Manager, Core Research Facilities

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 76,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Manager, Core Research Facilities to lead seven core facilities in the FoMD. Hybrid work with in-person duties at North Campus Edmonton; focuses on strategic direction, budgeting, and operations to support researchers.

Responsibilities include financial leadership, procurement, user committees, and governance across facilities, with extensive collaboration across University units and external partners to maximize impact and ensure sustainable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD preferred; research experience preferred.
• Minimum five years of managerial experience.
• Broad scientific knowledge across skills, applications and techniques.
• Experience developing strategies and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for FoMD Core Facilities, including financial planning and HR.
• Oversee core facility systems, services and stakeholder relationships (PPMS, access, records, service agreements).
• Lead engagement, reporting and workforce activities including recruitment and annual reporting.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

PeopleSoft

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSc or PhD preferred

Tools

Stratocore PPMS

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location

This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Reporting to the Vice-Dean, Research (Basic), the Manager, Core Research Facilities is responsible for the administration of seven core research facilities in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD). Centralized core facilities provide access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, software and/or expertise and allows for an efficient mechanism to operate and maintain the associated infrastructure. Continued access to the latest technology maintained by highly skilled personnel is essential for Faculty members to remain competitive and for trainee development.

The Manager develops policies and implements overall operational strategies for the core facilities. The Manager works with the Finance Service Partner to develop effective financial processes and to resolve financial issues. The Manager provides financial leadership to ensure optimal and appropriate use of limited resources to meet researchers’ needs, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to funding agencies, donors and the Faculty; the annual operating budget for the core facilities is approximately $2 million. The Manager also oversees infrastructure acquisition and maintenance, including purchasing, inventory, and timely renewal of service contracts. The Manager is a member of and coordinates core facility user committees, including preparation of terms of reference, agendas, reports and minutes, and meeting scheduling. The Manager also updates core facilities websites and online profiles [Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Research Facilities Navigator and The Core Marketplace to ensure accurate information is presented. When necessary, the Manager liaises with the Office of the Vice President (Research and Innovation); the Research Services Office (RSO); Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE); Financial Services; Risk Management; outside vendors; off-campus clients; other faculties; as well as various Institutes and Centres that have their own research core facilities. Under the direction of the Vice-Dean, Research (Basic), the Manager sets the strategic direction for the FoMD core research facilities. The Manager collects data on these facilities, including funding, usage, publications, and grant support, to measure research impact. The Manager is also involved in the FoMD CFI application and review processes, including providing support to researchers, providing input to internal review committees, and contributing to proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the FoMD Research Core Facilities, including financial and business planning, human resources, policies and procedures, infrastructure planning, space utilization, risk and compliance, and continuous operational improvement.
• Oversee core facility systems, services and stakeholder relationships, including the Stratocore PPMS software, user access and agreements, infrastructure and equipment records, service agreements, websites and online profiles, user committees, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Lead engagement, reporting and workforce activities for the core facilities, including staff recruitment and performance processes, annual reporting and impact measurement, research technology seminars and outreach, grant support, and collaboration with faculty, researchers, leadership and other University units to advance the strategic direction of the facilities.

Provide financial leadership for the FoMD Core Research Facilities to ensure optimal and appropriate use of limited resources.

• Lead financial planning and oversight for the FoMD Research Core Facilities, including multi-year budgets and forecasts, funding sources, endowments, CFI Infrastructure Operating Fund awards, financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll, internal controls and compliance.
• Oversee billing and revenue management, including high-volume internal and external billing, account receivables, user fee development and annual market benchmarking, and implementation and maintenance of facility rates in PPMS.
• Lead infrastructure financial and procurement activities, including capital planning, identification of matching funds, procurement and competitive bidding processes, operational purchasing, equipment and software agreements, and recommendations regarding infrastructure acquisition, renewal and replacement.

Provide input in the FoMD CFI application and review processes.

• Support Faculty infrastructure planning and funding activities, including CFI submission processes, proposal development, infrastructure sustainability planning, and internal review processes.
• Facilitate collaboration between researchers and core facilities to identify and address infrastructure needs and priorities.

Safety Culture

• Oversee health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance across the core facilities, including staff certifications, hazard assessments and ARISE laboratory registrations.
• Represent the core facilities on the FoMD HSE Committee and support ongoing health and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• MSc, PhD preferred
• Research experience preferred

Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in a managerial capacity
• Broad scientific knowledge and experience in a wide range of skills, applications and techniques
• Experience developing strategies and in report writing

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Financial management, analysis and reporting skills
• Superior writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of administrative structures, policies and procedures within the University of Alberta
• Knowledge of University of Alberta systems (e.g., PeopleSoft and SupplyNet)
• Strong problem-solving skills and strong critical and analytical abilities Strong interpersonal skills in order to provide advice and direction, and the establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships that contribute to resolving complex, sensitive and confidential issues
• Thorough knowledge of the challenges facing researchers and an understanding of the Faculty’s business culture
• Able to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills needed to present financial results, budget scenarios and recommendations that result in operational efficiencies, process change, etc.
• Superior computer skills including expertise using Microsoft Office applications and PeopleSoft

This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $75,585 to $125,973.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.