Manager, Research Operations

Position Overview
Join Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a vibrant large community teaching hospital serving more than 400,000 people in East Toronto, as our next Manager, Research Operations. As part of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN), MGH is deeply committed to embedding research, innovation, and quality improvement into every facet of care — from the bedside to the community.

Reporting to the Director, Research Operations and Business Development, the Manager, Research Operations plays a key role in supporting andadvancing the hospital's research mission. In this leadership role, you will oversee day-to-day research operations, administer grants and contracts throughout their lifecycle, and lead the Core Services team. By joining us, you'll help enable high-impact research operations in a setting where staff and clinicians are not only caregivers — they are scientists, innovators, and partners in discovery. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to our ambitious academic mandate and help transform how care is delivered in our diverse and dynamic East Toronto community.

Primary Responsibilities
Research Operations Management

• Support development and implementation of standardized workflows, templates and guidance documents to optimize program delivery and impact.
• Provide end-to-end management of research grants, including development, review, and submission of funding applications.
• Advise investigators on funding opportunities, application requirements, budgets, and compliance with institutional, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Liaise with external funders, partner institutions, investigators, and finance partners to negotiate agreements and ensure compliance and accountability.
• Partner with research financial services and research leadership to support financial planning, forecasting, reconciliation to enable operations, and funder or organizational reporting.
• Build and manage a high-quality research Core Services program (including data analytics, database development and research coordination) through workload distribution, negotiating service needs and priorities with investigators, and ensuring appropriate cost-recovery mechanisms.
• Serve as a liaison between the research department, IT services, and partners to support implementation and maintenance of research data platforms, databases, and compliance with cybersecurity standards.
• Manage space allocation and utilization for scientific programs and administrative offices and support long-range planning for research infrastructure expansion.
• Participate in committees or networks with partner organizations to share expertise, develop standardized processes, and integrate emerging best practices into research operations.

Talent Management

• Oversee recruitment and develop high-performing teams in research administration, core service, and science streams.
• Lead research staff through coaching, talent management, workload planning, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement within the research department.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in health sciences or related field required.
• Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MHA, MPH, or equivalent) strongly preferred
• Post-graduate certificate or credential (e.g., CCRP) in research administration, clinical research, health services management, is an asset

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of related experience working in complex and large organizations in research or a similar role.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in research grant administration or grant management, ideally in a hospital or academic research setting.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience.

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates values-driven leadership, aligned with MGH's values of compassion, respect, integrity, inclusion, and courage in daily work and decision-making.
• Able to translate MGH's research priorities into clear operational plans, systems, and workflows.
• Able to build strong relationships and positively influence partners to achieve alignment or action to advance research objectives.
• Able to communicate transparently and effectively, adapting messaging to diverse audiences including researchers, leadership, peers, direct reports and external partners.
• Able to prioritize responsibilities, manage competing demands, and organize workload to meet required timelines.
• Able to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and negotiate solutions that balance partner needs with MGH priorities.
• Able to guide the team and partners through process changes with clarity, empathy, and resilience.
• Demonstrates a proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to independently identify challenges and drive effective resolutions.
• Applies sound judgment and critical-thinking skills to complex issues, evaluates options effectively, and develops practical, balanced solutions that support investigators, research, and organizational goals.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and strong commitment to personal effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working autonomously or in close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Technical And Functional Expertise

• Demonstrated knowledge of research funding agencies including requirements, grant administration processes, and relevant legislative and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrated curiosity regarding the research administration landscape and broader industry context, with a strong commitment to expanding knowledge and skills.
• Strong capabilities in budget development, financial planning, forecasting, reconciliation, and reporting to support effective research operations and scientific programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of research data management principles, privacy legislation, and data governance standards, ensuring secure, compliant, and responsible handling of research data and digital systems.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, training, and managing staff across operational and/or scientific programs
• Experience managing laboratory space, equipment procurement, and infrastructure projects.
• High proficiency with Microsoft 365 and electronic research administration tools (e.g., REDCap), with the ability to learn new systems as needed.
• All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
• All employees of MGH are responsible for contributing to a transparent culture ofpatient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
• All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.