Contract Specialist

**Department** Vice-President Research Innovation - Research Services Office

**Salary range** $60,299.77 to $83,456.99

**Hours per week** 35

**Grade** 10

**Posted date** January 28, 2025

**Closing date** February 11, 2025

**Position Type** Full Time - Operating Funded

**Description**:
This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

**Location -**This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person at Enterprise Square.

**Working at the University of Alberta**
- The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community._

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

**Working for the VPRI - Research Services Office**

As one of the top 5 research universities in Canada, the University of Alberta's research and innovation spans many fields and disciplines. Our researchers’ expertise and strength attract over $600 million annually from various research funders and partners including federal and provincial governments, industry, foundations, and other organizations.

**Position Summary**

**Key Responsibilities**
- ** Proposal Coordination**: Collaborate with research teams, central units, and external sponsors to ensure the completeness and cohesiveness of funding proposals, both pre-award and post-award.
- ** Post-Award Support**: Work with financial analysts to manage post-award requirements and ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions.
- ** Training and Education**: Develop and deliver training sessions to educate staff and researchers on sponsor requirements, funding programs, and proposal preparation.
- ** Agreement Negotiation**: Negotiate and review research agreements, ensuring alignment with University principles and sponsor policies.
- ** Cross-functional Collaboration**: Liaise with departments such as Facilities and Operations, Risk Management and Legal Counsel, Procurement Services, researchers and faculty-based research staff to ensure all necessary agreements and conditions are in place.
- ** Information Management**: Oversee the accurate documentation and filing of agreements, ensuring compliance with reporting and invoicing criteria. Ensures that all critical documents are in place that define the terms and conditions of the research agreement/award, including government-related documentation.

**Qualifications**
- ** Education**: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (Master’s preferred) in a science-related field.
- ** Experience**: At least 2 years of research administration experience, preferably in a post-secondary or research-focused environment.
- ** Skills**: Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills. Attention to detail is critical.
- ** Technical Proficiency**: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Apps and databases; experience with PeopleSoft is a plus.
- ** Time Management**: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage a high volume of complex proposals and agreements.
- ** Knowledge**: Familiarity with research funding processes, compliance requirements, and University policies.
- A thorough understanding of the principles of service excellence and a demonstrated ability to deliver superior customer service to clients.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Note**: This opportunity will be available until midnight February 11, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.