Manager, Core Research Facilities

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Reporting to the Vice-Dean, Research (Basic), the Manager, Core Research Facilities is responsible for the administration of seven core research facilities in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD). Centralized core facilities provide access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, software and/or expertise and allows for an efficient mechanism to operate and maintain the associated infrastructure. Continued access to the latest technology maintained by highly skilled personnel is essential for Faculty members to remain competitive and for trainee development.

The Manager develops policies and implements overall operational strategies for the core facilities. The Manager works with the Finance Service Partner to develop effective financial processes and to resolve financial issues. The Manager provides financial leadership to ensure optimal and appropriate use of limited resources to meet researchers’ needs, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to funding agencies, donors and the Faculty; the annual operating budget for the core facilities is approximately $2 million. The Manager also oversees infrastructure acquisition and maintenance, including purchasing, inventory, and timely renewal of service contracts. The Manager is a member of and coordinates core facility user committees, including preparation of terms of reference, agendas, reports and minutes, and meeting scheduling. The Manager also updates core facilities websites and online profiles [Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Research Facilities Navigator and The Core Marketplace to ensure accurate information is presented. When necessary, the Manager liaises with the Office of the Vice President (Research and Innovation); the Research Services Office (RSO); Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE); Financial Services; Risk Management; outside vendors; off-campus clients; other faculties; as well as various Institutes and Centres that have their own research core facilities. Under the direction of the Vice-Dean, Research (Basic), the Manager sets the strategic direction for the FoMD core research facilities. The Manager collects data on these facilities, including funding, usage, publications, and grant support, to measure research impact. The Manager is also involved in the FoMD CFI application and review processes, including providing support to researchers, providing input to internal review committees, and contributing to proposal development.

Provide administrative oversight of the FoMD Core Research Facilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the FoMD Research Core Facilities, including financial and business planning, human resources, policies and procedures, infrastructure planning, space utilization, risk and compliance, and continuous operational improvement.
• Oversee core facility systems, services and stakeholder relationships, including the Stratocore PPMS software, user access and agreements, infrastructure and equipment records, service agreements, websites and online profiles, user committees, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Lead engagement, reporting and workforce activities for the core facilities, including staff recruitment and performance processes, annual reporting and impact measurement, research technology seminars and outreach, grant support, and collaboration with faculty, researchers, leadership and other University units to advance the strategic direction of the facilities.

Provide financial leadership for the FoMD Core Research Facilities to ensure optimal and appropriate use of limited resources

• Lead financial planning and oversight for the FoMD Research Core Facilities, including multi-year budgets and forecasts, funding sources, endowments, CFI Infrastructure Operating Fund awards, financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll, internal controls and compliance.
• Oversee billing and revenue management, including high-volume internal and external billing, account receivables, user fee development and annual market benchmarking, and implementation and maintenance of facility rates in PPMS.
• Lead infrastructure financial and procurement activities, including capital planning, identification of matching funds, procurement and competitive bidding processes, operational purchasing, equipment and software agreements, and recommendations regarding infrastructure acquisition, renewal and replacement.

Provide input in the FoMD CFI application and review processes

• Support Faculty infrastructure planning and funding activities, including CFI submission processes, proposal development, infrastructure sustainability planning, and internal review processes.
• Facilitate collaboration between researchers and core facilities to identify and address infrastructure needs and priorities.

Contribute to the FoMD safety culture

• Oversee health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance across the core facilities, including staff certifications, hazard assessments and ARISE laboratory registrations.
• Represent the core facilities on the FoMD HSE Committee and support ongoing health and safety requirements.

Education

• MSc, PhD preferred
• Research experience preferred

Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in a managerial capacity
• Broad scientific knowledge and experience in a wide range of skills, applications and techniques
• Experience developing strategies and in report writing

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Financial management, analysis and reporting skills
• Superior writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of administrative structures, policies and procedures within the University of Alberta
• Knowledge of University of Alberta systems (e.g., PeopleSoft and SupplyNet)
• Strong problem-solving skills and strong critical and analytical abilities Strong interpersonal skills in order to provide advice and direction, and the establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships that contribute to resolving complex, sensitive and confidential issues
• Thorough knowledge of the challenges facing researchers and an understanding of the Faculty’s business culture
• Able to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills needed to present financial results, budget scenarios and recommendations that result in operational efficiencies, process change, etc.
• Superior computer skills including expertise using Microsoft Office applications and PeopleSoft

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $75,585 to $125,973.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.