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Research Project Manager - Job Opportunity at University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 23, 2025
On-site
CAD 84,813-108,463 per year

Benefits

Competitive academic compensation package starting at CAD 84,813 with structured annual progression to CAD 108,463, positioning this role competitively within the academic research sector
Access to University of Toronto's comprehensive benefits package typical of major Canadian universities, including health, dental, and retirement benefits
Professional development opportunities within one of Canada's leading research institutions
Exposure to cutting-edge rehabilitation sciences research and collaboration with world-class faculty
Work-life balance supported by academic calendar and university policies

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic research planning by assessing project needs and establishing data collection methodologies that drive evidence-based outcomes in rehabilitation sciences
Orchestrate complex project lifecycles through development of comprehensive schedules, critical path analysis, and milestone tracking to ensure research deliverables meet academic and clinical standards
Drive knowledge mobilization by synthesizing research findings into high-impact publications, grant applications, and ethics board submissions that advance the field of rehabilitation sciences
Design and execute sophisticated research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative surveys and interviews to generate robust data for clinical health research
Provide strategic financial oversight by planning budgets, managing resources, and ensuring optimal allocation of research funds across multiple projects
Lead and mentor research teams by supervising assistants, coordinating workflows, and fostering collaborative environments that maximize research productivity

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience

Experience

Minimum five years experience in clinical health research projects and programs

Required Skills

Experience coordinating the research ethics board (REB) approval process Demonstrated experience supporting project initiatives through developing project schedules, estimating financial resources, assessing and selecting methods of data collection, coordinating meetings and maintaining communications and positive relationships with stakeholders Experience researching, identifying, and advising on new funding opportunities Demonstrated experience disseminating and interpreting granting agency procedures, as well as experience writing grant applications Experience writing communications materials for correspondence, project materials such as grants, documents and reports, and contributing to research findings that are published in academic journals Experience synthesizing complex research data, conducting literature/scoping/systematic reviews and summarizing statistical reports and summaries; delivering presentations and training to staff and stakeholder Experience with laboratory maintenance, including troubleshooting equipment issues and tracking license agreements Strong computer literacy with an advanced proficiency of MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint), RIS, and website management Demonstrated understanding of the research granting life cycle and knowledge of research ethics board process Ability to adapt to new ideas, learn quickly and exercise a high degree of judgement and initiative in decision-making situations while working with a variety of stakeholders Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate (both written and verbal) with stakeholders Meticulous attention to detail
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The rehabilitation sciences field is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by aging populations and increased recognition of rehabilitation's role in healthcare systems. This trend is particularly pronounced in Canada, where healthcare integration and evidence-based practice are driving demand for skilled research managers who can bridge clinical practice and academic research. The emphasis on knowledge mobilization in this role reflects the growing importance of translating research findings into practical applications for patient care. Academic research management is evolving beyond traditional administrative roles to encompass strategic leadership in grant acquisition and research commercialization. Universities are increasingly seeking professionals who can navigate complex funding landscapes, manage multi-stakeholder collaborations, and ensure research compliance while driving innovation. The requirement for REB expertise and grant writing capabilities positions this role at the intersection of research administration and strategic research development. The integration of technology in rehabilitation research, including digital health platforms and data analytics, is creating new demands for research managers with strong technical skills. The emphasis on database management, statistical analysis, and digital platform proficiency in this role reflects the digital transformation occurring in healthcare research, where data-driven insights are becoming central to research outcomes and clinical applications.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of CAD 84,813-108,463 is competitive for academic research management positions in Toronto's market. When compared to similar roles in the private healthcare sector, this compensation aligns with the mid-to-upper range of research management positions, particularly when considering the comprehensive benefits package typical of major Canadian universities. The structured progression system provides clear advancement opportunities, making the total compensation package attractive for professionals seeking long-term career stability in academic research.

