Project Manager

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Project Manager to oversee grant-funded initiatives in the Department of Microbiology. Responsibilities include managing projects, coordinating with stakeholders, and facilitating communications. Ideal candidates will have a background in environmental science, strong project management skills, and a commitment to equity and diversity. This role offers an engaging work environment with opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience in grant writing and research innovation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of grant-funded initiatives.
• Facilitate meetings and communications across various collaborators.
• Manage finances and prepare regular outcome reports.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Stakeholder Collaboration

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

MSc in environmental science or related field

Tools

R

Python

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: M&P - AAPS

Job Profile: AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A

Job Title: Project Manager

Department: Research | Hallam | Department of Microbiology | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range: $5,365.42 - $7,709.92 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date: November 23, 2025

Job End Date: December 31, 2026

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

Job Summary

The Hallam Lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia is in search of a Project Manager to oversee a portfolio of grant funded initiatives. The Lab is a highly interdisciplinary collection of researchers that combine microbial ecology, molecular biology, biological engineering, genomics and bioinformatics to convert basic science insights into biotechnology innovations. Our diverse research expertise has enabled us to engage with many use partners and stakeholders resulting in several initiatives related to microbial biotechnology innovation including the MCELLs research cluster, a biomining initiative in collaboration with the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials, and several other sponsored projects related to engineered living materials. A Project Manager is needed to help administer these initiatives, coordinate activities among and between projects and LSI core facilities, manage finances, plan meetings, workshops, and conferences, draft meeting notes and presentations, evaluate project scoping, prepare regular outcome reports, and conduct other knowledge management activities.

Organizational Status

The Project Manager will report directly to Prof. Steven Hallam and work as part of a collaborative team consisting of other senior research staff and highly qualified personnel within the Hallam Lab.

Work Performed

• Facilitate meetings and communications across academic, industry, and government collaborators, including preparing presentations and detailed reports.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of small (20 persons) to medium (100 persons) meetings and workshops.
• Oversee procurement, budgets, and administrative tasks to ensure efficient project execution.
• Assist in developing strategic direction and trainee engagement of collaborative research clusters.
• Develop and implement knowledge management initiatives needed to maintain continuity of research effort in the lab, including documentation and proposal writing.
• Develop progress reports related to funded research projects and ensure milestones and deliverables are proceeding in a satisfactory manner.
• Maintain and update web platforms to enhance research dissemination and engagement.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

A high degree of organization, good judgment, integrity and attention to detail is required in making appropriate decisions, including those involving sample chain of custody, financial and human resource issues. Errors in judgment or decisions may negatively impact trainees, financial, and operational activities of the project. Errors in judgment may negatively impact the reputation of the project and the University.

Supervision Received

The successful candidate needs to be a self‑motivated cooperator with exceptional problem‑solving and multi‑tasking powers, operating within established UBC policies and procedures. Sets own priorities in consultation with Prof. Hallam.

Supervision Given

Coordinates a team of senior staff and highly qualified personnel within the context of a research cluster and the Hallam lab. Consults with project management teams and user partners from the public and private sectors on collaborative research projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in environmental science, microbiology, or related fields (MSc preferred).
• Certification in Project Management or equivalent experience managing complex, interdisciplinary projects.
• Data wrangling skills including proficiency in R, Python, or other relevant coding languages used for statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Proven experience in stakeholder collaboration and strategic communication, particularly with industry and academia.
• Familiarity with grant writing, research innovation, Canadian patent application landscape, and event planning.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with a passion for sustainability and ecological health.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is highly motivated and brings experience in environmental research, project coordination, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Candidates with expertise in microbial ecology, scientific communication, and knowledge dissemination as well as an understanding of intellectual property and experience fostering academic‑industry partnerships will excel in this position. The candidate should be comfortable with information management systems, spreadsheets, word processing, grant and report writing, data wrangling and analysis, basic graphic design and website development. The candidate should be able to multi‑task and manage multiple projects simultaneously and should be able to manage competing deadlines and forecast upcoming responsibilities. Experience with data‑driven problem solving, visual analysis, and entrepreneurship is considered a plus. The position requires exceptional communication skills working across multiple research and training levels and a high level of initiative, drive, and personal responsibility.

Employment Equity Statement

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.