Careers at Fields
Join the dynamic Fields Institute team and help advance mathematical research.
Working at the Fields Institute, you'll be part of a small, dynamic team and in frequent contact with academics from around the world. We are located in a beautiful, purpose-built building on the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto, near the corner of Spadina and College. Find out more about open positions at the Fields Institute by clicking below.
Read about the Fields Institute mission here.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Positions Available
Fields Institute Deputy Director
Description
The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences invites applications or nominations for the position of Deputy Director for a three- to five-year term beginning July 1, 2019.
The Deputy Director works closely with the Director on all aspects of the Institute's oversight and program development.
Qualified candidates should be mathematical scientists with good management skills, an excellent research record, and a strong interest in developing the programs of the Institute. Women and members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The Fields Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
A brief letter of application or nomination together with a CV and names of three references should be sent to:
or to:
Ian Hambleton
Director
Fields Institute
222 College Street W.
Toronto, ON M5T 3J1
We will start to review applications or nominations on January 21, 2019, but the review process will continue until the position is filled.
Fields Institute Director
Description
The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences invites applications or nominations for the position of Director for a three- to five-year term (renewable once) commencing July 1, 2019 or as soon as convenient thereafter.
The Fields Institute is an independent research institute located on the University of Toronto campus, supported by nine principal sponsoring universities across Ontario. With over 4,000 visitors annually, the Institute’s mission is to enhance and advance mathematical activity nationally and internationally. Fields programs not only bring together leading researchers and students from Canada and abroad, but also promote collaboration and communication among professional mathematicians and the increasing number of users of mathematics—in the commercial and industrial sectors, and in the public sphere. See www.fields.utoronto.ca for more information.
Candidates should be active researchers in the mathematical sciences with high international stature, strong interpersonal and administrative skills, and have enthusiasm and a vision for the Institute.
A letter of application addressing the qualities above, together with a CV and names of three references should be sent here. Expressions of interest or nominations are welcome and can also be sent to this address. Women and members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. The Fields Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
The Search Committee will consider dossiers on or about November 15, 2018. After that date, applications and nominations will be considered until the position is filled.
Director Search Committee:
Arvind Gupta, Chair, (Professor, University of Toronto)
Thierry Giordano (Professor, University of Ottawa)
Dusa McDuff (Professor, Barnard College)
Siobhan Roberts (Journalist and Author)
Mary Thompson (Professor Emeritus, U. Waterloo)
Michael Zerbs (Executive VP, Scotiabank)
Web Applications Developer and Technical Assistant
Description
We are looking for an innovative, energetic, results-oriented IT professional with experience in current and emerging web technologies who can identify, develop, and deliver timely, top-quality service and technological solutions in support of the activities of the Fields Institute. Reporting to the Director of Computing Services, the Web Applications Developer and Technical Assistant (WADTA) actively provides services and support that are consistently excellent, professional, and friendly.
The mission of the Fields Institute is to enhance mathematical activity in Canada and internationally by bringing together mathematicians from Canada and abroad. The Institute supports research in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as well as collaboration between mathematicians and those applying mathematics in areas such as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, medicine, economics and finance, telecommunications and information systems.
Job Objectives
- help design and program online tools to improve the Institute staff's workflow and the experience of visitors attending activities
- interact with staff (with a wide range of ability levels) and assist them in using/learning technological tools
- improve the workflow and technological experience of all staff, gain insight from interactions with staff about what technical changes could assist them, recommend technical solutions, and provide assessments of the feasibility and potential impact of such potential changes
- assist in developing written documentation for staff
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable combination of education and experience
- Minimum of 1 year's experience programming in a scripting language for a back-end web framework
- Experience working with web front-end technologies, including JavaScript, and experience in using CSS to implement web effects
- Familiarity with several different programming languages and web frameworks
- Experience working with databases and SQL coding, including at least one of Postgres, MySQL, or SQLite
Skills
- Demonstrated ability to teach and explain technical concepts, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability learning new language syntaxes and frameworks quickly and implementing algorithms in them
- Very good technical knowledge of how web applications operate, how front-end programs interact with back-end frameworks, and the comparative merits of different web frameworks
Other:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong personal accountability and the ability to take initiative
- Problem-solving ability
- Efficient time management skills, practices, and habits
- Ability to keep pace in a dynamic environment with rapid changes in systems, hardware, user requirements and technologies.
