Research Officer

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 15

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
Western Engineering's Research Office contributes to the identification, development, and realization of the Strategic Research Priorities of the Faculty; setting Faculty research policy and strategic direction; and provides a leadership role in setting academic direction. The Research Office provides regular updates on research successes at quarterly Faculty Council meetings and compiles statistical information and other data that will facilitate the promotion of research at Western Engineering.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Officer is responsible for enhancing the overall research success and productivity within the Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the Manager, Research Programs, Research Officer (Industrial Relationships), Department Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), and the Associate Dean, Research. The role’s primary area of focus (approximately 50%) will be on enhancing research success for faculty in the Department of ECE, including coaching researchers to develop new external partnerships (industry, community, and other). This will include working closely with the ECE Department Chair and faculty members to identify opportunities and increase research funding for interdisciplinary research collaborations between Faculties and departments at Western University and external partners. The Research Officer will help to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between the ECE department and industry (& other) partners, ultimately contributing to the advancement of research and the growth of the ECE department. The role will also provide essential support (approximately 50%) to the other research-intensive departments, which will include grant review (with emphasis on Tri-council funding) and assisting with research award nominations to enhance the reputation of Western Engineering in the research community.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Undergraduate Degree
- Undergraduate or Master’s degree in an Engineering or Science related discipline preferred

**Experience**:

- 4 years' experience working in an academic research environment with faculty, researchers, and partners
- Experience preparing/writing/reviewing research grants and proposals
- Experience working as part of a research team, preferably in an engineering or science related discipline
- Experience working in a science-related faculty (Engineering, Science, Medicine, etc.) with exposure to grant-funded multi-disciplinary research projects preferred
- Experience working on major research award programs and distinctions an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- In-depth knowledge of the best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals and of Canadian peer-review granting systems, processes and procedures
- Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other funding sources
- Understanding of the role of government agencies, funding bodies, and other stakeholders in supporting industry-academia collaborations
- Ability to leverage industry connections and networks to support research initiatives and projects
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with faculty members, industry partners, and other stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management skills to plan and coordinate research activities and collaborations
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify research opportunities and assess risks and benefits of potential partnerships
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness of research proposals and other documents
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment with excellent time management skills
- Adaptability and flexibility to respond to changing priorities and requirements
- Proven organizational skills to anticipate, plan and balance multiple priorities with many interruptions with the ability to meet and cope with the stress of deadlines and maintain accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and thrive in a highly dynamic environment
- Ability to assess clients’ needs, suggest options, overcome objections, and move forward
- Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
- Attention to detail and proofreading abilities
- Oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports, translate information into easily understood terms, summarize information and provide a rationale for action
- Ability to understand researchers needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
- Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with associates and colleagues including