Research Lab Manager, Vanguard

**Date Posted**:10/06/2025
**Req ID**: 45346
**Faculty/Division**: Faculty of Arts & Science
**Department**: Dept of Computer Science
**Campus**: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
**Position Number**: 00058644

**Description**:
**About us**:
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Established in 1964, the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science is a tech innovation powerhouse and continues to rank among the world’s top computer science departments. Our esteemed faculty boasts accolades such as two Turing Awards, along with many other national and international honours. We provide diverse programs and research opportunities while consistently producing high-impact research that is driving the future of tech in the country.

**Your opportunity**:
The Department of Computer Science’s Strategic Initiatives group is responsible for the development and success of the department’s large-scale partnerships and long-term initiatives. The newest addition to the portfolio is our research initiative with Vanguard Investments Canada - a multi-year collaboration that aims to leverage the AI expertise at both Vanguard Investments and the University of Toronto, all with a view to advancing AI research and innovation for investors and the broader financial services industry.

The Research Lab Manager is critical to ensuring the Vanguard research lab provides an environment where long-term collaborative research between our faculty, students and industry partners not only thrives but makes an impact. The incumbent will be part of a highly professional, collaborative and supportive team, and will primarily be responsible for managing stakeholders across industry and academia, operational set-up and plans for the lab, and being a critical contributor to future planning and promotion of all lab activities.

**Your responsibilities will include**:

- Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance
- Conducting detailed data analysis to inform management decision making
- Providing potential industry collaborators with detailed information on policies and procedures that must be adhered to while working within the university environment
- Fostering and maintaining networks to build capacity and collaboration
- Planning and overseeing the implementation of research projects; developing project schedules including milestones, critical path, timelines, deliverables and reporting
- Overseeing day-to-day operational needs for one or more labs/workshops
- Delivering presentations to promote programs, opportunities and/or initiatives
- Planning and estimating financial resources required for programs and/or projects

**Essential Qualifications**:

- Master's Degree in technology, commerce, economics, administration or management, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in external relations, business development, stakeholder relations and/or venture management, with a combination of project, program and product management
- Experience overseeing research activities or computing research lab operations, with demonstrated experience developing and implementing operational plans and processes, and coordinating budgets, space, resources, and equipment.
- Significant project management experience for complex projects, including the ability to set priorities, schedules, leverage and adjust allocation of limited resources, meet deadlines, liaise with multi-site stakeholders, and resolve disputes.
- Significant experience building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance, preferably with corporate or industry groups.
- Experience contributing to knowledge transfer and research engagement activities including presenting on research findings and initiatives at conferences, workshops, and outreach events.
- Experience with forecasting, planning, and monitoring complex budgets. Experience reconciling and reporting on complex funding accounts.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple and competing demands simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and foster networks of contacts and interests.
- Demonstrated abili