support preparation of presentations, briefing materials, and outreach documents.
- Participate in financial planning related to research operations, shared infrastructure, and departmental initiatives.
- Monitor selected operating and research-related funds associated with shared resources and projects.
- Prepare analyses, summaries, and projections to inform Chair-level decision-making.
- Support and coordinate research and training initiatives with partner units and centres (e.g., GCI, CRBS, MRM, SBMS).
- Coordinate cross-unit activities, shared infrastructure discussions, and joint initiatives.
- Represent the Department on relevant research-focused committees and working groups, as appropriate.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
