Research Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

Department: Office of the AVP Agri-Food Partnership
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 09/14/2026 to 08/27/2027

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Office of Research, Agri-Food Partnership manages the OMAFA-U of G Agreement and the working relationship between the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), known as the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance ("Alliance"). This major government-university partnership supports research and innovation that advances the Ontario agri-food sector's competitiveness, ensuring food safety, protecting animal/plant/public health, fostering innovation, developing future leaders, and promoting sustainable practices. Through the OMAFA-U of G Agreement Program for Research and Innovation, the Alliance delivers programs that address OMAFA research priorities, including competitive research programs such as Tier 1; Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) programs, including the Research, Mobilization, and Initiatives streams; directed research through the Special Initiatives Program; and Tier 2, 4, 5, and Long-Term Trials programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Research Programs, the Research Program Coordinator provides research administration and program support across the full funding lifecycle for Alliance programs. The position is a first point of contact for Alliance funding programs and the Research Management System (RMS), supporting effective administration, compliance, and continuous improvement, including:

• Coordinating Alliance research calls, including proposal submission, review and approval, award notifications, and progress reporting;
• Supporting researchers in the submission of proposals, amendments, and annual and final reports;
• Providing information and coordination support to peer reviewers and panel review committees evaluating proposals;
• Administering and supporting the ongoing development of the Research Management System (RMS) database;
• Verifying that proposals, reports, and funding conditions comply with program policies and requirements;
• Generating reports and summaries for University and OMAFA staff; and monitoring program requirements;
• Supporting continuous improvement in program administration, including contributing to the development and documentation of program policies, procedures, and training materials;
• Communicating with Research Program Directors, departmental administrative staff, Lead Applicants, and OMAFA staff about Alliance research programs and procedures;
• Responding to researcher inquiries, resolving issues, and providing award information to academic departments;
• Engaging with the Research Services Office, the Research Innovation Office, and other relevant campus units;
• Providing back-up support for the Office of Research, Agri-Food Partnership, and performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant area, preferably Agriculture, Plant, Animal, Environmental or Food Sciences, and one year of related experience demonstrating knowledge of agri-food research and the agri-food sector, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel;
• Excellent customer service and client relationship management skills;
• Experience with web-based databases or information management systems; experience with SmartSimple Research Management System (RMS) is an asset;
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills; strong attention-to-detail; ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Familiarity with academic research environments, research administration processes, and the research lifecycle is an asset;
• Familiarity with Alliance research programs and U of G financial systems is an asset;
• A certificate in Research Administration is an asset.

Employee Type: Temporary covering regular incumbent
Position Number: 10928032 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5

USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/26/2026  
Closing Date: 09/02/2026