Schmidt Futures Postdoctoral Program Manager

Date Posted: 12/07/2022
Req ID: 28869
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Office of Research Services
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00053172

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 University of Toronto has launched an ambitious tri-campus training program for Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE) postdoctoral fellows focused on the application of Artificial Intelligence-based (AI) research methodologies. The goal of the training program is to unite the university’s broad community of NSE researchers (from biology, chemistry, ecology, physics, astronomy, all engineering disciplines, computer science, statistical sciences, etc.) with its experts in next-generation computing, analytical tools, and artificial intelligence to train the next generation of NSE scientists in the application of powerful AI methodologies to research.

The Schmidt Futures Postdoctoral Program Manager will lead the launch and management of an exciting new training program for postdoctoral fellows in the Natural Sciences and Engineering (NSE), which advances the training of the next generation of researchers in the development and application of Artificial Intelligence-supported (AI) methodological advancements. The Program Manager will play a critical role in creating a strong sense of community for each annual cohort of postdoctoral fellows. Key responsibilities will include: handling day-to-day Program administration, managing the end-to-end administration of each annual postdoctoral fellowship competition, acting as the program officer for the evaluation committee, preparing annual financial reports to the research funder, coordinating a broad range of events, advocating for fellows, coordinating the development of customized training program activities (i.e., career development workshops, courses, exchanges, seminar series), fostering engagement with local partners within the Toronto AI ecosystem, promoting cooperation with sister training programs around the world, and supporting fellows in the identification and procurement of industrial and international research internships.

The position will liaise with various units across the UofT ecosystem and partner network and monitor and report on the Program’s progress. Specifically, the position will work in close coordination with faculty members and academic leaders from key research institutes and centres across the University of Toronto, among them: the Data Sciences Institute, Acceleration Consortium, Centre for Analytics and AI Engineering, the Centre for Applied Genomics, Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, and the Vector Institute. Reporting to the Director of Research Services in Arts & Science, the Postdoctoral Program Manager will also work closely with the Office of the Vice President, Research & Innovation to coordinate annual reporting to the sponsor and ensure compliance with the terms of the award, which has made the training program possible. The incumbent will also work with the School of Graduate Studies to ensure a vibrant employment experience, consistent with that of other members of the University’s postdoctoral community.

The Postdoctoral Program Manager will also be responsible for advancing both Arts & Science’s and the University’s commitment to recognizing, celebrating, and supporting the multiplicity of approaches to doing NSE research. This includes a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity and supporting the research of racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and approaches to NSE research.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operational needs and service delivery requirements of programs
• Conceptualizing, organizing, and executing program activities
• Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance
• Planning and overseeing the implementation of an evaluation framework for assigned projects
• Acting as the primary contact for enquiries pertaining to funding opportunities as well as pre and post award matters
• Planning and estimating financial resources required for programs and/or projects
• Drafting, editing, and tracking the status of funding applications
• Keeping well-informed on funding opportunities and resources, application policies/procedures and key deadlines

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum five years of recent and related experience providing program administration, preferably in a research services environment
• Experience leading the development of work plans and processes for projects related to funding and research awards
• Experience organizing and coordinating workshops and training sessions
• Experience designing funding program guidelines and managing funding programs
• Experience building relationships and coordinating the activities of a diversity of internal and external stakeholders and partners
• Expertise and experience in the interpretation and application of funding agency policy, criteria and application standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced computer skills (e.g. Excel, Access, Word, Power point)
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, and marketing skills

Assets (Nonessential):

• MSc or PhD in an NSE Discipline would be considered an asset
• Experience working or training in an artificial intelligence-driven research environment
• 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
• Ability to exhibit tact, sensitivity, and judgment in dealing with researchers and faculty members, department chairs and directors, administrators and funding agency personnel
• Knowledge of the University is Financial Information System (FIS) and Research Information System (RIS) or other related systems

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Approachable
• Articulate
• Diplomatic
• Multi-tasker
• Possess a positive attitude
• Resourceful
• Team player

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Closing Date: 12/15/2022, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $76,284 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $97,556. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

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.

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All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

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