Manager, PhD Programme and Research Administration, SOSS

Job Description

• This position is for School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
• PhD and FTMP in Psychology
• Work closely with the Programme Director, SMU's College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS) and Registrar Office to administer the PGR programmes in compliance with SMU's policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate the admission process, including reviewing applications, working with review committee members, communicating with prospective students, and managing matriculation for admitted students, including student pass applications for international students.
• Propose budget and administer expenses for programme related events and activities.
• Coordinate faculty load planning, course scheduling, class venue bookings and course surveys.
• Serve as the key point of contact for students, addressing enquiries and managing their degree progression including course enrolment, exemptions, grading, theses and dissertation defense, fulfilment of graduation requirements, etc.
• Coordinate faculty and students requests including class/load arrangements, leave of absence, research funding and conference participation/travel.
• Process grades, tuition fees, stipends, reimbursement claims and Graduate Instructor/RA appointments and payments accurately and promptly.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of the Psychology graduate student space and Psychology Laboratory.
• Organise academic briefings, research showcases, PGRP student and alumni gatherings.
• Coordinate student and alumni profiling and features on web, social media and newsletter.
• Address matters arising regarding the programme in consultation with the Programme Director, Assistant Dean for Administration and School Dean.
• Pre-award research grant administration
• Undertake social science research grant opportunities landscape survey, identify and compile opportunities relevant to SOSS faculty research areas.
• Work with Associate Dean (Research) to nurture faculty interest in applying for more external grants vis--vis SOSS grant application targets and timeline.
• Provide guidance to faculty on research grant opportunities, eligibility, application processes, budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret funding guidelines and advise faculty on preparing competitive research proposals - preparing, reviewing and submitting research proposals, budgets and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with funding bodies, faculty members and SMU administrative offices to obtain required clearances and ensure smooth and timely submission of grants.
• Work with faculty members and other academic constituencies to identify best practices as well as gaps in grant application information, processes to propose and implement enhancement initiatives.
• Work closely with the senior manager, research administration to provide regular updates to the Dean and Associate Dean (Research) on progress of grant applications.
• Other responsibilities
• Provide support to deliver events and activities organised by SOSS, e.g., faculty meetings, focus group discussions and commencement ceremony, etc.
• Participate in work improvement initiatives and projects to enhance processes and productivity.
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the school Dean and Assistant Dean (Administration).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in degree programme and academic research administration, or related areas of work.
• Strong knowledge of degree programme administration and governance, research funding processes and grant administration.
• Prior experience in research grants pre-award administration, research contracting and understanding of social science (Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, etc) academic research and/or national/ international research funding landscape are desirable
• Experienced in adult learner management.
• Comfortable with multi-tasking and proactively prioritising tasks according to importance and urgency to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as a team.
• Possesses initiative and ability to solve problems effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing grant documents, event materials, correspondence and promotional content.
• Amiable and able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Competent in research management systems, event registration platforms and office software including Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and SAP Concur.
• Methodical and meticulous in following through on procedures and compliance checks.

• This position is for School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
• PhD and FTMP in Psychology
• Work closely with the Programme Director, SMU's College of Graduate Research Studies (CGRS) and Registrar Office to administer the PGR programmes in compliance with SMU's policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate the admission process, including reviewing applications, working with review committee members, communicating with prospective students, and managing matriculation for admitted students, including student pass applications for international students.
• Propose budget and administer expenses for programme related events and activities.
• Coordinate faculty load planning, course scheduling, class venue bookings and course surveys.
• Serve as the key point of contact for students, addressing enquiries and managing their degree progression including course enrolment, exemptions, grading, theses and dissertation defense, fulfilment of graduation requirements, etc.
• Coordinate faculty and students requests including class/load arrangements, leave of absence, research funding and conference participation/travel.
• Process grades, tuition fees, stipends, reimbursement claims and Graduate Instructor/RA appointments and payments accurately and promptly.
• Oversee operations and maintenance of the Psychology graduate student space and Psychology Laboratory.
• Organise academic briefings, research showcases, PGRP student and alumni gatherings.
• Coordinate student and alumni profiling and features on web, social media and newsletter.
• Address matters arising regarding the programme in consultation with the Programme Director, Assistant Dean for Administration and School Dean.
• Pre-award research grant administration
• Undertake social science research grant opportunities landscape survey, identify and compile opportunities relevant to SOSS faculty research areas.
• Work with Associate Dean (Research) to nurture faculty interest in applying for more external grants vis--vis SOSS grant application targets and timeline.
• Provide guidance to faculty on research grant opportunities, eligibility, application processes, budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret funding guidelines and advise faculty on preparing competitive research proposals - preparing, reviewing and submitting research proposals, budgets and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with funding bodies, faculty members and SMU administrative offices to obtain required clearances and ensure smooth and timely submission of grants.
• Work with faculty members and other academic constituencies to identify best practices as well as gaps in grant application information, processes to propose and implement enhancement initiatives.
• Work closely with the senior manager, research administration to provide regular updates to the Dean and Associate Dean (Research) on progress of grant applications.
• Other responsibilities
• Provide support to deliver events and activities organised by SOSS, e.g., faculty meetings, focus group discussions and commencement ceremony, etc.
• Participate in work improvement initiatives and projects to enhance processes and productivity.
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the school Dean and Assistant Dean (Administration).