About this role
September 10, 2026ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PRE-AWARD (BAND LEVEL 13)Research Initiatives and Services(Permanent Position)Research Initiatives & Services (RIS) is the primary contact for all research funding applications and all research-related awards and contracts at Memorial. RIS is composed of Pre-Award Services; Strategic Services, including Major Research Projects (MRP), Strategic Initiatives (SI) and the Core Research Equipment & Instrument Training (CREAIT) Network; Hibernia and Hebron Research & Development Initiative (HHRDI); the Centre for Analytics, Informatics and Research (CAIR); and the Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative (CASI). DUTIESReporting to the Director, the Associate Director, Pre-Award oversees and manages all aspects of the pre-award services division within RIS and carries out the operational objectives of this division. Responsibilities include ensuring the efficient and effective pre-award administration and recording of all research funded and carried out at Memorial University. As a member of the senior management group within RIS, the position formulates strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and maintain compliance with requirements imposed by provincial, federal, and international funding agencies, including research involving human subjects, use of animals, use of biohazardous materials, and research involving Indigenous groups. The position holds delegated institutional signing authority from the Director for a wide range of research-related documents and will be designated as Acting Director for RIS during periods when the Director is on leave. Duties include: Overseeing institutional review, approval, and formal submission of applications to funding agencies.Overseeing the review and negotiation of terms and conditions in research contracts and agreements.Institutional sign-off on research applications, contracts, and agreements.Overseeing the capture of pre-award information on Memorial's research effort.Ensuring office records are maintained according to the MUN retention schedule, as RIS holds the institutional records for research applications and agreements.Authorizing the opening of research accounts by Financial and Administrative Services after verification of all necessary clearances or permits.Overseeing the administration of Memorial's internal grant competitions.Ensuring that all pre-award accountability and regulatory requirements of the Tri-Council (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) and other federal, provincial, and local funding agencies and sponsors are met.Maintaining communication and positive working relationships with all sponsors, including government, industry, and community organizations.Managing research applications and contracts within the framework of research security.Overseeing the provision of accurate and timely information about research funding opportunities through a funding opportunities database.Participation on various institutional committees, and oversight of annual and special projects, as necessary.QUALIFICATIONSSubstantial experience (5-8 years) in a research administration environment; a graduate level degree, and a proven track record across progressively responsible roles are required; or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered. The ideal candidate will have sound leadership, management, and problem-solving ability, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage with professionalism under stressful circumstances is essential. Experience working with industry, government, or funding agencies is considered an asset.SALARY $96,244 - $126,638 per annum (Leadership Group)CLOSING DATE September 24, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. NSTAll qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diver