- Ability to manage competing priorities flexibly and creatively
- Ability to re-prioritize and re-calibrate timelines of work in progress
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to take direction
- Team player with a disciplined, mature, professional approach
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply through Charity Village and submit:
1. a cover letter (including salary expectations) and
2. a curriculum vitae.
Application deadline is March 1, 2019.
Applications will be reviewed as they come in. It is in your best interest to apply as early as possible. Late applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Communications Officer
Description
Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications (the Manager), the Communications Officer (CO) delivers communications strategy, planning, and implementation, including outreach, promotion, stakeholder relationships, reporting, development, and fundraising, in support of the activities of the Fields Institute. As a key point of contact at the Institute, the CO actively provides participants, staff, and the Directorate with services and support that are consistently excellent, professional, and friendly.
The mission of the Fields Institute is to enhance mathematical activity in Canada and internationally by bringing together mathematicians from Canada and abroad. The Institute supports research in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as well as collaboration between mathematicians and those applying mathematics in areas such as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, medicine, economics and finance, telecommunications and information systems.
Job Description
We are looking for an innovative, energetic communications professional who can identify, convey, and deliver the right stories and messages to various audiences vividly and effectively illustrating and highlighting mathematicians and Fields Institute activities. In raising the public profile and promoting awareness of the Institute in our society, the CO publicizes the work of scholars, attracts visitors, and reinforces the Institute’s unique intellectual culture.
The CO will have a superior command of the fast-changing multi-channel/platform information ecosystem, including design and artistic skills, and possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills to communicate concepts simply and clearly, engaging diverse communities and individuals.
Responsibilities
- Develop, write, and produce Institute publications, including Annual Report, quarterly newsletter (Fields Notes) and other reports.
- Develop communications strategies and implement targeted outreach campaigns to engage key audiences, in close collaboration with the Manager of Scientific Programs and Program Team.
- Prepare announcements and design online content.
- Report and write about newsworthy activities as needed, including press releases, brochures, and fundraising and promotional materials.
- Develop, manage, and foster media relations.
- Manage social media platforms and engage its audiences and communities (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
- Record/minute board and other stakeholder meetings.
- Establish, build, and steward relationships with potential and current donors, including community members, corporations, foundations, and others.
- Develop and manage fundraising activities and analyze donor data and trends.
- Work closely with the Directorate to prioritize and produce grant proposals and other documents.
- Participate in ongoing Directorate projects and other duties as assigned by the Manager of Communications and Development.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- University degree or other relevant education.
- 2-3 years of relevant experience, preferably in an academic or not-for-profit setting.
Skills
- Outstanding writing and editing, excellent news judgment, ability to work independently and as part of a team, deadline driven, commitment to high-quality work.
- Excellent knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), and webpage editing (CMS, HTML). Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Willingness to learn other computer programs as needed.
- Articulate, professional demeanor.
- Experience in writing grant proposals or reports is an asset.
Other:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong personal accountability and the ability to take initiative
- Problem-solving ability
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Efficient time management skills, practices, and habits
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to manage competing priorities flexibly and creatively
- Ability to re-prioritize and re-calibrate timelines of work in progress
- Flexibility to move in and out of different tasks as required
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to take direction
- Team player with disciplined, mature, professional approach
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply through Charity Village and submit the following by February 25, 2019:
- a cover letter (including salary expectations) and
- a curriculum vitae.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Receptionist/Members Liaison
Description
Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications (the Manager), the Receptionist/Members Liaison (RML) will provide reception and other administrative support duties in the implementation of scientific activities and member services which support the Fields Institute mission. As a key point of contact at the Institute, the RML actively provides visitors, staff, and the Directorate with services and support that are consistently excellent, professional, and friendly.
As a key public and internal contact for the Fields Institute, the incumbent must at all times be professional, courteous, open, communicative, friendly, and helpful. These values and characteristics of the position are essential for the effective support of the Institute's mission:
Our mission is to enhance mathematical activity in Canada by bringing together mathematicians from Canada and abroad, and by promoting contact and collaboration between professional mathematicians and the increasing numbers of users of mathematics. Thus the Institute supports research in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as well as collaboration between mathematicians and those applying mathematics in areas such as engineering, the physical and biological sciences, medicine, economics and finance, telecommunications, and information systems.
