Grants and Awards Officer

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is a leading centre for scientific research, training, and outreach in theoretical physics, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Our mission is to advance our understanding of the universe, stimulating breakthroughs that will transform the future. We also train the next generation of physicists and share the excitement and wonder of science with students, teachers and the general public.

As the Grants and Awards Officer you will work directly with Perimeter researchers to prepare successful research grant and award submissions. Serving as the institute’s resident expert on funding opportunities, you will advise and guide Perimeter’s researchers facilitating the maximum funding potential from a range of sponsors, (agencies, Foundations, government etc.) You’ll also have opportunities to write creatively about some of the most exciting research in theoretical physics for a range of media.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Grants and Proposals:

Provide expert support to Perimeter’s research community in applying for grants and submitting proposals, including: 

• Ensuring compliance with policies and application guidelines set by the funder
• Adhering to submission requirements and deadlines and basic project management around deadlines and application materials
• Editing for strategic effectiveness, clarity, impact and typographical or grammatical errors
• Maintain compliance with eligibility and reporting requirements
• Conduct grant writing workshops for applicants
• Edit, research, and write grant applications
• Maintain current best practices and high success rate in grants and awards
• Coordinate with funding agencies, faculty, and others to prepare and submit applications
• Research new funding opportunities across Canadian and International grant landscapes
• Assist researchers in the establishment and management of budget requirements
• Analyze decision results and make recommendations for consideration by senior administrators regarding process changes to improve application success rate

Develop and maintain a grant database consisting of:

• Records of past grant applications and statistics of success rates
• Library of current opportunities across various research areas and granting agencies
• Up to date templates to assist in grant submissions
• Implement processes around regular grant cycles to improve application rates and monitor progress
• Work with Perimeter’s Communications and Public Engagement team to highlight successful award nominations and grants for various media channels

Awards

• Write, research, and edit award and prize nominations for Perimeter researchers

Develop and maintain:

• Records of past award recipients and statistics on award success rate
• Library of current opportunities across various research areas and information about key awards and application processes
• Up to date templates to assist in award nominations

Required Education, Knowledge and Abilities

• Postsecondary Education in a relevant field (e.g., journalism, physics, English), with graduate education strongly preferred
• Minimum of five years’ professional experience as a writer/editor, preferably with two years of scientific or grant writing
• Demonstrated experience working with researchers on large- and small-scale scientific grants
• Ability to grasp new scientific concepts and convey them effectively to both specialists and non-scientists in various formats and media
• Thorough understanding of how to tailor narratives to their intended media (e.g. web, print, reports, etc.) and intended audience (e.g. government, donors, general public, etc.)
• Proven project management skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines and juggling multiple short- and long-term projects
• Demonstrated experience writing successful grant applications and funding proposals
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with proven capacity to take initiative and be proactive
• A track record of excellence in authoring and creating articles, interviews, and/or videos on science or scientists
• Excellent writing, reporting, and editorial skills
• Strong independent research skills
• Outstanding attention to detail, with ability to proofread and fact check accurately and quickly
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly with Word.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral

Additional Assets

• Formal scientific training in physics or a related scientific discipline, preferably at the graduate level
• Experience working with a non-profit or academic institution
• Experience developing and managing spreadsheets and databases
• Knowledge of major Canadian granting programs
• Experience with Canadian or international government in areas related to research funding
• Graphic design, layout, and/or photography skills
• Fluency in French

Please submit the following documents before August 21, 2023, in order to ensure full consideration of your application.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Minimum of one sample of writing to showcase your expertise writing grants and awards and proposals (samples will be treated in the strictest of confidence and are only being evaluated for style and tone)

The posting will remain live until the position is filled. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in support of Perimeter Institute but will only be connecting with select individuals.

Perimeter Institute is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Perimeter Institute provides support throughout the application process for applicants with disabilities. We work with you to understand the impact of your disability to appropriately accommodate you during the application/interview process. Please contact [email protected] for assistance.