Lead, Research Contracts & Partnerships

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University is seeking a Research Contracts and Agreements Manager within the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation. The role focuses on developing, negotiating and managing research agreements that enable collaborations across academia, industry, government and community.

You will advise researchers on sponsor requirements and institutional policies while ensuring compliance, protecting the university's interests and supporting TMU's innovative research

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in law, business, public administration or a related field.
• Five (5) years of experience with contract and agreement management.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements, preferably within a university, research institution, or innovation-driven organization.
• Experience managing staff.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property principles, including ownership, inventorship, licensing, and commercialization pathways.
• Strong familiarity with Canadian research funding frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., Tri-Agency, Mitacs).
• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.

Responsibilities

• In the highly collaborative role, lead the development, negotiation, administration, and oversight of research agreements that support the university's scholarly, research, and creative activities.
• Partner with faculty members, researchers, industry leaders, funding agencies, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders to align diverse organizations around a shared vision while balancing opportunity with sound risk management.
• Provide guidance on research contracts, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies to help researchers navigate complex partnerships and protect the university's interests.
• Contribute to process improvements and strengthen contract management practices, enhancing systems and tools for collaboration across the research ecosystem.

Education

Post-secondary degree in law, business, public administration or related field

Job description

Toronto Metropolitan University is seeking a Research Contracts and Agreements Manager within the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation. The role focuses on developing, negotiating and managing research agreements that enable collaborations across academia, industry, government and community.

You will advise researchers on sponsor requirements and institutional policies while ensuring compliance, protecting the university's interests and supporting TMU's innovative research