City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Temporary

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

Term: 15 months

Working directly with the Associate Dean, Research and International (ADRI), the incumbent’s primary objectives will be to grow the research portfolio of Mathematics’ faculty members, ensure the ongoing success of Mathematics faculty in flagship national research programs, raise the national and international profile of the Faculty of Mathematics, and provide leadership within the Mathematics Research Office to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Faculty’s research support services.

Strategic Initiatives

• Provide leadership and direction in strategic planning activities to advance the Faculty’s research agenda, working closely with the ADRI
• Identify new and significant opportunities for research leadership, including emerging areas of research, new funding sources, and potential new collaborations. Ensure that Mathematics faculty are well-positioned and supported to capitalize on such opportunities
• Develop strategies to ensure that the Faculty’s established areas of research strength are properly recognized, supported, and sustained within the context of a rapidly evolving national research landscape
• Provide leadership and oversight within the Faculty for high-profile and mission-critical funding programs, including the Canada Research Chairs program, and other key federal and provincial research programs
• Provide counsel to Mathematics faculty members and staff on securing competitive research funding and effectively communicating their research goals and successes to stakeholders
• Identify promising opportunities for new research collaborations within and beyond the Faculty of Mathematics, promoting communication between research groups and new interdisciplinary projects
• Oversee the development of strategies to identify and remove systemic barriers to underrepresented groups within the Mathematics research community and exceed the Faculty’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals and targets
• Maintain a strong knowledge base of current UW programs, policies, resources, and services

Performance Management

• Identify opportunities for improvement in current data gathering processes within the Mathematics Research Office and implement improved procedures in coordination with other groups on campus
• Develop procedures and metrics to capture the Faculty’s expertise and successes with respect to research
• Develop reports and analysis of the existing research strengths of the Faculty’s departments and schools, and the development potential of these research areas with respect to emerging national and international priorities
• Leverage institutional tools for research evaluation and bibliometric analysis to inform and support specific strategic research goals, as required
• Provide qualitative and quantitative data and analysis for inclusion within the Mathematics Research Office’s strategic direction and within annual progress reports

Grants and Awards Support

• Work with the ADRI to increase the number and success rate of grant applications and award nominations
• Provide direct support to researchers applying for internal or external research grants by providing pre-submission consulting and guidance, including substantive feedback on content and presentation, and, where required, editorial assistance

Relationship Management

• Work collaboratively with the Office of Research to support the Faculty and University’s research objectives and ensure strategic goals are fully aligned
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with University leadership and research leaders within the Faculty of Mathematics
• Represent the Faculty of Mathematics on University committees and working groups related to research. When necessary and appropriate, act as the ADRI’s designated delegate
• Facilitate communication and coordination between the ADRI, Department Chairs, School Directors and Research Centres and Institutes to ensure that all unit perspectives are properly reflected in the Faculty’s strategic research support activities

• Master’s degree in STEM discipline required
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a research-driven academic environment
• Writing, editing, and coordinating large-scale multi-disciplinary research proposals within academic institutions
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation of research initiatives
• Demonstrated experience navigating the federal and provincial research and innovation funding landscape
• Demonstrated familiarity with federal and provincial political priorities with respect to academic research
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, and as a member of a team
• Exceptional communication skills in all mediums, and the ability to select and carry a message through the most effective channel(s) in order to reach a target audience
• Strong knowledge of research management best practices, including strategies to increase EDI performance
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, partnerships and development efforts with individuals placed at all levels within an organization
• Knowledge of UW policies, procedures and guidelines would be an asset

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.