Research Information Technologies Specialist

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

Time Type:

Employee Group:

Job Category:

Employment Type:

Department:

Hiring Range:

Posting Information:

Term: 1 year

Internal Posting Expiring August 8 2025

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

As a member of the Office of Research (OR) Information Systems Team, which is responsible for providing a broad range of day-to-day computing support to ensure effective operation of the OR information systems and business processes, the Research Information Technologies Specialist is responsible for providing technical expertise to ensure effective operation of the OR information systems. This includes supporting the realization of institutional goals by configuring, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing operation of the information systems that support the administration of sponsored research funding, research ethics compliance review and certification, and the processes related to protection and commercialization of intellectual property.

Key Accountabilities

Configures, implements, and maintains OR information systems projects that support institutional and departmental strategic goals

• with the Information Systems Team to ensure the efficient and effective development and operation of the research information systems.
• a key role in ensuring that research information systems are optimally configured to maintain consistent and efficient workflow, including the provision of statistical data, and that system upgrades are implemented as required.
• Contributes to the regular Information Systems Team review of operational and functional requirements and practices in order to identify issues and opportunities pertaining to the use of research information systems, reporting on consultations within OR; with the faculty, staff, and students who conduct research; and with research sponsors.

• Proactively monitors the effectiveness of OR information systems and business practices, and researches tools and techniques for their optimization, keeping management informed of significant issues and making recommendations as appropriate.
• project management responsibilities, including oversight of resources and time, ensuring timely completion in alignment with agreed-upon objectives.
• Provides computer systems support to facilitate the accurate and efficient completion of OR projects, as required.
• Participates in ongoing cross-training within the Information Systems Team
• project contract staff and student resources as appropriate

Provides technical expertise to advance functional and technical improvements in OR information systems and business processes

• Contributes functional expertise with respect to implementing research system projects, including identification of the need for upgrades or changes and, if appropriate, their implementation.
• In consultation with the Manager, Research Information Systems, develops internal project scope, planning, resources, schedules, and risk.
• Contributes to the assessment of requests for systems development through discussion with stakeholders, obtaining clarification and ensuring accurate understanding of the requirements as well as the life-cycle.
• Provides expertise to functional subject matter experts, software providers, and other stakeholders with respect to the implementation and testing of new systems or the adoption of new system functionality or processes in order to ensure optimization of the OR systems.
• Identifies test scenarios, develops testing plans, and ensures that functional testing is conducted and documented in accordance with best practices and established standards.
• Conducts testing so that it occurs within established timelines and is documented so that issues and risks are assessed appropriately.
• Accurately implements, maintains and documents system specifications, configurations and requirements.
• Establishes, implements, and maintains secure, authorized access that complies with internal and external data security guidelines.

Collaborates, advises, and consults

• Collaborates with and advises the Information Systems Team with respect to computer systems issues.
• Develops productive, collegial working relationships with the OR, IST and other on-campus partners, embracing and consistently applying the Basic Principles of the Waterloo workplace.
• Contributes to relevant OR committees, and represents OR at university-wide meetings, as appropriate.

Maintains an appropriate level of institutional knowledge, job-related expertise, and awareness of industry standards

• Keeps fully informed about applicable aspects of uWaterloo research policies and processes, project - management best practices, and applicable computer information systems.
• Proactively practices a continuous improvement approach by maintaining awareness of uWaterloo’s Strategic Plan and the Office of Research Strategic Plan.
• Investigates and suggests appropriate continuing education opportunities that will benefit OR by expanding job-related expertise.
• Keeps abreast of trends, developments, and best practices in technology and computer systems; researches and recommends accordingly the use of new tools, systems, techniques, and approaches that could enhance the achievement of university and departmental goals.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or extensive experience in information systems and project management

Experience

• Information systems and project management experience, preferably related to a research environment.
• Experience leading information systems projects.
• Sound knowledge of technologies and methodologies related to information systems.
• Proven problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to analyse and understand complex situations.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated level of competence, discretion, and professionalism appropriate for interacting articulately and persuasively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks and excel in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced: Microsoft Word, Excel, relational database, report-writing tools, electronic and computer configuration and setup
• Intermediate: PowerPoint, MS Project, SharePoint, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Experience with research-related systems: InfoEd, Inteum, Pure, Kuali would be a definite asset

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.