Further to the renewal of our partnership with the federal government and an accelerated fundraising program, Brain Canada is seeking to expand our Programs team with energetic, enterprising professionals who will be central to running a national, world-class research program.

Position Summary

In close collaboration with other members of the Brain Canada team, the Program Manager works on both the pre-award and post-award processes for a portfolio of research programs and projects. Specifically, the Program Manager is one of the main points of contact at Brain Canada for funded researchers/project teams and is responsible for monitoring projects to assess progress and maximize outcomes. Responsibilities also include launching competitions and coordinating the peer review processes of different funding programs. Located in Montreal, they report to the Senior Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the preparation, launching and administration of Requests for Applications (RFAs):
• drafting the RFAs in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager;
• drafting the RFAs in collaboration with the Senior Program Manager;
  ensuring applicants receive appropriate instructions, support and answers to enquiries.
• Coordinate the peer review process:
• maintaining a database of potential reviewers and chairs; soliciting and coordinating input;
• ensuring the reviewers and chairs are well briefed and supported;
• ensuring seamless logistics of the review meetings and that the panel discussions are well documented.
  • Prepare the notifications of conditional awards:
  • ensuring relevant policies are followed;
  • coordinating with colleagues and, as appropriate, partners, on notifications.
  • Manage a portfolio of funded projects:
  • launching new research projects by facilitating project start-up activities, including revisions of project agreements and budgets;
  • monitoring projects’ scientific and financial progress to ensure that all goals and milestones are completed on time and on budget;
  • critically assessing risks, outcomes and anticipated future impact;
  • ensuring all documentation is properly archived and updated for programs/projects in portfolio;
  • collecting data and producing reports on project/program outcomes for different internal and external stakeholders and funders;
  • coordinating the process to close out projects after completion;
  • fostering relationships, facilitating meetings, and communicating effectively with project teams, the host institutions and other partners;
  • working closely with project teams to assist with problem solving, risk management and collaborations;
  • coordinating with other Brain Canada departments to assist with project-related legal, finance, communications and knowledge translation matters;
  • assisting with networking, partnership development and profile building when requested;
  • other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD with research experience in the neurosciences, mental health or a related biomedical, social or behavioural area.
• Experience and proven expertise in process and project management.
• Experience working in a research funding organization or in an administrative capacity in a research performing organization, and knowledge of running research competitions, including the peer review process.
• Good broad knowledge of the methods, approaches and limitations of research.
• An appreciation for and understanding of the roles that biomedical, clinical, translational, health services, and population health research together play in moving research discovery to products, practices, and policies that improve the lives of Canadians.

Key Skills And Attitudes

• Mastery of database, project management and office software;
• Positive attitude, highly motivated, and team player;
• Extremely well organized and diligent;
• Superior attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to deal calmly and effectively with dissatisfied individuals on occasion;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English, with French an asset
• ability to create clear policies, requests for applications, and responses to enquiries;
• ability to communicate brain research in lay terms;
• Problem-solving skills and creativity;
• Good judgment and discretion;
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision and clerical support;
• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and cope with rapidly changing scenarios;
• Ability to work outside normal office hours as needed, and to travel occasionally.

Priority will be given to candidates that can work in both official languages.

Brain Canada is an equal opportunity employer that offers a dynamic work environment and attractive compensation and benefits.

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to click apply. We thank you for your interest in joining our team. That being said, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as they will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The application deadline is December 5, 2019.

Please click here to apply.