Research Grants Officer

Simon Fraser University; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8%vac pay

Extended health & dental plans

Professional development funds

Hybrid-work program

Job summary

Simon Fraser University is seeking a Research Grants Officer to liaise with external funders, faculty and a grants team. The officer manages external grant submissions, authorizes awards, and handles account setup and grant transfers, ensuring accuracy and compliance across the full grant lifecycle.

The role requires a Master's degree with 3+ years in research administration, knowledge of SFU policies, and familiarity with funding agency guidelines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree plus three years of related experience in research administration.
• Strong knowledge of SFU policies governing research matters.
• Familiarity with government/private funding agency policies and research grant guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison with external funders, faculty and a grants team on new and existing research grants.
• Manage external grant submission processes, sign, submit and accept proposals and awards on behalf of SFU.
• Interpret requirements, consult with stakeholders and ensure compliance across the full lifecycle of grants.

Education

Master's degree + 3 years experience in research administration

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Research Services (ORS) at Simon Fraser University supports researchers throughout the research lifecycle by providing expertise in research funding, research grant and contract administration, compliance, and the management of internal granting awards. ORS helps faculty and research staff determine eligibility for funding opportunities, submit proposals to funders, review and accept grants, negotiate research agreements, and ensure compliance with university and sponsor requirements. Through these services, ORS strengthens SFU's research capacity and enables high-quality, impactful research.

About the Role

The Research Grants Officer (RGO) acts as a liaison between and works directly with external funders, faculty members and a team of specialists on all new and existing research grants by managing the external grant submission process and authorizing awards on behalf of the university, which includes reviewing, signing, submitting, and accepting proposals and awards. The RGO authorizes account setup and signs grant transfer agreements when money is sent to external parties. The Officer is responsible for interpreting requirements, consulting with stakeholders to address deficiencies and ensuring that all eligibility, compliance, and change management activities related to the full lifecycle of research grants in any discipline are addressed with high accuracy and efficiency in all grants from a few thousand to a few million dollars in value. The role serves as a subject matter expert and provides consulting, troubleshooting and training for all grant-related matters; and regularly creates and updates processes and related training materials to ensure SFU's externally and internally funded grant portfolio is managed according to the highest standards.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Science, Applied Science, Social Sciences, or Business discipline and three years of related experience in research administration in a post-secondary institution, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Excellent knowledge of SFU policies and procedures governing research matters.
• Up to date knowledge of all Canadian and international governmental and private funding agencies’ research policies, rules, regulations, and best practices.
• Specialized and detailed knowledge of research funding requirements and guidelines within portfolio.
• Excellent knowledge of various research contract procedures such as sub-grant agreements, as well as no-cost and with funds extensions, termination agreements and other amendments.
• Excellent knowledge of the full research lifecycle.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is March 2, 2027.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].