Role Significance

Based on the role's responsibilities for supervising research assistants and coordinating across four departments within the Rehabilitation Sciences Sector, the position likely involves managing a team of 3-5 direct reports while collaborating with 15-20 researchers, faculty members, and students across various projects. The cross-departmental nature of the role suggests matrix management responsibilities, requiring the ability to influence and coordinate resources without direct authority across the OSOT, PT, RSI, and SLP departments.
This position represents a senior operational role within the Rehabilitation Sciences Sector, with significant autonomy in research project management and strategic decision-making. The requirement for five years of specialized experience and a Master's degree, combined with responsibilities for financial oversight, team supervision, and stakeholder management, positions this as a key leadership role within the research infrastructure. The direct impact on research outcomes and knowledge mobilization places this position as critical to the department's research success and reputation.

Key Projects

Large-scale clinical research studies investigating rehabilitation interventions and outcomes, likely involving multi-site collaborations and patient cohorts of 100-500 participants. These projects would require sophisticated data management, ethics oversight, and coordination of clinical and research teams across multiple healthcare settings. Grant-funded research initiatives ranging from CAD 100,000 to CAD 1 million, focusing on innovative rehabilitation approaches and technologies. The manager would oversee the entire grant lifecycle from application through execution and reporting, ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements while maximizing research impact. Knowledge translation projects that bridge research findings to clinical practice, including development of clinical guidelines, practitioner training programs, and patient education materials. These initiatives would involve collaboration with healthcare providers, professional associations, and patient advocacy groups to ensure research findings translate into improved patient outcomes.

Success Factors

The ability to navigate complex academic and healthcare environments while maintaining productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups is paramount. Success requires diplomatic skills to balance competing priorities from researchers, administrators, funding agencies, and clinical partners while ensuring project objectives are met. The academic setting demands a nuanced understanding of university governance, research ethics, and the politics of interdepartmental collaboration. Technical proficiency in research methodologies, data analysis, and grant writing must be combined with strategic thinking to identify funding opportunities and position research proposals competitively. The successful candidate will need to stay current with evolving research trends in rehabilitation sciences while maintaining expertise in research administration best practices. This dual focus on scientific rigor and administrative excellence is essential for managing the complex requirements of modern healthcare research. Leadership capabilities that inspire and motivate research teams while maintaining operational efficiency are critical. The role requires someone who can mentor junior researchers, facilitate productive team dynamics, and create an environment that fosters innovation while meeting strict deadlines and compliance requirements. The ability to translate vision into actionable project plans and guide teams through complex research processes will determine success in this position.

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced research managers in rehabilitation sciences, driven by increased research funding in healthcare, aging population demographics, and the growing emphasis on evidence-based rehabilitation practices. The specific combination of clinical research experience, grant writing expertise, and project management skills required for this role creates a competitive advantage for qualified candidates, as these multifaceted skill sets are increasingly valuable in the evolving healthcare research landscape.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Research Ethics Board (REB) expertise is absolutely essential as it serves as the gatekeeper for all human subjects research. Without this knowledge, projects cannot proceed, making it a non-negotiable requirement. The complexity of ethics applications in rehabilitation research, often involving vulnerable populations, makes this expertise particularly valuable and distinguishes qualified candidates from general project managers. Grant writing and funding acquisition skills are critical as they directly impact the sustainability and growth of research programs. In an environment where research funding is increasingly competitive, the ability to craft compelling proposals and identify strategic funding opportunities determines the viability of research initiatives. This skill set directly contributes to the department's financial health and research capacity. Data synthesis and analysis capabilities, particularly for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, are fundamental to producing high-impact research outputs. The ability to transform complex datasets into meaningful insights that advance the field of rehabilitation sciences is what elevates research from data collection to knowledge creation. This analytical capacity is essential for supporting evidence-based practice in rehabilitation.

