Research Grants Administrator

Integrated Discovery & Informatics              ·           Toronto, Ontario             ·          Full time

Make a difference in brain research and innovation in Ontario  

The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially‐funded, not‐for‐profit initiative seeking to maximize the impact of neuroscience and establish Ontario as a world leader in brain discovery, commercialization and care. Convergent partnerships are created between researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to foster discovery and deliver innovative products and services that improve the lives of those living with brain disorders.  

The OBI is passionate about the outcomes of its work, the people and organizations it partners with, and the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future. Its members are united in the common goal to improve brain health. The culture is fast-paced, challenging and rewarding.  

If you are interested in joining the OBI team, please check out the employment opportunities at: http://www.braininstitute.ca/opportunities 

Research Grants Administrator – 1 position

Ontario Brain Institute is seeking a Research Grants Administrator to support OBI’s Research team by leading both daily operational activities and long-term/scenario planning. This role will report to the Manager, Research Programs and work closely with the Research Administration Coordinator and Contracts Management Specialist, while liaising and collaborating across the larger OBI team and external stakeholders.

The Research Grants Administrator supports the overall performance of research portfolio activities, including:

• Working collaboratively across OBI to advance launching and management of new research programs.
• Working across research programs to inform operations and cultivate relationships.
• Monitoring program progress via milestone, financial and metrics reporting.
• Liaising with OBI’s Knowledge Translation team to inform and evaluate IDP performance.
• Liaising with OBI’s Operations team to inform contracts and disbursements via operations-led fund management platform, SmartSimple.
• Informing and facilitating review and execution of research programs’ annual plans, as well as respective reporting.
• Developing recommendations on approaches to advisory functions for OBI’s research programs.
• Leading logistics of annual IDP workshops content and goals.

The Research Grants Administrator facilitates cross-program alignment and interactions, including:

• Working with Research Administration Coordinator and teams across OBI to help bring research programs together to facilitate cross-collaborations.
• Planning cross-program events to share learnings and showcase capacity.
• Developing plans for and leading cross-program studies and cross-program data sharing.

The role also supports daily research team operations, including:

• Informing and assisting with team meeting agenda.
• Participating in active planning and discussions.
• Liaising  with other OBI teams to support project-based activities (e.g., working with teams on success stories content, etc.).
• Providing back-up to the Contracts Management Specialist function, when required.

The ideal candidate brings to the role:

• 3+ years’ experience in research program administration, grants administration, project management and network/consortia management, in a research and academic environment.
• Graduate degree, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Firm knowledge of Ontario’s neuroscience landscape.
• Experience with research activities, tracking, and evaluation of performance metrics.
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to establish solid working relationships with external partners and colleagues.
• Solid understanding of the integrated discovery approach toward impact, working across teams and stakeholder groups to achieve agreed-upon deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating activities across teams, including scheduling meetings, taking notes, reporting on progress and action items.
• Flexibility and resilience to respond to tight deadlines, competing priorities, and communicate in difficult situations.
• Ability to be proactive, prioritize, manage large amounts of information, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and excellent communication skills are necessary.
• Contracts management experience, an asset.

How to apply:

We are a diverse, highly energized, passionate, professional and committed team. We offer an exciting workplace with many opportunities for learning. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume, no later than July 16, 2023. 

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

Ontario Brain Institute is committed to providing accommodations for applicants at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process in accordance with Ontario Brain Institute policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to provide appropriate accommodations.

The Ontario Brain Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation funded in part by the Government of Ontario.

Please click here to apply.