Strategic Research Grants Officer

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 97,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university seeks a Strategic Research Grants Officer to join its Data Sciences Institute. This full-time role focuses on advising faculty on funding opportunities and managing research grants. Candidates should hold a Master's Degree, have at least five years of relevant experience, and possess advanced skills in funding agency policies and data resources. The position offers a competitive pay scale starting at $97,348, with opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum five years of research funding experience.
• Experience developing multi-partner grants.

Responsibilities

• Advise faculty on funding strategies.
• Manage DSI award program competitions.
• Liaise with stakeholders for research funding initiatives.

Skills

Advising faculty on funding strategies

Managing award program competitions

Understanding funding agency policies

Advanced computer skills

Python programming

SQL programming

Education

Master’s Degree

Tools

Excel

Access

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description available to USW employees upon request

Date Posted: 12/19/2025
Req ID: 46469
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Data Sciences Institute
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00050827

Description:

About us

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs. We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a highly specialized research initiative at the University that draws on world‑class research expertise across multiple academic divisions, affiliated hospitals, regional, national, and international academic partners, and commercial organizations. The mission of the DSI is to provide the leadership and capacity to catalyze the transformative nature of data sciences across disciplines, in fair and ethical ways, leveraging and strengthening U of T’s preeminence in data sciences to solve society’s complex and pressing problems. DSI supports and promotes the flow of methodological advancements such as data management, computing, data integration, novel statistical methodology, visualization methods and facilitates the training of new generations of interdisciplinary trainees. DSI aims to unify and galvanize the core strengths of Toronto’s data science community building capacity for data and computational‑based research projects and training by being the focal point for the coordination of data science activities and partnerships to further elevate UofT’s global stature. Working with DSI leadership, faculty and staff and reporting to the Director, DSI Operations & Strategy, the Strategic Research Grants Officer plays a pivotal role in the development, promotion and support of DSI research initiatives.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising faculty from different disciplines and academic units on funding external and DSI application strategies
• Supporting and managing the DSI award program competitions
• Advising on challenges with funding opportunities and providing options
• Implementing plans and process improvements for funding activities
• Supporting researchers and facilitating research contract and agreements
• Liaising with academic units and stakeholders to support research funding initiatives
• Identifying, developing and executing strategies for research and development collaborations
• Drafting service contracts, material transfer agreements and other intellectual property agreements

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of recent and related research funding experience in a University or academic environment.
• Experience developing plans and work processes for projects related to funding and research awards.
• Experience developing and drafting multi‑partner grants.
• Expertise and experience in the interpretation and application of funding agency policy, criteria and application standards.
• Demonstrated experience working with and specific knowledge of CIHR, NSERC, CFI granting and other related application regulations.
• Knowledge and experience with different data resources for research.
• Knowledge and experience with service contracts, data transfer agreements and other intellectual property agreements.
• Understanding of a breadth of academic disciplines and data sciences.
• Experience organizing and facilitating workshops and training sessions.
• Advanced computer skills (e.g. Excel, Access, Word, Power point)
• Python and SQL programming experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills

Assets (Nonessential):

• PhD would be considered an asset.
• Works independently as well as in a team environment.
• Must be proactive and possess strong leadership.
• Ability to work under pressure and effectively meet tight timelines.
• Must exhibit tact, sensitivity, and judgment in dealing with researchers and faculty members and funding agency personnel.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Communicator
• Cooperative
• Meticulous
• Multi‑tasker
• Organized
• Proactive
• Resourceful

Closing Date: 01/12/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 – $97,348. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $124,491. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Recruiter: Carolyn Wright

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.