Senior Advisor Research Development

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

Position Summary:

The Senior Advisor Research Development (RD) is a key member of the Research Development team in the Strategic Initiatives of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (VP-R+I) sector. The Research Development team supports research grants that are of high value to the University and in alignment with the University’s strategic research goals. The Sr Advisor role includes identifying interdisciplinary research synergies, matching funding opportunities, working with teams of faculty and external researchers and other stakeholders to submit highly competitive funding proposals, as well as negotiating various types of agreements and contracts involving external partners. In this capacity the Sr Advisor is contributing to the attainment of McGill’s objectives and targets for research (dollar value and /or number of successful proposals). The position also involves designing related research support services, including training, resources, consultations and outreach, as well as providing reliable information on administrative processes.

The position reports to the Associate Director (Research Development) and works closely with researchers, Faculties administrators (including Deans and Associate Deans of Research), staff in units under the VP-R+I portfolio, i. e., the Office of Sponsored Research, the Technology Transfer Office, the

Research Security team.

The Senior Advisor (RD) brings experience, knowledge, and expertise to the planning and development of applications to strategic funding opportunities programs, at the federal, provincial, and international levels, and to efficient implementation of research projects. The Sr Advisor (RD) has three key areas of responsibility: 1) development of major research proposals involving complex partnerships in both the public and private sectors; 2) project management to structure large-scale grant proposal involving planning, processes, and progress monitoring; 3) analysis of results, data, and other relevant information in order to plan for future initiatives development. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Research Development

• Development of complex, high-risk, large-scale grant applications involving multiple stakeholders for submission to research funding opportunities. For example, institutional initiatives for programs such as Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) (Innovation Fund, Major Science Initiatives), Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC), Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO) under the  Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec (MEIE), programs under the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), Strategic Response Fund, Genome Canada, and Horizon Europe.
• Develop management processes and tools to facilitate the development of research proposals for institutional programs, and keep up-to-date documentation (e.g. manuals, guidelines, etc.).
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator (s) and Faculty-based support and provide guidance during the development of grant applications.
• Keep up-to-date information about researchers’ interest in leading or participating in major initiatives and make recommendations for funding research opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures for research administration, including signing authority on grant applications and contracts, and resource allocation.
• Develop content, organize, and give presentations (in English and French) in workshops and information sessions on topics such as funding programs, grantsmanship, new procedures and changes to regulations to new faculty members and selected applicants.
• Evaluate the need for resource allocation to projects and make recommendations for approval to the AVP-RI, Faculty Dean, or Provost as relevant.

Project Management

• Responsible for providing outstanding service and support to McGill’s scientific community throughout the proposal planning and development process.
• Manage an effective review process of research proposals at the university.
• Lead the development of proposals for a variety of programs across diverse research areas.
• Manage the development of complex, institutional funding proposals (e.g. CFI IF, CERC).
• Oversee the development and contribute to the writing of proposal sections, e.g., management plan, budget justification, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), data management plan, etc.).
• Lead, draft, review, negotiate, as needed, high-risk and complex research agreements.
• Manage a team of support functions for various areas related to research, e.g. Intellectual Property, research compliance (ethics, animal care, and hazardous materials), budget planning and finance, fund raising, and space planning for research laboratories or core facilities.
• Prepare appropriate reports, briefings, and other documents for funding agencies and Senior Administration including the VP-R+I, AVPs, Deans, in a timely fashion.
• Ensure a high level of responsiveness and effectiveness while handling several complex proposals.
• Communicate with end-users and stakeholders via in-person meetings and other communication channels.

Analysis of performances and trends

• In collaboration with other team members, review competition outcomes, track and analyze data for annual reports on McGill’s performance compared to our peer institutions in the target programs.
• Keep track of and analyze trends in the research landscape (Quebec, Canada, internationally).
• Develop in-depth analysis of McGill’s research portfolio and strategic priorities at the institutional and Faculty levels.
• Prepare plans and recommendations to adapt McGill support programs, investment and other resources allocation to align with external trends.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Minimum of five years of experience in research development and/or research administration within a Canadian university, research institution, or funding agency.
• Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional designation, combined with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong scientific and research background, with demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, analyze and negotiate complex funding applications and research agreements across institutional and funding agency channels.
• Proven strategic thinking skills, including the ability to identify emerging research opportunities, challenges, and high-risk developments at an early stage.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategies and building successful research initiatives within public- or private-sector environment.
• Excellent leadership and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convene  diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, build high-performing teams, and navigate different perspective to achieve common goals.
• Self-motivated, organized, and results-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities, oversee  multiple projects simultaneously, and perform effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work with significant autonomy and discretion, operating within broadly defined goals aligned with the VP-R+I portfolio and the University’s strategic research priorities.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimum supervision, demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, and accountability.
• Resourceful and proactive in identifying opportunities and addressing challenges, while providing regular updates and strategic advice to the Associate Director, Research Development.
• Adaptable and flexible, with the capacity to respond effectively to evolving priorities and dynamic research environment
• Advanced proficiency in the Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and OneDrive).
• Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard of professionalism, leadership, and teamwork
• Fully bilingual (English and French), with excellent written and oral  communication skills, including ability to engage external stakeholders, deliver presentations, and prepare complex and sensitive documents for diverse audiences.
• Strong client-service-orientation, with excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

(MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM3A - General Administration - Senior Professional/Manager

33.75 (Full time)

Associate Director, Research Development, Strategic Initiatives

2026-08-18