P-ONE Scientific Program Manager

Competition 2010

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $59,822 to $74,785. This position has an initial appointment of 3 years.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Physics

The Department of Physics is an internationally recognized research department in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science.   

Position Summary

The Pacific Ocean Neutrino Experiment (P_ONE) is a proposed large-volume neutrino telescope in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Vancouver Island.  Building upon the optical deep-sea data and communications network operated by Ocean Networks Canada, an international collaboration of researchers plans to instrument more than one cubic kilometer of deep-sea volume.  P-One will target measuring high-energy neutrinos to shed light on the cosmos and the nature of black holes, supernova outbursts, and other cosmic particle accelerator events.  The P-ONE Scientific Project Manager will lead the P-ONE project office at the University of Alberta and is responsible for the scheduling and coordination amongst and between the relevant implementation partners and funding organizations. As such the primary responsibilities are therefore to manage, direct, consult, supervise and report on the development and progress of the implementation of the P-ONE mission. This includes oversight and stewarding of the development activities at the University of Alberta and all subcontractors on the project to budget, schedule and scientific technical requirements and through project reviews at critical points.

This position will steer the 200 scientific collaborators (universities, government agency and external parties) as part of the $15 million dollar project: on task, on time and on budget.

Duties 

• Primary responsibilities are to manage, direct, consult, supervise and report on the development and progress of the implementation of the P-ONE mission.  This includes oversight and stewarding of the development activities at the University of Alberta and all subcontractors on the project to budget, schedule and scientific technical requirments and through project reviews at critical points.
• Assist with budgetary and administrative planning.  Understands the project scope, objectives and deliverables and creates process, procedure or tools to support the group’s achievements.
• Monitors, analyses, forecasts and reports on financial position and supports the P-ONE team with document preparation and review.  Preparation of monthly reports, final reports and other required documentation in reporting activities on the project for approval by the PI.
• Coordinates, in partnership with the PI and team, formal project reviews including reporting in relation to project progress, budget schedule, risk in relation to work being completed at the University of Alberta and under external contract to partner Canadian institutions and Canadian industry.
• Oversees the financial transactions across all sources of funds.  Recommends options, strategies and proposals regarding budget allocations/reallocations and distribution of resources to support area priorities.
• Purchases services, equipment and supplies and manages requests for computers, phones and system access.  Maintains and evaluates current business processes for operational and financial efficiencies.
• Provides advice and support on human resource issues (e.g. hiring, performance management).
• Contributes to the creation of an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives and achievements are recognized, rewarded and celebrated.
• Participates in the preparation and submission of grant applications and ensures deliverables are met.
• May organize research project symposia, conferences, lectures, seminars or meetings.
• Assist in the creation of progress, scientific, financial or final reports for stakeholders, granting agencies or external funders.
• Advises on the application of University of Alberta Policies and procedures to the project.
• Oversees communications activities for the project collaborators and builds and maintains effective relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, suppliers, etc.

Qualifications

• MSc in a related field and a physics background with extensive familiarity with neutrino science which would allow the successful incumbent to carry out the organization and administration of high-level complex research activities;
• 2 years of experience in a project management capacity, ideally in the scientific sector.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to ensure project priorities are adhered to, goals are met, and schedules maintained for the entire term of the project;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate financial and goal results and key performance indicators to the P-ONE project collaborators and sponsors according to funding agency requirements;
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills to facilitate interactions with a wide range of project collaborators;
• Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst and build solid relationships with other partners and public agencies;
• Demonstrated facilitation, negotiation and problem solving skills and ability to handle challenging employee and student situations involving human resources, financial, schedule, risk, subcontract l iaison and negotiation;
• Demonstrated ability to manage change and create innovative solutions for complex and diverse issues;
• Excellent financial management, analysis and reporting skills;
• Proficiency in a windows platform computer environment and a working knowledge of various programs including MS Office and Google Applications.
• Experience with Peoplesoft Financials, eTRAC and SupplyNet applications is considered an asset.