Corporate Research Partnerships Manager

About the role

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-00295 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Research and Program Support Employment Type: Permanent Department: Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Corporate Research Partnerships Hiring Range: $110,414.84 - $138,018.55 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is March 19, 2026 at 11:59PM. Job Description: Primary Purpose The incumbent is responsible for the cultivation, development and procurement of external research partnerships with industry. This will include broadening the relationship between industry and faculties leading to collaborative research projects with the Tri-Councils (NSERC, CIHR & SSHRC), Ontario Centres of Excellence, ORF, CFI, etc. The incumbent will be expected to source and nurture industry research partnership leads that may arise from targeted outreach, or through a diverse network including faculty members, industry associations, other university departments (e.g. Advancement, Co-Op), and direct industry requests. The incumbent has responsibility for the initial negotiation of the key terms and conditions of industrial research contracts and, accordingly, should have a detailed and extensive knowledge of the academic research environment as well as University policies and practices governing the conduct of research, ownership of intellectual property and overhead costs associated with industrial research. As these negotiations have a direct bearing on the success of securing industrial funding for research, the incumbent must have excellent negotiation and customer relations skills, excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to adapt to the complex and changing University, Industry and Government environments. A strong technical background, preferably including an advanced research degree, is an asset in dealing with companies and academics in this role. Key Accountabilities Identify potential industry partners - Develop and implement an ongoing strategy for the identification, prospecting and stewardship of external partners that will lead to research in collaboration with the Faculties - Attend and organize appropriate meetings and events to promote Waterloo research capability and to interact with potential sponsors - Respond to requests for information on research capabilities from industry and the university's extended network and outreach apparatus (including co-op, advancement, institutes etc.) - Pro-actively target sectors or companies where there is high potential for funded research - Plan, manage and promote occasional events to bring industry partners and researchers together Maximize leverage from industry dollars - Identify research program or project opportunities and support development of research proposals as required - Cultivate an awareness of federal and provincial government granting programs, in particular those that require industry participation - Initiate the negotiation of the terms and conditions of industrial research grants and contracts, and secure industry dollars and in-kind contributions, including necessary overhead - Work with Office of Research, research partnership managers to secure contracts such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs) and others Marketing - Advance the visibility and research profile of the University through the development of research programs and partnerships - Work with communications staff in the Office of Research to plan and implement effective communication strategies for enhancing UW's research profile in the private sector, including securing industry permission and participation - Coordinate and deliver, as needed, presentations to corporations, government and industry - Promote Faculty research interests, from research across campus, to external organizations Collaboration with University personnel - Develop deep knowledge of the research capabilities and interests of UW faculty in assigned areas - Work with faculty members to help them contextualize their expertise in respect of private sector interests and needs - Work in close collaboration with other Industrial Liaison Officers (including outside OR), WatCo, other Office of Research personnel, and others across campus Special projects - Undertake Special Projects as assigned by the Director or other OR senior management. Required Qualifications Education - Master's degree or equivalent experience. PhD or MBA would b

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