Program Officer

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Position Summary:

DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics” (D2R) is an ambitious new research initiative led by McGill University, that is supported by the Government of Canada’s Canadian First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) program and by funding from multiple other organizations. Launched in 2023 for seven years, D2R integrates complementary Canadian and international research strengths at McGill and D2R partner sites into a unified program designed to make D2R a global leader in the discovery, development and delivery of genomics-based RNA Therapeutics.

The D2R: DNA to RNA (D2R) Program Officer is responsible for the development and implementation of a custom professional skills development program for D2R trainees. In addition, the Program Officer will assist in the development and delivery of other training sessions for D2R researchers and admin staff in fulfilment of D2R’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan. They will report to the Director of Administration (D2R).

The D2R Program Officer will establish workshops and other professional development events (e.g., career panels, networking events) focused on the development of professional competencies (e.g., communication, leadership, project management), as well as opportunities for D2R trainees to apply these transferable skills (e.g., through facilitation of future workshops). These events will be modeled after SKILLSETS offerings, which have demonstrated effectiveness in the McGill graduate studies community. This programming will be designed to provide D2R trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully in the job market and excel in their graduate studies and careers. It will aid trainees in broadening their skill sets beyond their research to become well-rounded individuals prepared for a wealth of academic and non-academic career paths.

Main Responsibilities:

• The Program Officer is responsible for planning and delivery of professional development initiatives for HBHL trainees. Through transferable skills programming, the incumbent supports trainees in their research and career development.
• The Program Officer fulfills a liaison function with other on-campus units, such as Student Life and Learning units, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Faculties. In addition, they support activities related to general administration of the D2R skills program including, but not limited to: communications and assessment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify the training needs of D2R trainees (i.e. McGill graduate students and postdocs with an interest D2R-related fields) through liaising with the trainees, their supervisors, and D2R stakeholders as well as benchmarking with other institutions including D2R partner institutions to make recommendations for comprehensive and targeted programming.
• Work with D2R stakeholders and develop a custom professional skills development program for D2R trainees based on workshops and other professional development events (e.g., career panels, networking events), including the integration of SKILLSETS offerings as well as the design and delivery of new targeted offerings. The portfolio of available offerings at various levels (i.e., introductory and advanced workshops) will grow each year.
• Facilitate a portion of these events, and recruit expert external facilitators. 
• Recruit, train and supervise casual employees to assist with the design and facilitation of offerings. Integrate a train-the-trainer model to provide opportunities for trainees to apply their teaching skills and increase sustainability of the program.
• Design online resources focused on professional development to complement the in-person events.
• Support D2R’s Student Training and Knowledge Dissemination Committee, which advises D2R’s Research Steering Committee on the development of Training Award program.
• Recruit, manage and mentor the D2R Trainee sub-committee through their event planning, communications and sponsorship-related tasks.
• Work with the D2R communications officer to market the programming to D2R trainees through print, electronic (e.g., email, social media), and in-person communications to generate trainee interest and participation.
• Work with the D2R EDI Advisor to implement training courses for researchers and admin staff in support of the EDI Action plan.
• Communicate with D2R stakeholders through mid-term and annual reports.
• Develop and implement short-term goals and a plan for growth and sustainability of the program over time. Design and administer program assessment to identify areas of strength and continuously improve areas of weakness.
• Review, analyze, and make decisions for future programming based on assessment outcomes.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Three (3) years’ related experience, preferably in a D2R-field related research setting (biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, public health, health equity, chemistry, pharmacology, biomanufacturing, ethics, sociology, public policy).
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Must have strong organizational, priority-setting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team. 
• Able to establish and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external to the University. 
• Must be able to provide guidance, advice, and information.
• Ability to track and analyze a high volume of information.
• Demonstrated ability to work in PC environment using word databases, spreadsheets, database and presentation software.
• English and French, spoken and written.

« Connaissance du français et de l’anglais: L’Université McGill est une université de langue anglaise où les tâches quotidiennes peuvent nécessiter une communication verbale et écrite en anglais. Le niveau d’anglais requis pour ce poste a été déterminé comme étant de niveau #4 (qualificatif) sur une échelle de 0-4.»

“Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.”

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 04) $63,810.00 – $79,760.00 – $95,710.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM2A – General Administration – Professional 2

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Director Administration

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2024-10-07

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].

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