📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Research Partnerships Officer
🔹 Company: Brock University
🔹 Location: St. Catharines, Main Campus
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract
🔹 Category: Administrative Professional
🔹 Date Posted: June 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on campus)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Facilitating sponsored research opportunities for Brock researchers
- Cultivating relationships with industry and community partners
- Managing research grants and partnerships from initial concept to submission
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners
- Promoting applied research opportunities and strategic communications
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and support the entire application process for research grants and partnerships
✅ Coordinate with internal stakeholders to facilitate submission and post-award activities
✅ Actively seek and create opportunities for sponsored research by bridging connections between Brock faculty and potential external partners
✅ Partner with Brock researchers and external organizations to design research projects, tailoring funding arrangements to fit each initiative
✅ Prepare, provide technical review, and write grant applications, ensuring compliance with grant specifications
✅ Clearly communicate funding criteria to researchers and partners, ensuring proposals meet the necessary requirements for success
✅ Analyze complex research guidelines and advise researchers on appropriate funding opportunities, minimizing risks and aligning with institutional goals
✅ Support and foster relationships with potential new research partners, including industry leaders, community organizations, industry partners, SMEs, non-profits, and community groups, to promote applied research opportunities with Brock researchers
✅ Engage with Brock researchers, offering support and guidance to align their individual expertise and interests with broader university initiatives and external partnership opportunities
✅ Maintain processes and structure for partnerships project management, including file management, updating SOPs, templates, resources, etc.
✅ Provide project management support for IP and commercialization projects, including file management, recordkeeping, and meeting IP deadlines
✅ Collaborate with communications colleagues to support strategic communications that effectively highlights Brock’s research achievements, ongoing projects, and future opportunities
✅ Actively seek and promote internal and external research funding opportunities, crucial for the strategic advancement of the University, its researchers, and their partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of research processes, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or relevant related discipline
Experience: Relevant experience in a Technology Transfer Office, Research Services Office, accelerator/incubator, research institute, private sector research organization, or research funding organization
Required Skills:
- Project management experience with an ability to manage effectively multiple projects with competing priorities
- Good understanding of the process of research at universities or postsecondary institutions
- Good knowledge of different academic disciplines (sciences, social sciences, humanities, and etc.)
- Strong computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, web applications and web maintenance, social media, internet search engines
- Extreme accuracy and attention to detail
- Negotiation skills to facilitate finding common ground and acceptable resolutions
- Excellent customer service skills with an ability to respond quickly to meet client needs and resolve problems
- Ability to keep up to date with current and emerging research practices, legislation, internal policies, procedures, and practices
Preferred Skills:
- PhD in STEM or related relevant field
- Experience with performing or directing research in an academic or postsecondary environment; or experience with performing or directing research in an industrial setting
- Experience in reviewing legal documents and contracts
ASSUMPTION: A strong background in research and grant writing, along with excellent project management skills, is essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 CAD per year
Benefits:
- Health & Dental Benefits
- Pension Plan
- Vacation (up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays)
- Flexible Work Arrangements (Hybrid work schedule available)
Working Hours: 35-40 hours per week, with occasional evening and weekend work required for business development activity, conferences, and community events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the target hiring range and may vary depending on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 11-50 employees
Founded: Brock University was founded in 1964
Company Description:
- Brock University is a comprehensive, research-intensive university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- It is known for its strong focus on experiential education and community engagement
- The university offers a wide range of programs and has a student population of over 19,000
Company Specialties:
- Undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines
- Research and innovation
- Experiential education and community engagement
Company Website: www.brocku.ca
ASSUMPTION: Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace that fosters diversity and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level professional with opportunities for growth and development
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on campus, with flexible work arrangements available)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the Research Services Office or other departments at Brock University
- Opportunities to gain experience in research partnerships, grant writing, and project management
- Chance to work with a diverse range of stakeholders and build professional networks
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the research and innovation sector of higher education.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Main Campus (Employees)
Office Location(s): St. Catharines, Main Campus
Geographic Context:
- St. Catharines is located in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada
- The city has a population of approximately 133,000 and is known for its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historic sites
- The Niagara region is home to a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with occasional evening and weekend work required
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Brock University is collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered, with a strong focus on research and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or panel
- Background check and reference checks
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of research processes and grant writing
- Project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Alignment with Brock University's mission, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of research processes, grant writing, and project management in your application materials
- Showcase your ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and your commitment to diversity and inclusion
ATS Keywords: Research Partnerships Officer, Grant Writing, Project Management, Research Services, Higher Education, Brock University, St. Catharines, Niagara Region, Ontario
ASSUMPTION: Brock University uses Workday for its applicant tracking system and does not use AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Database management software (e.g., Microsoft Access, SQL)
- Web applications and web maintenance tools
- Social media platforms
- Internet search engines
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software is required for this role, while experience with other tools and technologies may be beneficial.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, learning, and research
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Inclusion and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
- Student-centeredness
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Student-centered and focused on student success
- Inclusive and committed to diversity, equity, and accessibility
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Focused on innovation and continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Brock University's commitment to excellence, collaboration, inclusion, integrity, and student-centeredness?
- How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners?
- How do you balance multiple priorities and manage projects effectively, particularly in a collaborative and dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Brock University values candidates who are committed to its mission, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, and who can thrive in a collaborative, student-centered, and dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Working with sensitive and confidential information
- Occasional evening and weekend work required for business development activity, conferences, and community events
- Navigating a large and complex university environment with diverse stakeholders
- Keeping up to date with current and emerging research practices, legislation, internal policies, procedures, and practices
ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong project management skills, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Research Partnerships Officer vs. Research Grant Officer: Both roles focus on grant writing and research partnerships, but the Research Partnerships Officer role has a broader scope and requires more strategic thinking and relationship-building
- Industry-specific context: Higher education research roles may have different priorities and requirements compared to research roles in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals or technology
- Career path comparison: Research Partnerships Officer roles can lead to career advancement in research services, higher education administration, or related fields
ASSUMPTION: Research Partnerships Officer roles in higher education may have unique requirements and career paths compared to similar roles in other industries.
📝 Sample Projects
- Facilitating a research partnership between Brock University and a local SME to develop a new product or service
- Writing a successful grant application for a Brock University researcher to fund a multi-year research project
- Managing a portfolio of research partnerships and grants, ensuring compliance with grant specifications and institutional goals
ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may involve complex research initiatives, strategic partnerships, and grant writing, requiring strong project management skills and a deep understanding of research processes.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the research priorities and strategic initiatives of the university, and how this role contributes to their success?
- How does the Research Services Office collaborate with other departments and stakeholders at Brock University, and what opportunities are there for cross-functional collaboration?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Research Partnerships Officer in this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
- How does Brock University support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Research Services Office?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on research processes, grant writing, and project management
- Prepare for your interview by researching Brock University's mission, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, and by practicing your responses to common interview questions
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide examples of your experience with research partnerships, grant writing, and project management
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
