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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
March 31, 2031
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Project Lead Scientist at the University of British Columbia, the incumbent will act as the Project Manager for the Canadian Gravitational-wave Astrophysics Infrastructure Network (GRAIN).
GRAIN is a multi-million-dollar national infrastructure project that will build detector hardware and computing infrastructure to enable gravitational-wave astrophysics with current and near-future ground-based detectors and the LISA mission.
The GRAIN Project Manager will oversee the technical coordination and budgetary management of the project in partnership with the GRAIN Science Board and institutional partners including McGill University, Université de Montréal, Bishop’s University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Lethbridge.
Funded through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and led by the University of British Columbia, this project involves collaboration with partners across Canada and internationally.
The Project Manager will coordinate with GRAIN hardware and computing leads, including collaborators at the Digital Research Alliance of Canada and the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre, to ensure that the priorities and directions set by the GRAIN Science Board are implemented.
The incumbent will develop project schedules and timelines, manage budgets, coordinate purchasing and hiring activities, ensure reporting and compliance requirements are met, and support overall project execution and delivery.
Organizational Status
The successful applicant will report directly to the Project Lead Scientist at the University of British Columbia.
The incumbent will collaborate with researchers, scientific staff, software developers, students, and institutional partners including McGill University, Université de Montréal, Bishop’s University, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Lethbridge.
The role will also interact with international collaborators and stakeholders, particularly in France and the United States.
This role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, including flexible work hours, pursuant to University policies and guidelines.
This is a two-year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.
Work Performed
• Develop project schedules including milestones, critical paths, timelines, deliverables, and reporting structures
• Manage the project budget and support financial planning activities
• Facilitate purchasing, hiring, and coordination of day-to-day project activities
• Analyze and document project progress and adjustments to implementation activities
• Reconcile and report on funding accounts associated with grants and contracts
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate purchasing and procurement processes
• Plan and estimate financial resources required for project activities
• Coordinate project activities across multiple Canadian and international partner institutions
• Ensure compliance with institutional, provincial, and national reporting requirements
• Support reporting requirements associated with Canada Foundation for Innovation funding
• Maintain project documentation and records and generate reports for project governance bodies
Consequence of Error / Judgment
Sound judgment will contribute to the timely and cost-effective delivery of detector instrumentation and computing infrastructure for the GRAIN project.
Errors in judgment may result in project delays, lack of coordination across project components, and inefficient use of project resources.
Supervision Received
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the GRAIN Project Lead Scientist at the University of British Columbia and will report on project progress to the GRAIN Science Board.
The role requires collaboration with the broader GRAIN research team and partner institutions.
Supervision Given
The successful candidate will coordinate project activities across a distributed team including researchers and technical staff at multiple institutions.
This includes working closely with the GRAIN Hardware Development Lead at Université de Montréal and the GRAIN Computing Development Lead at McGill University.
Manages staff and is responsible for hiring, discipline, evaluation and termination.
Minimum Qualifications
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree or an acceptable combination of equivalent education and experience
• Graduation from a program specializing in project management
• Formal designation as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from the Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Experience managing large and complex projects, preferably in an academic or research environment involving collaborators from diverse institutions
• Experience with compliance and reporting requirements associated with Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grants
• Experience managing scientific or research infrastructure projects
To Be Successful in This Role You Will Be
• Adaptable
• Communicative
• Efficient
• Organized
• Proactive
• Problem solver
• Self-directed
• Team player