About the Role

Queen’s Health Sciences is seeking a Research Projects Advisor to provide strategic support and expert guidance on large grant applications. Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, this role supports SEAMO faculty members and research teams by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening grant proposals, and helping increase the success rate of funded projects across Queen’s Health Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice to researchers and research teams on internal and external grant applications.
• Review, draft, edit, and support submission of funding proposals.
• Offer detailed feedback on the quality, content, and style of grant applications.
• Act as project manager for grant application flow and related activities.
• Prepare reports, funding plans, and data analysis to support strategic initiatives.
• Consult with researchers to understand plans, strengths, and funding needs.
• Serve as a liaison with funding bodies, sponsors, institutions, governments, and community partners.
• Prepare and review communications and letters of support.
• Identify and monitor relevant funding opportunities.
• Support mentorship programs for early and mid-career researchers.
• Help build new research teams around identified funding opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase participation and success in funding competitions.
• Interpret funding guidelines and policies in collaboration with agency and institutional representatives.
• Plan and organize workshops, training sessions, and information events.
• Develop instructional and support resources.
• Manage grant application timelines and ensure submissions are completed on time.
• Monitor completion of work tasks by casual employees, collaborators, and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external funding policies and processes.
• Maintain current knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulatory structures.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years of experience, preferably in competitive research funding applications or research funding advising.
• Experience advising clinical researchers on funding proposals and academic writing.
• Experience interpreting and advising on funding-related policies, procedures, and regulatory structures, particularly Tri-agency funded research.
• Project planning and management experience is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Special Skills

• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, consultation, and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt messaging for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Superior writing and editing skills, with strong attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Ability to monitor trends in the research funding environment.
• Independent problem-solving skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a complex environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and webinar/teleconferencing tools.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respectful collaboration.

Decision-Making Responsibilities

• Make independent decisions on research-related matters.
• Ensure documentation meets university, QHS Research, and funding agency requirements.
• Recommend changes to improve competitiveness of proposals.
• Provide expert guidance on complex or potentially contentious issues.
• Support planning and coordination of faculty research programs and projects.
• Develop long-term plans and measurable targets involving a range of stakeholders.
• Assess risks and use relevant data to inform decisions.
• Lead meetings, project plans, and procedural or technological change initiatives.

About Queen’s University

Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, offering a dynamic and diverse employment experience across a wide range of fields. Queen’s is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and welcomes applications from individuals from equity-seeking groups.

Employment Equity and Accessibility

Queen’s University encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including Black and racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides accommodation throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Candidates requiring accommodation are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.

Additional Information

Prior to May 1, 2022, Queen’s University required students, faculty, staff, visitors, and contractors to declare COVID-19 vaccination status. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but may be reinstated at any time.