Contract Specialist

• College/Administrative Portfolio VP Research + Innovation
• Faculty/Department Research
• Annual Salary Range $63,972.00 to $88,539.48

At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR) , research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.

VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square.

We are seeking a subject‑matter expert in Health, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, or the Humanities to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. The Contract Specialist (CS) provides strategic review and guidance on funding applications, ensuring alignment with sponsor mandates (e.g., the Canada Foundation for Innovation) and the University of Alberta’s institutional priorities. The CS coordinates, facilitates, and evaluates complex proposals, working closely with central service units—including Facilities & Operations, Risk Management, and Procurement—to ensure proposals are complete, compliant, and competitive.

In partnership with Financial Analysts, the CS also supports post‑award requirements and delivers targeted education and training on sponsor expectations for high‑value funding initiatives.

Reporting to the Manager, Institutional Program Team, the CS independently manages funding applications and post‑award activities in accordance with university policies, guidelines, and best practices. The role requires frequent collaboration with external funding agencies, central units, and Research Administrative Services (RAS) colleagues, and the provision of expert guidance to faculty members and departmental administrators. This position is well‑suited to a highly motivated, organized professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and demonstrates strong independent judgment and initiative.

• Lead the development and processing of large, collaborative research grant applications and agreements, ensuring compliance with both University and sponsor policies, both pre‑award and post‑award.
• Approves grant applications with a total project cost of up to $2,000,000 and agreements with a total award amount of up to $1,000,000.
• Collaborate with research teams, central units, and external sponsors to ensure the completeness and coherence of funding proposals, pre‑ and post‑award.
• Work with financial analysts to manage post‑award requirements and ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to educate staff and researchers on sponsor requirements, funding programs, and proposal preparation.
• Negotiate and review research agreements to ensure alignment with University principles and sponsor policies.
• Liaise with departments such as Facilities and Operations, Risk Management and Legal Counsel, Procurement Services, researchers and faculty‑based research staff to ensure all necessary agreements and conditions are in place.
• Oversees the accurate documentation and filing of agreements, ensuring compliance with reporting and invoicing criteria. Ensures that all critical documents defining the terms and conditions of the research agreement/award, including government‑related documentation, are in place.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a science‑related field (Master's degree in a science‑related field preferred).
• At least 2 years of research administration experience, preferably in a post‑secondary or research‑focused environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational skills and attention to detail are critical.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Apps and databases; experience with PeopleSoft is a plus.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage a high volume of complex proposals and agreements.
• Familiarity with research funding processes, compliance requirements, and University policies.
• A thorough understanding of the principles of service excellence and a demonstrated ability to deliver superior customer service to clients.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross‑section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.