Scientific Program Coordinator, Preparation for Pandemics through Advanced Research in Evolution Research Cluster

Job SummaryThe PrePARE Research Cluster was formed in 2023 at UBC as an interdisciplinary research cluster to hire new faculty members representing several departments in the Faculty of Science, to foster engagement between researchers interested in pandemics; catalyze new interdisciplinary research collaborations; support graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty in applying scholarly research and expertise towards pandemic preparedness; and mobilize knowledge for stakeholders and decision-makers. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary research aims to understand and address established, evolving, and emerging zoonotic pathogens to improve global health. The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate and administer the cluster and partner in the development of new research and training collaborations. They will coordinate relevant personnel, keep co-director PIs apprised of issues, activities, and opportunities. They are required to manage and administer the initiative and advise in the development of new research and training collaborations and funding proposals The successful candidate will have proven program management experience, experience in research environments and strong communication skills. The position is initially for two years (0.4 FTE) with the possibility of extension.Organizational StatusThe Scientific Program Coordinator reports to the PrePARE Faculty Co-Directors. In addition, they will facilitate communication among the Steering Committee, faculty members, Students and Postdocs integrated into cluster activities. This post involves managing and being responsible for program coordination, including running existing activities and helping to identify, establish and run new activities; identifying and coordinating new funding proposals, and all ongoing administrative, communications, organizational, financial and human resources Work PerformedWorking with the Co-Directors, Steering Committee and PrePARE members on the establishment of core program activities, strategies, program timelines, budgets, milestones and deliverablesDeveloping and implementing core project activities, project timelines, budgets, milestones and deliverables.Overseeing project progress against project timelines and budgets, liaising as necessary, and ensuring that timelines are met and milestones achieved.Coordinates website upgrades and updatesAssessing progress towards goals through an annual survey and report, as well as tracking implementation of individual projects and activities.Identifying and promoting funding opportunities that support new pandemic research collaborations and partnerships, including federal research granting agencies as well non-government funding opportunitiesDeveloping ideas into proposal writing and preparing for submission processes.Managing and/or participating in proposal writing and submission processes: providing administrative content, while delegating scientific content to facultyManaging and participating in PrePARE eventsDirecting and coordinating communications and information exchange between PrePARE, the UBC community, and the public nationally and internationally, via:Promoting the work PrePARE within the University and identifying initiatives, collaborations and partnerships with other units at UBCDeveloping content for website and social media, including stories about PrePARE programs and membersCoordinating with communications and public relations teams across participating UBC faculties and departmentsConsequence of Error/JudgementThis position is critical to the development and ongoing success of PrePARE. The work of the Scientific Program Coordinator is subject to review by the PrePARE Co-Directors. Error or poor judgement in the management of the program budget, schedules and resources and poor performance in any of the core areas of responsibility, could undermine the activities of PrePARE and limit the development of new research initiatives.Supervision ReceivedWork activities will be developed in conjunction with the Co-Directors, who are advised by a Steering Committee. They will receive direction from Co-Directors but are also expected to demonstrate initiative in planning and carrying out administrative activities (after initial direction). Policies and procedures will be developed in consultation with the Co-Directors regarding recruitment, budgeting, and administrative concerns.Supervision GivenThe Scientific Program Coordinator is responsible for supervising work-learn students and other staff positions which may be hired in future, pending funding.Minimum QualificationsUndergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two 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 inclusionPreferred QualificationsMaster degree in relevant disciplines. Minimum of three years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience in project management