Director, Applied Research

Algonquin College; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 132,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ontario seeks a Director to oversee the Applied Research Office. Responsibilities include managing research activities, developing strategic research themes, and collaborating with various partners. Candidates must possess a PhD, nine years of relevant experience, and strong project management skills. This position supports hybrid work arrangements, offers competitive compensation, and promotes an inclusive culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including health and dental

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum nine years of experience in research and project management.
• Experience in applied research and commercialization.
• Familiarity with business planning and operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Applied Research Office.
• Develop and execute the strategic plan for applied research.
• Foster partnerships with public and private sectors.

Skills

Research design and methodology

Project management

Proposal writing

Research funding knowledge

Collaboration with external stakeholders

Education

PhD or equivalent terminal degree

Job description

Please Note: If you are a current Algonquin College employee, apply to this job via the Workday application.

Department:

Academic Operations and Planning

Position Type:

Full-Time Administrative

Salary Range:

$132,338.00-$176,451.00-Annual

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36.25

Anticipated Start Date:

February 02, 2026

Length of Contract:

N/A

Posting Information

This job posting is now accepting applications from all qualified individuals.

Posting Closing Date

January 9, 2026

Please note: jobs are posted until 11:59 pm on the job closing date.

Land Acknowledgment

Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.

Job Description

A vibrant, dynamic and sustainable Applied Research portfolio and strategy is an integral part of Algonquin College’s polytechnic education identity – contributing to the innovation eco-system expected of a mature post-secondary institution. A primary focus is placed on applied research activities that are faculty-led and involve students;; scholarly work of faculty in Algonquin College degree programs or joint collaborative degree programs; and those that are driven by industry and community demand. A secondary focus is on applied research activities of a standalone nature in response to industry needs and/or contractual fulfilment of a research grant.

The incumbent is responsible for leading and managing Algonquin College’s Applied Research Office (ARO) and strategic research agenda including spearheading the development and execution of the College’s strategic plan for applied research across the College; developing strategic research themes for applied research programs for the next 5 to 10 years; planning of, budgeting for and delivery on annual business plans; securing and managing an increasingly diverse body of research funds; developing and enhancing faculty partnerships; and fostering public and private sector collaborative research relationships.

The incumbent is responsible for representing the College on research committees and to external organizations; developing and implementing effective research policies, processes and procedures; establishing and maintaining efficient research support services; recommending/hiring and management of staff and researchers including Principal Investigators, Research Associates and Research Assistants; encouraging scholarly and applied research within Algonquin College; overseeing and administering the Research Ethics Board; and promoting the College’s applied research capabilities and services to the broader community.

The Director is part of the Senior Academic Leadership Team and collaborates extensively with Deans and Directors and staff from other Departments to develop and implement the applied research strategic plan. On a day-to-day basis, the Director works both in support of strategic and operational college initiatives, and closely with the Office of Applied Research team. The Directoris a member of various cross-college Committees and participates in or leads ad hoc Working Groups focused on short-term strategic projects. The Director frequently represents Algonquin College in the community and must have the ability to act and represent the College in a professional, collegial, collaborative and entrepreneurial manner while developing new and innovative research partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• The Director requires a terminal credential (PhD or doctorate) for credible representation among the research and international communities, combined with considerable experience in conducting research activities, extensive knowledge of potential funding sources and solid proposal writing and project management skills.

• The Director must have demonstrated skill and minimum nine (9) years experience in the following areas: research design and methodology; ethical issues in research; research security; research data management; research financial administration; proposal writing; project development and project management abilities; knowledge of research funding sources, with a focus on Tri-Agency funds, policies, and reporting requirements; and experience working with individuals and groups from the College system, academia, government, and the private sector.

• The incumbent must have applied research experience gained through employment with private sector firms or public sector entities focused on applied research and the implementation or commercialization of new or improved products, processes or services.

• The Director must have business experience and familiarity with business planning, operations management, business development, marketing and sales functions.

• Work experience in an academic setting, specifically with a College, in an instructional, management or research role is required.

• The Director must have demonstrated skill and experience in the following areas: research design and methodology; ethical issues in research; research security; research data management; research financial administration; proposal writing; project development and project management abilities; knowledge of research funding sources, with a focus on Tri-Agency funds, policies, and financial and other reporting requirements; and experience working with individuals and groups from the College system, academia, government, and the private sector.

This position is eligible for hybrid work in conjunction with the College's Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. https://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/hr26/ (subject to change).

Why Join Algonquin College?

• Compensation:Many roles offer a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and retirement plans designed to support your well-being. Eligibility for benefits vary by position. Benefits | Careers

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, tuition assistance programs (Algonquin College Courses and Degree Completion), certifications, workshops, and professional courses that allow you to grow and advance in your career. About Us | Employee Learning and Development. Availability depends on role and employment status.

• Company Culture: Our values of caring, learning, integrity, and respect define how we interact with one another. We foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Algonquin College has been recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers for 2025 and one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity for 2024

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA): We are proud to be the first Ontario college to implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. Affinity Group Conversation Communities | Inclusion & Diversity & Truth and Reconciliation

• Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. Select positions are eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the College