Research Manager - DICE

The Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE) is an NSERC-funded Technology Access Centre at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, located at Innovation Place in Saskatoon. DICE supports partners across diverse sectors through applied research in data integration, visualization, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies.

Reporting to the Director of DICE, the Research Manager will lead applied research and digital innovation projects that support industry, community organizations, governments, Indigenous communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The role combines technical leadership in artificial intelligence, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) architecture, and cybersecurity with project delivery, funding development, and team management.

The Research Manager will build collaborative partnerships, pursue external funding, and mentor research staff and students. Working with internal and external partners, the manager will translate research into practical solutions and support knowledge mobilization and innovation adoption throughout Saskatchewan and beyond.

Qualifications:

• A relevant degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience demonstrating the technical and management capabilities required for the role. Relevant fields include computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or a related discipline. A graduate degree, such as a master’s or PhD in a relevant field, is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in industry and/or applied research, with demonstrated progression to a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including developing or directing applied AI solutions, preparing and analyzing data, evaluating models, and integrating solutions into practical applications.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, or providing technical leadership for simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) architectures, including localization, mapping, sensor fusion, and validation for robotic or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated experience in cybersecurity, including assessing risks and applying secure system design, data protection, access controls, and security practices to research or industry solutions.
• Experience leading complex projects involving cross-functional teams, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and risk management.
• Demonstrated financial management, budgeting, resource allocation, and project planning skills.
• Knowledge of applied research methodologies, experimental design, program evaluation, and knowledge mobilization.
• Strong proposal writing, grant development, and business case preparation skills.
• Experience supervising and mentoring research personnel and/or students, with the ability to guide technical work and support professional development.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, relationship-building, collaboration, and business development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical findings to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, critical analysis, problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills, with attention to research quality and detail.
• Ability to work independently while leading collaborative initiatives and managing multiple projects within agreed timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respectful Indigenous engagement.
• WHMIS and laboratory safety training, or willingness to obtain the required training.