Senior Strategic Research Navigator

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 87,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Saskatoon is seeking a Senior Strategic Research Navigator to enhance the success of their researchers. The role focuses on implementing innovative research programs and providing strategic guidance for proposal development. Candidates must have a master's degree and at least seven years of experience in a research-intensive environment. The position is full-time, offering a salary range of $87,266.00 - $145,353.00, with commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of experience in a research-intensive environment.
• Experience leading multi- and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Proven success in securing external research funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of researcher-centered programs.
• Provide expert guidance for developing high-quality research proposals.
• Design and deliver workshops to build capacity in proposal development.

Skills

Leadership in research programs

Collaboration

Research proposal development

Project management

Strategic guidance

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree preferred

Job description

Overview

The senior strategic research navigator provides leadership in the design and implementation of innovative programs and services that enhance the success of university researchers. This position drives institutional efforts to strengthen research, scholarly, and artistic work (RSAW) by proactively developing and executing strategies that expand research capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and increase the competitiveness of research funding proposals.

This role focuses on leading the development and delivery of new research support models, building and mobilizing cross-college research teams, identifying emerging research opportunities, and providing strategic and technical expertise to enhance the quality and impact of funding applications.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative, researcher-centered programs and initiatives to enhance competitiveness for Tri-Agency and other external funding
• Translate institutional research priorities into actionable strategies and programming that drive measurable outcomes
• Lead strategies for individual, multi-, and cross-disciplinary research projects, including team formation, process design, and proactive problem solving to remove barriers
• Provide expert, strategic guidance to faculty in developing high-quality research proposals, including advice on framing, structure, and alignment with funding criteria
• Offer advanced pre-award management support such as project coordination, substantive proposal editing, and portal navigation for strategic funding programs
• Identify and address systemic gaps in research capacity through the design and delivery of targeted initiatives and tools
• Identify, engage, and support cross-unit and interdisciplinary research teams to respond to emerging funding opportunities
• Lead reporting and analysis to inform institutional research development priorities, trends, and outcomes
• Facilitate collaboration across colleges and departments, especially where local research facilitation capacity is limited or requires augmentation
• Conduct environmental scans and analyses to inform programming and strategic decision-making
• Design and deliver workshops, training sessions, and seminars to build institutional capacity in competitive proposal development
• Develop key performance indicators, monitor portfolio progress, and report on the effectiveness of research development initiatives
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with faculty, research leaders, administrative units, and external partners
• Communicate and act in a respectful and professional manner, collaborate effectively, abide by policy, and contribute to a positive and productive work and learning environment
• Engage in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Demonstrate respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contribute to an environment of acceptance and inclusion, and respond to different perspectives with curiosity and non-judgement
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position

Qualifications

• A master’s degree is required; a doctoral degree is preferred
• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in a research-intensive academic or equivalent environment
• Experience leading or supporting complex, multi- and interdisciplinary research initiatives and building collaborative research teams
• Proven success in developing, supporting, or securing Tri-Agency or equivalent external research funding
• A demonstrated track record in research proposal development, scientific or technical editing, and team facilitation
• Comprehensive understanding of research administration, compliance requirements, and external funding policies and processes

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Phani Adapa at [e-mail].

Department: Research Accelerator & Strategic Initiatives
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $87,266.00 - 145,353.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3
Posted Date: 10/22/2025
Closing Date: 11/12/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The university provides an accessible and inclusive workplace and supports recruitment processes accordingly. Inquiries regarding support during the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources.