Job ID

73882

Job Title

Senior Advisor, Research Innovation & Partnerships

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

02/02/2026

Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

02/15/2026

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Associate Dean Research

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 10

Salary Range

$32.81 - $52.36 (hourly)

Job Code

JD1653

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

35 hours/week; Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:30

Education Level

Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field a related field, or business administration

Career Level

Requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience

Anticipated Start Date

March 16, 2026 (Tentative)

Job Description

Senior Advisor, Research Innovation & Leadership

Faculty of Engineering
JD#1653

Engineering a Brighter Future
https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

About the Faculty:

The Faculty of Engineering has a well-established reputation as one of Canada’s most research-intensive faculties across a range of disciplines, including bio-innovation, advanced materials and manufacturing, mobility, smart systems, and nuclear research. The Faculty attracts approximately $76 million in annual research funding. Engineering faculty, staff, and students at McMaster University pursue research and learning in more than two dozen research centres, institutes, and networks, whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross departmental and Faculty boundaries. Outside the University, the Faculty regularly collaborates on research projects with partners in other universities, government, and more than 120 companies in Canada and abroad.

About the Department:

The Office of the Associate Dean, Research, Innovation and Partnerships is responsible for the oversight and administration of the Faculty’s rich research enterprise, including the promotion, pursuit, and administration of strategic research funding initiatives; management of the Faculty’s research chairs, facilities, and award nomination portfolios; and facilitating the growth of the Faculty’s undergraduate research activities. In addition, the Office is responsible for creating and implementing programs and resources to support the growth of industry sponsored research, commercialization activity, and entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Engineering.

About the Position:

The Senior Advisor collaborates across campus to advance strategic priorities and grow research funding within the Faculty of Engineering. This role focuses on building and managing relationships with research teams, government funders, and external partners; identifying leveraging opportunities; and supporting all aspects of proposal and grant development. Success in this position requires the ability to foster strong cross-sector relationships to drive research impact, knowledge translation, and commercialization goals. Additionally, the Senior Advisor supports training programs, research workshops, and partner engagement events that align with the Faculty’s strategic objectives.

Job Summary:

Responsible for advancing the Faculty’s research enterprise by fostering collaboration with external partners, including industry, government, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other academic institutions. Supports collaborative research initiatives by actively engaging industry partners, negotiating contributions to support projects, assisting with the development of funding applications, and ensuring that budgets adequately support proposed activities. Additionally, the role advises faculty members on securing funding, developing partnerships, and navigating commercialization opportunities, while supporting strategic research planning and enhancing the Faculty’s visibility through targeted outreach and communications.

Purpose and Key Functions:

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field or in business administration.
• Requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.

Supervision:

• Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks. ·
• Ensures adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers.

Assets:

Additional Information:

The Senior Advisor will be part of a cross-functional team. Key responsibilities will include:

• Organizing and coordinating programs and events for internal and external partners (e.g., room bookings, meetings, agendas, feedback).
• Supporting grant cycle management, including maintaining a grant calendar and preparing internal promotional emails, newsletters, and website updates.
• Collaborating with outreach and data analytics teams to prepare reports and resources related to research funding and partnership development.
• Working with Engineering Communications to develop materials showcasing McMaster Engineering’s research strengths.
• Creating, updating, and revising documents and templates for internal and external partners.
• Monitoring program and event budgets to ensure compliance and efficiency.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.