Research Operations Coordinator

Simon Fraser University; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks vacation

Hybrid-work program

Pension plan

Tuition waiver

Tuition reimbursements and PD funds

Equity and inclusion initiatives

Job summary

Simon Fraser University in Surrey invites applications for a Research Operations Coordinator. This role provides essential administrative and financial coordination to support SFU’s School of Medicine research activities, handling grant administration, budgeting, ethics submissions, and reporting with internal and external partners.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing competing priorities while ensuring compliance and clear communications with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and three years of experience in research coordination or administration.
• Experience coordinating research grants/projects, including post-award administration, reporting and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, expenditure tracking, account reconciliation and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate grant and project administration, including budget monitoring and financial tracking.
• Prepare reconciliation, expenditures, reporting, and documentation for funders and internal teams.
• Manage ethics submissions, approvals, and deadlines; ensure compliance with institutional and funder requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, track milestones, and support funding applications and related communications.
• Strengthen administrative processes and reporting systems to support efficient research operations.

Skills

Research administration

Budget management

Ethics & regulatory compliance

Project coordination

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

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.

In the School of Medicine, we are committed to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. As we embark on this journey to redefine medical education, we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.

We envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care, community-level settings and patient-centred environments. Our curriculum considers social, environmental and prevention contexts while seeking to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices. As we establish the School of Medicine in Surrey, B.C., we will foster our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners who will help us meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve. We seek to improve access to primary care throughout the province while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented toward measurable and socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The Research Operations Coordinator provides essential administrative and financial coordination to support research activities within SFU’s Stephens Family School of Medicine. The role is responsible for coordinating grant and project administration, including budget monitoring, financial tracking and reconciliation, expenditures, reporting, documentation, ethics submissions, approvals, and deadlines. The Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for faculty and researchers, liaising with Research Accounting, Research Services, Finance, Research Ethics, external funders, and other partners to resolve issues and ensure compliance with institutional and funding requirements. The role will also coordinate project timelines, maintain accurate records, track milestones, support administrative aspects of funding applications, and assist with research-related communications and documentation. As the School of Medicine continues to expand its research portfolio, the Coordinator will contribute to strengthening administrative processes, improving tracking and reporting systems, and supporting efficient, consistent and culturally safe research operations.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented and proactive professional with experience in research administration, grant management, financial tracking and compliance. They should bring strong knowledge of research ethics, post-award administration, budgeting, reconciliation and regulatory requirements, along with excellent project coordination and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and relationship-building abilities are essential to effectively support faculty, researchers, learners, internal teams and external funders. The candidate should demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, diplomacy and the ability to interpret and apply policies. An understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty and culturally safe research practices is an asset. The ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines and identify process improvements will be critical to success.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and three years of experience in research coordination or administration, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Research Administration & Grant Management – Experience coordinating research grants/projects, including post-award administration, reporting and compliance.
• Financial & Budget Management – Strong knowledge of budgeting, expenditure tracking, account reconciliation and financial reporting.
• Research Ethics & Regulatory Compliance – Knowledge of research ethics, regulatory requirements and academic/medical research standards.
• Project Coordination & Problem Solving – Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, timelines and complex issues.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication – Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with researchers, internal partners, funders and diverse communities.

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 continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

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 ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].