Most critically, the incumbent will often be the "face" and first point of contact for the Institute and must make every effort to actively support the Fields Institute environment and its participants.
The Fields Institute environment is designed to support and enhance all of these activities. Office space is provided for as many as 70 visitors; a supportive staff enables visitors to devote most of their energies to research.
The incumbent must at all times utilize effective interpersonal skills to support, assist, and clearly and effectively communicate with staff, activity organizers, Institute visitors, and the broader mathematics, statistics, scientific, and academic communities with which the Institute interacts.
Job Objectives
1. Support the Manager of Development and Communications by:
- demonstrating personal accountability, integrity, and trustworthiness
- providing superb service to Institute stakeholders and visiting members
- actively fostering excellent relationships with all Institute stakeholders
- knowing and implementing policies and procedures and requirements of the Institute
- understanding and supporting the mission of the Institute
2. Effectively communicate, utilizing a range of appropriate methods to:
- be aware of and report all significant developments or issues
- understand the attitude, interest, needs, and perspective of others
- share information with good judgment and give and solicit feedback
- express ideas, written and verbal, clearly, completely, and persuasively
3. Manage competing demands and needs of the Institute reception by:
- exhibiting excellent time management skills and flexibility
- exhibiting excellent organizational skills
- following and adapting to all relevant Institute procedures and processes
- communicating all process improvements to the Manager of Development and Communications
- actively streamlining work and systems and improving efficiency
- actively resolving or avoiding duplication, wasted effort, and unnecessary "firefighting"
4. Serve as a respected and trusted team member through:
- actively maintaining regular, direct contact, and complete communication with the Manager of Development and Communications
- earning a reputation for responsiveness
- providing quality service, keeping commitments, and delivering on promises
Responsibilities Essential Work Activies:
1. Receptionist Duties:
- provide clear and professional communication to all levels of the organization, including staff members, external stakeholders, organizers, and visitors
- keep informed and up-to-date of all Institute activities
- direct inquiries appropriately
- answer or direct incoming phone calls to the Institute
- answer questions in a knowledgeable and professional manner
- sort incoming mail, log cheques, receive, and process couriers and mail
- prepare outgoing mail, maintain postage machine
- handle sales and supply of Institute logo-ware and process receipts
- order office supplies and equipment
- report maintenance requests and problems to the Manager of Development and Communications
- regularly ensure adequate paper supply in photocopiers and fax machines
- maintain kitchen area, supply cupboards, reception area, and mail room
- order coffee and catering supplies and set up tea break daily, Monday to Friday
- maintain reception and common areas clean and tidy at all times
- other duties as assigned by the Manager of Development and Communications
2. Members Liaison Responsibilities:
- input registration and visiting members information into a database, retrieve and summarize information as required
- receive Institute members and provide Institute information and member services orientation
- control key distribution for offices based on assignment by the program team
- set-up and close, as necessary, staff and visitor email, computer, and photocopy accounts
- set-up and maintain mailboxes, distribute incoming mail and handle mail service for departed visitors
- maintain photo archive and board display of Institute visitors
- update Member Resources Handbook and web pages under the direction of the Manager of Development and Communications, as necessary
3. Program Team Support:
- assist Program Coordinators in the implementation of programs and events, including helping in the preparation of meeting materials, audio-visual equipment, registration, coffee breaks, and other duties as necessary
- act as designated back-up to Program Coordinators as required
- other duties as assigned by the Manager of Development and Communications
Qualifications
Education
- University degree or other relevant education.
Experience
- Three years of relevant experience
- Experience in event/program planning and implementation preferred
- Strong demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Content Management Systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc.)
- Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
Other:
- Punctual with strong attendance history
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to both take direction and work autonomously
- Ability to manage competing priorities flexibly and creatively
- Efficient time management skills, practices, and habits
- Flexibility to move in and out of different tasks as required
- Team player with a disciplined, mature and professional approach
- Excellent telephone manner
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should apply through Charity Village and submit the following by April 8, 2019:
- a cover letter (including salary expectations) and
- a curriculum vitae.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