Beneficial Skills

Knowledge of specific rehabilitation sciences domains (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology) would significantly enhance effectiveness in this cross-departmental role. Understanding the unique research methodologies, clinical applications, and professional contexts of each discipline would facilitate better project design and stakeholder communication. Experience with healthcare technology and digital health platforms would position the candidate advantageously as rehabilitation research increasingly incorporates technological innovations. Familiarity with telerehabilitation, wearable devices, and health informatics would enable the manager to support cutting-edge research initiatives that represent the future of rehabilitation practice. Bilingual capabilities (English/French) would be valuable given Canada's bilingual context and the potential for national research collaborations. This skill could open doors to additional funding opportunities through bilingual grant programs and facilitate partnerships with francophone institutions, expanding the research program's reach and impact.

Unique Aspects

The position offers rare exposure to all four departments within the Rehabilitation Sciences Sector, providing a comprehensive view of the rehabilitation research landscape that few positions can match. This cross-departmental scope creates unique learning opportunities and positions the incumbent as a key connector across traditionally siloed academic units.
The Acquired Lab focus suggests involvement in cutting-edge research related to acquired conditions, potentially including traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions. This specialization places the role at the forefront of critical healthcare challenges affecting millions of patients globally.
The explicit emphasis on knowledge mobilization reflects a modern approach to research management that goes beyond traditional academic publishing. This focus on translating research into practice positions the role as instrumental in bridging the research-practice gap that often limits the impact of academic research on patient care.
The one-year grant-funded term, while potentially seen as a limitation, actually offers a unique opportunity for intensive skill development and network building within a defined timeframe. This structure can accelerate career development for ambitious professionals who leverage the position effectively.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing research managers in academic settings. The one-year term nature of this position may accelerate timeline considerations, with successful performance potentially leading to permanent positions or elevated roles within 12-18 months. The comprehensive skill development offered by this role, particularly in grant management and multi-stakeholder coordination, positions incumbents well for rapid advancement in either academic or healthcare research settings.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Director or Associate Director of Research Operations within the university system, overseeing multiple research programs and larger teams with budgets exceeding CAD 5 million. This progression would involve strategic planning for entire research portfolios and increased interaction with senior university administration and external funding bodies. Research Program Officer or Scientific Officer positions with major funding agencies such as CIHR, where expertise in research management and grant processes would be highly valued. These roles offer opportunities to influence national research priorities and funding decisions while maintaining connections to the research community. Independent research consulting roles serving multiple academic institutions or healthcare organizations, leveraging the comprehensive skill set developed in this position. This path offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects while building a reputation as a research management expert in rehabilitation sciences.

Company Overview

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine stands as Canada's largest medical school and ranks among the top medical faculties globally. With over 40 departments and institutes, it serves as the cornerstone of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, conducting groundbreaking research that influences healthcare practices worldwide. The Rehabilitation Sciences Sector specifically has established itself as a world leader in rehabilitation research and education, making this an opportunity to work at the forefront of the field.

As Canada's top-ranked university and consistently rated among the world's top 20 universities, the University of Toronto commands significant prestige in the academic and research communities. The Temerty Faculty of Medicine's reputation for excellence in research and clinical innovation attracts top talent globally and provides unparalleled networking opportunities. Working within this institution offers credibility and career advantages that extend throughout the healthcare and research sectors.
Located in downtown Toronto, the position benefits from being at the center of Canada's largest healthcare and research hub. The St. George campus's proximity to major teaching hospitals, research institutes, and healthcare organizations creates a dynamic ecosystem for collaboration and innovation. Toronto's position as a global city with a diverse population also provides unique opportunities for research that addresses varied healthcare needs and contributes to globally relevant findings.
The academic environment at the University of Toronto emphasizes intellectual rigor, collaborative research, and commitment to advancing knowledge for societal benefit. The culture values innovation, evidence-based practice, and inclusive excellence, as evidenced by the explicit encouragement of applications from equity-deserving groups. The term-based nature of the position reflects the grant-funded research environment common in academic settings, requiring adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking while working within established academic structures.
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