Research Partnership Officer

Job Responsibility:

Please submit your application through the following link:

Please note: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with benefits.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship, the Research Partnerships Officer is responsible for creating, promoting, fostering, and facilitating sponsored, applied, and partnered research opportunities for Brock researchers. The incumbent cultivates relationships between the University and industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, or community partners to engage partners in the process for establishing sponsored research contracts or obtaining funding to support Brock research projects. The Research Officer works in a highly collaborative team environment to advance research opportunities and applications.

The Research Partnerships Officer will:

• Lead and support the entire application process for research grants and partnerships, from initial concept to submission;
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to facilitate submission and post-award activities;
• Actively seek and create opportunities for sponsored research by bridging connections between Brock faculty and potential external partners;
• Partner with Brock researchers and external organizations to design research projects, tailoring funding arrangements to fit each initiative;
• Prepare, provide technical review, and write grant applications, ensuring compliance with grant specifications;
• Clearly communicate funding criteria to researchers and partners, ensuring proposals meet the necessary requirements for success;
• Analyze complex research guidelines and advise researchers on appropriate funding opportunities, minimizing risks and aligning with institutional goals;
• Support and foster relationships with potential new research partners, including industry leaders, community organizations, industry partners, SMEs, non-profits, and community groups, to promoting applied research opportunities with Brock researchers;
• Assess, research, establish an understanding of, and document Brock University's research capabilities and expertise, strengths, areas of specialization, and the facilities available;
• Engage with Brock researchers, offering support and guidance to align their individual expertise and interests with broader university initiatives and external partnership opportunities;
• Maintain the processes and structure for partnerships project management, including file management, updating SOPs, templates, resources, etc.
• Provide project management support for IP and commercialization projects, including file management, recordkeeping, and meeting IP deadlines.
• Collaborate with communications colleagues to support strategic communications that effectively highlights Brock's research achievements, ongoing projects, and future opportunities;
• Actively seek and promote internal and external research funding opportunities, crucial for the strategic advancement of the University, its researchers, and their partners.

Please note: Travel will be required for business development activity, conferences, and community events. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or relevant related discipline;
• Valid G class driver's license with an acceptable drivers' abstract;
• Relevant experience in a Technology Transfer Office, Research Services Office, accelerator/incubator, research institute, private sector research organization, research funding organization;
• Experience in a research-intensive setting with proven success writing grants and/or funding applications;
• Good understanding of the process of research at universities or postsecondary institutions;
• Good knowledge of different academic disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities, and etc.); the incumbent is expected to serve all of Brock's faculties (School of Business, Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Applied Health Sciences, Mathematics and Science, and Fine and Performing Arts) and the departments within those faculties;
• Project management experience with an ability to manage effectively multiple projects with competing priorities;
• Work effectively with staff, faculty, students and partner stakeholders at all levels of the organizations;
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with sensitive and confidential information;
• Strong computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, web applications and web maintenance, social media, internet search engines;
• Extreme accuracy and attention to detail;
• Negotiation skills to facilitate finding common ground and acceptable resolutions;
• Excellent customer service skills with an ability to respond quickly to meet client needs and resolve problems;
• Ability to keep up to date with current and emerging research practices, legislation, internal policies, procedures and practices.

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• PhD in STEM or related relevant field;
• Experience with performing or directing research in an academic or postsecondary environment; or experience with performing or directing research in an industrial setting;
• Experience in reviewing legal documents and contracts.

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade L, Salary Scale ($66,817-$108,353);
• Target Hiring Range: $70,000-$75,000
• This is a fixed-term contract that includes:
• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

Job Type: Fixed term contractContract length: 12 months

Pay: $70,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Thorold, ON L2V 4E6

Application deadline: 2025-06-17