Research Partnerships Officer - Limited Term

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 89,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Tech University seeks a Research Partnerships Officer to cultivate partnerships with external organizations. This role involves facilitating funding proposals, contract negotiations, and outreach, contributing to a dynamic learning environment for students.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in business development or R&D.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for external partnerships.
• Facilitate development of partnered funding proposals.
• Support post-award administration of partnership agreements.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Project Management

Education

Master’s degree in science, engineering, information technology

Job description

Research Partnerships Officer - Limited Term

Tracking Code:req1565

Faculty/Department:Office of VP, Research and Innovation

Number of Positions:1

Appointment Type:Limited Term

Hours of Work: hours per week

Salary Range:Level 10- Starting Salary, Step 1$89,358

Posting Date:May 13, 2025

Closing Date:May 27, 2025(7:00 pm EST)

Job Summary:

Ontario Tech University is hiring a Research Partnerships Officer, reporting to the Manager, Research Partnerships, to fulfill our mandate of cultivating research partnerships with innovative external organizations to stimulate and enhance the local community and to create a dynamic learning environment for graduate students and trainees. We are looking for someone who is motivated by a fast-paced, collaborative, entrepreneurial, inclusive work environment and who enjoys being part of a team. The position will be responsible for facilitating the building of research activities, assisting with partnered funding proposals, contract negotiations, and industry partnership outreach.

Responsibilities/accountabilities:

• Develop and implement an ongoing strategy for the identification, cultivation and stewardship of external partners in support of all Faculties at Ontario Tech, with a primary focus on engineering, the applied sciences, technological innovation, and information technology
• Pro-actively target sectors or organizations where there is high potential for funded research
• Work closely with faculty members to connect research interests to external partner interests and needs
• Facilitate the development of partnered funding proposals (e.g. Mitacs) including coordinating the participation of external partners, finalizing the proposal submission and securing the appropriate partnership agreements
• Support the post-award administration of partnership agreements and partnered funding
• Lead information gathering on research projects, which includes identification of intellectual property and rights of use for the parties involved
• Initiate the negotiation of the terms and conditions of research contracts
• Coordinate and deliver presentations to potential partners and at events to advance the visibility and research profile of the University
• Facilitate research communication and knowledge mobilization activities
• Collaborate with team members in the other areas of the Office of Research Services (Grant Officers, Intellectual Property Officer, Legal Counsel, etc.) as well as other departments in the University (Advancement, Career Services, External Relations, etc.) to support the Faculties
• Assist in the maintenance of the research partnerships website and communication materials
• Undertake special projects being led by the Office of Research Services or Office of Vice-President Research and Innovation

Required Skills:

• Outgoing personality with the ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work autonomously
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a strong ability to convey complex information in a variety of formats
• Knowledge of the university research environment, including federal and provincial R&D funding agency programs and policies
• Knowledge of IP commercialization practices and licensing
• Understanding of legal agreements including but not limited to NDAs, MTAs, research contracts, and technology licenses
• Demonstrated proactive leadership skills, strong project- and time-management skills
• Ability to understand and promote the research aspirations of university faculty members and to balance the sometimes conflicting requirements of external partners and institutional priorities and policies

Required Education:

• A minimum Master’s degree in science, engineering, information technology or related field strongly preferred
• A combination of education and experience may be considered

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in business development, R&D in a public or private organization; Direct experience in a university would be an asset
• Proven relationship management and project management experience
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and agreements
• Demonstrated ability to understand concepts of intellectual property in the academic environment
• Experience preparing and reviewing partnered funding proposals
• Familiarity with an academic research environment
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepteduntil May 27, 2025or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU. To the extent that policies are not included in the collective agreement, employment will also be governed by the university’s policies which may also be found on our websitehttps://ontariotechu.caand which may be amended from time-to-time.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contactJulie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist.For more informationabout the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’sAccessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of theMississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location:Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date:8/1/2025

Expected End Date:2/28/2027