Job Title

Primary Purpose: To apply specialized knowledge of the research ecosystem and funding landscape to support faculty in developing competitive proposals for research projects and strategic initiatives aligned with the priorities of the College of Kinesiology and the University of Saskatchewan (USask). The goal is to enhance success in securing research funding, particularly from Tri-Agency programs, and to support the University''s participation in major research initiatives. Nature of Work: Reporting jointly to the Associate Dean Research, College of Kinesiology, and the Director of Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI), this position strengthens research capacity and competitiveness within the College and manages the compliance and peer-review process for the NSERC Alliance Advantage grants for USask. The Research Facilitator provides expert support to faculty by identifying funding opportunities, advising on proposal development, budgeting, and project management, and communicating complex information about major research programs and policies. The role spans pre- and post-award support, including strategic planning, application development, knowledge mobilization, and launch of grant project operationalization at local, provincial, national, and international levels. Working both independently and collaboratively within integrated teams, the Research Facilitator contributes to creating and delivering services that align research proposals with the College and University''s strategic directions. Key Responsibilities Research Funding and Proposal Development Support faculty in improving the quality, quantity, and success rate of Tri-Agency and other strategic research funding applications Ensure researchers are aware of available research support services through timely, effective communication and targeted outreach, engaging key stakeholders and reinforcing strategic messages Provide expert guidance to faculty in identifying and applying for appropriate research funding sources, including international, federal, provincial, community, internal opportunities, and contracts Offer specialized expertise in proposal development, including pre-award project management, strategic guidance on proposal structure and content, substantive grant editing, including drafting and editing content, developing budgets, project management, and portal support for targeted funding programs Support the implementation and ongoing refinement of strategies for individual, multi-, and interdisciplinary research projects. Work with the Research Support Network to build research teams, navigate complex relationships, coordinate administrative and support resources, establish iterative processes to meet project milestones, and engage in proactive and responsive problem-solving to remove barriers to success Manage the compliance and peer-review process for the NSERC Alliance Advantage grants for USask in close coordination with RASI, and Research Support Network. Work with respective college- or institute-based research facilitator/ coordinator and Associate Dean Research to implement a compliance process Recruit peer-reviewers and manage the peer-review process for USask Work with RASI in having final compliance checks done prior to submission of applications Strategic Research Support Collaboratively initiate and participate in strategic planning to strengthen the college''s success in research programs, infrastructure, and personnel funding. This includes identifying existing research strengths, opportunities for growth, and implementing initiatives that enhance funding competitiveness Maximize support from the Office of the Vice-President Research (OVPR), particularly in research signature areas, faculty mentorship, cross-unit collaborations, and undergraduate research engagement Identify and foster research collaborations, partnerships, and networks within the College and with external stakeholders at local, national, and international levels Identify, develop, and support multi- and interdisciplinary peer clusters aligned with key funding opportunities and strategic research themes Conduct background research (e.g., environmental scans) to inform program planning and development Maintain current, expert knowledge of the Canadian research funding landscape across research programs, infrastructure, and personnel streams Develop and deliver educational programming, including training sessions, workshops, and seminars, that supports researcher success in priority funding programs Proactively, identify and implement feedback to enhance the NSERC Alliance Advantage compliance and peer-review process Metrics, Reporting, and Communications Develop key performance indicators, and monitor, evaluate, and report on portfolio outcomes and benchmarks Maintain a comprehensive research database and produce the College''s annual research report Communicate relevant research funding opportunities and strategic initiatives to faculty through appropriate channels Collaborate with the College''s Communications Officer to support research communications, outreach, and engagement activities Benchmark and track USask success with the NSERC Alliance Advantage compliance and peer-review process Faculty and Student Support Support faculty in CV development, ethics applications, research dissemination, and award nominations Collaborate with the Graduate Programs and Research Coordinator to ensure faculty and students benefit from graduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities Work with the College''s Development Officer to identify and support fundraising initiatives and build relationships with donors to advance the College''s research mission Other Responsibilities Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, research groups, and administrative units across campus Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean Research, College of Kinesiology and the Director of RASI to support the College''s research mission and enhance USask''s success rate with the NSERC Alliance Advantage program Education: Master''s degree in a health-related field is required. Knowledge of kinesiology is an asset. Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered. Experience: At least 5 years of experience working in a research-intensive post-secondary environment Demonstrated success in supporting secure Tri-Agency or equivalent funding Experience building interdisciplinary teams and leading complex research initiatives Track record in proposal development, scientific editing, and team facilitation Familiarity with research administration, compliance, and funding policies Skills: Strong writing and communication skills Ability to design and deliver proactive, user-focused services Excellent interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collaboratively Strong problem-solving and relationship-building abilities Effective time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities Sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality Knowledge of university research administrative procedures Cross-cultural competencies, including respectful engagement with Indigenous communities Department: College of Kinesiology Status: Permanent Employment Group: ASPA Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69, ,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2 Posted Date: 2/4/2026 Closing Date: 2/17/2026 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: EDI Framework for Action . We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.