Vice-President, Research & Innovation

University of Ottawa; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education seeks a Vice-President for Research and Innovation. This pivotal role involves overseeing research initiatives, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the institution's reputation for excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD and demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. With a vibrant educational environment and a strong focus on research impact, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of research at a leading bilingual university in Canada’s capital. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree required.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee faculty services including grant support and administration.
• Foster partnerships with industry and research institutions.
• Enhance the university’s reputation for research excellence.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Research Management

Strategic Vision

Stakeholder Engagement

Fluency in French and English

Education

PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree

Job description

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Job Type : Employee

Job Family : Academic Upper Management

Faculty / Service - Department : President and Vice-Chancellor

Campus : Main Campus

Date Posted : February 06, 2025

Applications must be received BEFORE :

The University of Ottawa is a leading research university in Canada, offering a wide range of academic programs. Founded in 1848 and located in Canada’s capital, it is the largest French-English bilingual university worldwide, with 10 faculties, 1300 full-time professors, 1300 part-time professors, 5000 employees, and 550 academic programs, including the largest French immersion and the fifth largest co-op program in Canada. Currently, over 49,000 students, including 8,000 graduate students, are enrolled. The university provides substantial financial aid, with approximately $174 million in scholarships and bursaries awarded in 2023–2024, including $102 million for international students.

As an integral part of Canada’s capital, the university fosters a diverse, bilingual, and open community, offering a vibrant educational environment. Its research excellence spans engineering, science, social sciences, humanities, and healthcare, attracting global attention and benefiting from proximity to national laboratories and scientific organizations.

Research and Innovation at the University of Ottawa

The university ranks among Canada's top 10 research universities, with over $380 million in annual research revenues supporting interdisciplinary projects with high social and economic impact. It hosts 94 Canada Research Chairs and supports nearly 8,000 graduate students. In 2024, it ranked fourth among U15 universities for research intensity and second among Ontario U15 universities for federal research grants.

The university emphasizes knowledge creation and collaboration, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovation hubs like Kanata North, and dedicated resources for research and commercialization, aiming to maximize societal impact and influence public policies.

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation, leads strategic development, promotes diversity and inclusion, and manages stakeholder relationships to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the university’s research future.

Background

Sylvain Charbonneau served as Vice-President from February 2018 until September 2024, after which Julie St-Pierre, a faculty member in Medicine, was appointed acting Vice-President. She will serve until a new appointment is made.

The Vice-President collaborates closely with the university leadership to advance research and innovation, aligning with the Transformation 2030 strategic plan to rank among the top five Canadian universities. The role involves leadership in research policy, opportunity identification, and stakeholder engagement at national and international levels.

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation Responsibilities

• Oversee faculty services including grant support, ethics, and administration.
• Foster partnerships with industry, government, and research institutions.
• Set priorities and policies for recruiting and retaining top researchers.
• Collaborate with hospital research institutes to advance healthcare research.
• Enhance the university’s reputation for research excellence.
• Support initiatives for Francophone communities across Canada and internationally.

Experience and Key Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational, research, and leadership skills, with the following experience and qualities:

Knowledge and Experience

• PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree.
• Recognition in university research and impact.
• Understanding of research-intensive universities.
• Interdisciplinary perspective and collaboration skills.
• Strategic vision and stakeholder engagement ability.
• Experience managing research in academic settings, especially interdisciplinary environments.
• Strong professional networks in research funding and innovation sectors.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Integrity and sound judgment.
• Strategic and innovative thinking.
• Energy, initiative, and focus on strategic goals.
• Excellent teamwork, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Diplomacy, tact, and political acumen.
• Humility and supportive attitude.
• Organizational and planning skills.
• Resource mobilization and partnership-building capabilities.
• Fluent in French and English, professional level.

More about the University of Ottawa

Application Process

If your profile matches our needs, please submit your application with CV and cover letter. Review our application guidelines. All applications will be confidential. We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The selection process begins in spring 2025 and continues until the position is filled.

The university is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, and other qualified candidates. Applicants may complete a confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire upon application.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Please indicate your legal status in Canada when applying.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Contact the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations for assistance.

The university values bilingualism and offers language training through the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.

Note: COVID-19 vaccination was required before May 1, 2022, but policies may change based on public health guidance.