Director, Research Contracts and Grants

Reporting to the Executive Director Research Strategy and Operations, the Director of Research Contracts and Grants provides senior leadership for the Research Contracts Program.

They ensure that the program provides high level of service and that all contracts and grants are compliant with regulations, ensuring appropriate mitigation against financial and operational liabilities related to research contracts and grants.

The incumbent will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including McMaster’s Health Research Services and St. Joe’s Research Administration, as well as industry and not for profit provincial working groups on streamlining the contract review process. They will represent HHS at conferences, webinars and scientific community engagements related to research contract review and risk management. 

1. Master’s Degree in Law, Business, Science, Public or Health Administration,
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in a clinical/academic research environment, 
3. Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience related to Contracts and/or grant management,
4. Minimum of 7 years’ experience in contract law preferred,
5. Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills with highly developed influencing skills for negotiation both internally and with external partners  
6. Strong knowledge understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements for clinical research, including international regulations and the cultural differences in working with international partners
7. Strong leadership and team development skills, including coaching and mentoring.
8. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills to collaborate with researchers, industry partners, and institutional leadership,
9. Knowledge of contractual law database systems would be an asset.