Research Program Manager

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

Job summary

A leading research university in Canada is seeking a Research Program Manager to oversee the Hematology Research Program. The successful candidate will handle planning, management, and coordination of research studies, ensuring effective execution while collaborating with various stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership and project management skills, along with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience in clinical trials research.
• Experience with industry-sponsored trials and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all research studies within the HRP.
• Oversee administrative and financial aspects of the program.
• Lead project teams and implement strategic procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-graduate degree or equivalent

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Overview

Staff - Non Union • Job Category: M&P - AAPS • Job Profile: AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level C • Job Title: Research Program Manager • Department: Hematology Research Program, Division of Hematology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine • Compensation Range: $7,622.83 - $11,886.67 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date: October 2, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date: October 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.

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.

Job Description Summary

The Research Program Manager of the Hematology Research Program (HRP) is responsible for the planning, management, coordination, facilitation, and communications of all research studies conducted within the HRP. The Research Program Manager will oversee and be accountable for the administrative and financial aspects of the program under the direction of the Director of the HRP, and work closely and collaboratively with investigators, sponsors, research institutes, granting agencies, hospital departments, clinical services managers, and other stakeholders. The Research Program Manager must exercise professional judgment and initiative in the overall coordination and management of all research projects and is held accountable for the effective and efficient execution of all research activities.

The HRP was created to support, facilitate and expand the research activities of the Vancouver General Hospital Hematology and Leukemia Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program. The studies conducted are broad based, ranging from registries to phase 4 clinical trials, pharmacokinetic and first-in-man studies, to health outcomes research qualitative studies. Research topics include hemostasis, thrombosis, transfusion, hematological malignancies, and stem cell transplantation and supportive care. There is close collab ative research with the Terry Fox Research Institute, BC Cancer Agency, and the National Cancer Institute.

To perform effectively, the Research Program Manager must have an understanding of the research priorities of the HRP, the operations of the clinical services (including Leukemia BMT, Thrombosis, General Hematology and Apheresis) and relevant hospital departments (e.g radiology, laboratory, pharmacy) in order to ensure that the allocation of research resources supports priorities and initiatives. Extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines on clinical trials is essential. This position is expected to make a substantial contribution to the VGH Hematology and Leukemia BMT research program.

Organizational Status

The Research Program Manager works independently and reports directly to the Director of HRP. The Research Program Manager will manage research coordinators, assistants and support staff of the HRP. There is close interaction with students/residents, faculty, clinical service managers, administrative support staff, and internal and external collaborators. Effective liaison and partnership with hospital and university personnel relevant to research is mandatory. The Research Program Manager will be expected to strengthen new and existing relationships with key contacts in academic institutions, health research organizations, industry sponsors, and Health Canada.

Work Performed

Program Planning and Infrastructure

• Lead the identification and development of program infrastructure to support and sustain research organization in accordance with the HRP s strategic plan.
• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of hematological disorders sufficient to facilitate evaluation of research proposals, protocols from an operational and feasibility perspective.
• Promote and facilitate research activity of faculty, trainees and students by providing infrastructure support, trials conduct expertise and technical knowledge.
• Organize and chair research regular meetings with faculty and staff.
• Act as the lead and primary liaison between research and clinical programs, sponsors and investigators to ensure effective and efficient communication and activities necessary for research study conduct.
• Discuss program concerns and priorities with Director and provide sound solutions to amend problems and ameliorate risks.

Operations management

• Provide leadership to project teams (investigators, research assistants and coordinators, support staff) by creating and implementing standard and strategic procedures that are consistent with goals and priorities of the HRP.
• Support the growth and development of high performing project teams by ensuring individual and group expectations are aligned with the goals of the project and the Centre.
• Makes decisions regarding the research review process and the development of collaborative research agreements.
• Provide trial management expertise to clinical investigators and stakeholders on the execution of research projects in the UBC/VCH environment.
• Planning, managing and handling communications for multiple research projects, including setting priorities and goals, preparing budgets and forecasting requirements.
• Lead divisional research meetings and conduct regular meetings with investigators, clinical program and research teams to ensure efficient and effective conduct of studies.
• Review all potential studies for operational feasibility and provide critical feedback to investigators and clinical managers
• Supervise and assist with all start-up activities for studies, including but not limited to site visits, protocol-specific training for research and clinical staff, timely completion of ethics submission, institutional approvals, regulatory documentation, and contractual agreements.
• Manages a portfolio of studies concurrently from study startup to closure and ongoing study maintenance.

Finance management

• In discussion with investigators, negotiate contracts, including budgets and financial terms, with sponsors and vendors.
• Identify high risk activities or studies that could result in financial difficulty or instability and discuss with Director in timely fashion to mitigate risks.

Administration, Supervision and Training

• Manage, train and supervise research staff, including coordinators, assistants and clerks, students in research conduct
• Acts as a resource of technical knowledge of regulatory requirements, Health Canada and Food and Drug Administration regulations and ethical conduct of research
• Regularly conduct performance evaluations of research staff and report findings to Director
• Anticipate and acquire resources necessary to conduct projects/trials effectively
• Ensure all faculty and staff maintain updated training and act in compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements for human subjects research
• Process and manage HRP employee benefits and expense reimbursements.
• Additional administrative duties as needed.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position works with a high degree of independence and has significant influence on the quality, effectiveness and the sustainability of the HRP. Non-compliance with contractual terms, sponsoring agency guidelines, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, regulatory (including Health Canada and FDA) requirements could result in the return of agency funds, loss of future funds and/ or inability to collect funds owned to the University, and potentially termination of research studies and activities. Incorrect interpretation of contracts, sponsoring agency and institutional policies, and inaccurate or untimely information provided to faculty could result in loss of funds and lead to financial hardship for HRP.

Supervision

Supervision Received
Works independently in accordance with established objectives and strategic plans set forth by the Executive Committee of the HRP. Reports directly to the Director of HRP.

Supervision Given
Manages and provides direction and technical knowledge to research teams and staff. Manages incoming research coordinators, research assistants and students. Oversees HRP financials and the accounting clerk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willin gness 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

Post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation if responsible for a research project Undergraduate degree if not responsible for a research project.4 years or equivalent combination of education and experience if responsible for research project 6 years or equivalent combination of education and experience if not research work.Post-graduate degree or equivalent professional designation with a minimum of 5 years of related experience or combination of education and experience in clinical trials research. Research site management experience, accounting skills and business background would be an asset. Experience with industry sponsored trials and excellent knowledge of regulatory requirements are essential. Experience in research-related writing, including the development of strategic plans, grant applications, project proposals, final reports, and/or manuscripts is an asset. Solid knowledge of granting agency requirements and application procedures. Proven experience in building successful research partnerships and programs. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to multi-task a range of complex projects to meet required deadlines.Ability to work under pressure and handle frequent interruptions.Ability to work independently as well as in team situations.Demonstrated ability to think critically, analytically and respond to a broad range of situations with a high level of independence, sensitivity and confidentiality.Ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with external agencies, investigators and other stakeholders.