The Knowledge Translation Program (KTP) is currently looking for a
Research Program Manager (RPM) to join our dynamic team in a full-time (
1.0 FTE) hybrid position. The RPM will work primarily with the Knowledge Synthesis (KS) Team. The KS Team performs systematic reviews, as well as other types of evidence syntheses, on a variety of topics including drug safety and effectiveness, complex interventions, precision and accuracy of diagnostic tests and medical education amongst others. Reporting to KS Director and Scientist Dr. Andrea Tricco and the Director of Program Development and KT Operations, the RPM's primary responsibility is to develop, improve, and sustain the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the KS team.
This position encompasses the overall responsibility for the development and implementation of strategies and standard operating procedures used in the conduct of KS research, development and implementation of new KS research projects and service contracts, and oversight of KS team project load, finance activities, administration, and human resources. The RPM also leads the advancement of project platforms, policies and procedures, and develops and maintains successful partnerships with external interest holders. This position must be flexible to work beyond the job description at times, as work demands.
Duties & ResponsibilitiesManagerial Tasks (65% of work time)- Manages, supervises, recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates research assistants, research coordinators, students, and other staff, in consultation with the Principal Investigator (PI)
- Participates in the contract review process (reviewing of all legal documents, including data sharing agreements, subaward agreements, and other research agreements) and negotiates terms including scope, timelines, and fees with outside parties
- Oversees workload of team and execution of research projects, including staffing and resource allocation, and ensuring timelines/milestones are met
- Develops, maintains, and/or authorizes budgets, salary recoveries, payment schedules, and creation/updates of financial reporting.
- Oversees and manages project-level and KS finances, including forecasting revenue and expenses, ensuring accurate spending and recoveries, and financial reporting
- Responsible for staff contract renewals, job change/status requests, etc.
- Ensures regulatory compliance of all activities and facilities in the program.
- Actively promotes and addresses issues regarding inclusion, equity and diversity in the workplace.
- Represents the PI in meetings, negotiations, and projects when the PI is not available
- Builds and manages relationships with funders and external knowledge user partners, such as patient and public partners, clinicians, policy makers
- Develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards for the KS team, and collaborates with other managers/leaders on KTP-level policies, procedures, and standards
- Plans the long-term strategy and project management for the KS team (projects, timelines, staffing, and resource needs), including evaluating current staffing positions/levels, and recommending and/or revising position mix and job descriptions to match the needs of the research team.
Research Activities (25% of work time)- In collaboration with the PI, helps initiate, support, review, and/or develop research proposals and protocols, including collaborating with the Research Contracts department, and clarifying details/deliverables as needed
- Oversees the grant application/administration process, including proposal writing, establishing partnerships, preparing budgets, and REB approvals and privacy agreements
- Provides input on and supervises research design and analysis of study data, including assisting with planning, execution, statistical analysis, and interpretation
- Conducts administrative and technical research, and contributes to publications, presentations, posters, manuscript preparation, and KT products
- Keeps up to date with politics/ministry directives/policies to anticipate changes to the program (e.g., funding, budgets, research priorities).
- Chairs research program meetings.
Administrative Duties (10% of work time)- Oversees and coordinates as needed data management using the relevant research methodology while properly handling all research material
- Responsible for confidentiality, and data security of information and records in accordance with standards of ethics and principles of regulatory bodies
- Oversees research study budgets and payment schedules, including advising Research Finance on expense allocation and financial reporting
- Reviews and approves payroll reports
- Ensures staffing is maintained at efficient and optimal levels (including daily, vacation, and sick time coverage)
- Facilitates procurement of services and supplies related to research projects.
Performs cross-functional across the Knowledge Translation Program, and other duties as assigned and/or requested.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills- Master's degree in a related discipline with minimum 5 years relevant experience and 2 years in a leadership role, or demonstrable equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with leading the conduct of knowledge synthesis, required.
- Excellent communication (verbal/written) and strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to adapt styles to meet the needs of diverse groups are required.
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects in a timely manner and flexibility to adapt to changing workload.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Professionalism and self-motivation.
- Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
- Commitment to team-based science and a growth mindset.
- GCP and TCPS 2 (completed within first 2 weeks of hire)
- Project Management certification is an asset.
- Experience in overseeing the strategic development and implementation of large research programs.
- Experience managing staff including delegation of tasks, developmental conversations, and performance management.
- Familiarity with research budgeting, contract negotiation (and applicable language), REB
- Experience with developing and managing research grants from local, national, and international funding sources is an asset.
- Knowledge Translation experience, including plain language writing skills required.
- Familiarity with privacy legislation (such as PIPEDA) is an asset
- Proficient with MS365 software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
- Familiarity with evidence synthesis software (i.e., DistillerSR) is an asset
- Advanced exceptional human resource management skills, and demonstrated ability to lead a hybrid team are required
- Proficient in building relationships with internal and external knowledge users, including patient partners and funders
