Careers

Current Opportunity

Programs and Peer Review Managers

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Programs and Peer Review Managers (Managers) will play key roles in carrying out Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation’s (SHRF) purpose to enable the best health research that supports Saskatchewan solutions to Saskatchewan health challenges. 

The managers are responsible for implementing SHRF’s research funding programs throughout their entire lifecycle, including program launch, application intake, peer review recruitment and process management, and ongoing grants management. 
 

These positions will focus on delivering SHRF’s ongoing programs through staff maternity leaves from January 2021 to May 2022, utilizing well-developed policies, processes and systems for guidance and working very closely with the Programs and Peer Review Coordinator. In upholding SHRF values of adaptability and excellence, the managers will also seek to implement continuous improvement, responding to feedback while upholding SHRF policies and reputation. 
 

Managers work closely with other SHRF staff in the areas of finance and accounting, engagement, impact reporting and senior leadership. Externally, they are a key point of contact with the health research community, including funding partners, researchers and administrators. 
 

Temporary full and part time positions are available for maternity leave coverage from January 2021 through May 2022. Specifically:

• One full time position is available for this entire time period (17 months). 

• An additional part time position (.6 FTE) is available for the period starting January 2021 through to January 2022 (12 months). 

• Depending on the interest and availability of applicants, SHRF is open to discussing variations on the above, including start dates and FTEs. 

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Effort Required

This is a high-volume position requiring the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and to deal with competing deadlines. Impact of error is high as the position is solely responsible to ensure day to day work is completed accurately, and information provided to others is correct. 

Multitasking is the norm, but Managers may experience pressure when managing competing interests toward satisfactory outcomes. Routinely, they address situations where the problem is clear, but the solution(s) is not, therefore Managers are expected to apply a broad knowledge of processes specific to the programs area to resolve them. 

The incumbent builds relationships that support collaboration and problem solving and provides guidance or functional work direction to groups and/or projects including assigning work to others and monitoring to ensure that the established goals are achieved.
 

Key Responsibilities

1. Shadow and support current Programs and Peer Review Manager through the peer review process for the 2020-21 Solutions program and Pattison’s Children’s grant programs

2. Become an effective user of the SHRF Research Management System to support work activities 

3. Ongoing grant management, including: responding to questions and change requests of ongoing grant recipients, following established policies and processes; reviewing and approving progress and final reports; and reviewing grant financial statements of account 

4. Prepare reporting as required for senior leadership, SHRF Board, funding partners and other stakeholders

5. Represent SHRF on provincial and national working groups as required (e.g. Community of Practice in Peer Review)

6. Lead or support the delivery of the following programs, as assigned between two Managers:

• Establishment grant program, with early guidance from current Manager 

• Research Connections grant program 

• Solutions program, with guidance from senior leadership, and collaborating with current and new funding partners.

• Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital Research Grant

• Partnership Grants program, working with senior leadership
   

Skills and Characteristics

• Passionate about the health of the province, with a specific interest in research activities and innovations

• Knowledgeable regarding Saskatchewan and Canadian research funding sector

• Experienced in research and understands the steps in the research lifecycle and work of researchers 

• Understanding of the grant application and peer review processes

• Mindset of continuous learning and improvement

• Project management experience

• Can balance competing tasks and priorities while working under pressure and meeting deadlines

• Can balance between upholding process and policies, while still taking into careful consideration case-by-case situations

• Systematic and organized in their approach 

• Thorough and accurate regarding details

• Team player, with the ability to collaborate across work teams

• Clear and articulate, with excellent written and oral communication skills

• Able to work effectively in contexts of complexity and ambiguity

• Strong ability to think strategically

Technical Proficiencies

• Strong understanding of Microsoft suite of programs, specifically Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote

• Experience with data management 

• Familiarity with Canadian Common CV 

• Familiarity with video conferencing software (i.e. Zoom, Webex, Teams)

Education and Experience

The incumbent requires a master’s degree or equivalent experience with relevance to health research, plus three years’ experience working in the health or research sectors. Project management experience considered an asset. 

About SHRF

Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation is the provincial funding agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan. SHRF collaborates with stakeholders to contribute to the growth of a high-performing health ecosystem, culture of innovation and the improved health of citizens by strengthening research capacity and competitiveness, increasing the investment in health research in Saskatchewan and aligning research with the needs of our stakeholders.

SHRF values employees who are professional, courteous, talented, and knowledgeable in their field, well-organized, self-starters and strong team players, and provides a work environment that encourages and supports employees to excel. 

This position effectively promotes and applies SHRF’s core values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, excellence, and integrity. These represent a vital part of SHRF’s strategic foundation and exemplifies the fundamental beliefs and guiding principles for how all staff work with each other and all stakeholders.

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Working Conditions and Compensation

This is a full-time permanent position. The incumbent works in an office environment during core office hours (8:30-4:30), with the ability to work remotely. Working evenings and weekends may be required, driven by circumstances and deadlines. Travel to represent SHRF or carry out position duties may be required. 

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The SHRF office is located in Innovation Place, Saskatoon, with good parking and access to the many features of this vibrant research park, located next to the University of Saskatchewan campus and South Saskatchewan River. Due to Covid-19, the incumbent might be expected to work fully or partly on a remote basis. 

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SHRF offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline
November 30, 2020 (11:59 p.m. CST)
The target start date is January 5, 2021

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How to Apply
Your application must include:

1. Cover letter outlining your interest in and fit for the position

2. Resume

3. Names of three references with contact information

Please submit your application using the submission form below. For assistance with this form or questions about the position, contact info@shrf.ca or call 306-975-1680.

We appreciate the interest of all candidates, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.