Overview:
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.
Responsibilities:
Configures, implements, and maintains OR information systems projects that support institutional and departmental strategic goals
Collaborates with the Information Systems Team to ensure the efficient and effective development mand operation of the research information systems.
Plays 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 requirement 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.
Assumes 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
Supervises 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 uW’s Strategic Plan and the Office of Research Strategic Plan.
Investigates and suggests appropriate continuing education opportunities that will benefit OR by expanding job-relate 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
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or extensive experience in information systems and project management
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 analyze 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
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, Kuali would be a definite asset
Vaccination Requirement Statement:
Effective May 1, 2022, the University suspended its Vaccination Requirement. Prior to May 1, pursuant to this Requirement, all University employees were required to submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (subject to the University’s obligations under the Human Rights Code to accommodate employees who were unable to receive a vaccination). The University’s Vaccination Requirement website can be found here: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement.
The pandemic is ongoing and public health advice continues to evolve. Accordingly, the University reserves the absolute right to reinstate the Vaccination Requirement on short notice, and upon such reinstatement you will be required to comply. You shall also be required to comply with any new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University from time to time, including new policies/requirements related to mandatory employee vaccination. As the University may need to reinstate the Requirement on short notice, it will continue to collect and maintain up-to-date information on employee vaccination status. Please submit your Covid-19 vaccine status (QR code) to: https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca/
Failure to comply with the Vaccination Requirement if it is reinstated, including failure to comply with any future amendments to the Vaccination Requirement, or failure to comply with new health and safety policies/requirements implemented by the University, including those related to new mandatory employee vaccination, shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
The requirement to be vaccinated, if reinstated, will be subject to the duty to accommodate pursuant to the Human Rights Code. If you are unable to be vaccinated for reasons related to a ground protected under the Human Rights Code, you may submit a written request for accommodation with an explanation of the reasons and/or any supporting documentation. If you request accommodation, the University may follow up with you for further information if necessary.
Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
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 Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
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.