Scientific Director

McDonald Institute; Canada; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Canada is seeking a visionary Scientific Director to lead its national research mission. Key responsibilities include advancing a scientific strategy, fostering collaboration among researchers, and representing the Institute nationally and internationally. The ideal candidate will have a distinguished background in physics, proven leadership in scientific programs, and a commitment to equity and diversity. This full-time appointment is based at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Qualifications

• Distinguished record of research and collaboration in astroparticle physics.
• Experience leading large-scale scientific programs.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the national research mission of the McDonald Institute.
• Guide strategic planning aligned with federal priorities.
• Represent the McDonald Institute nationally and internationally.

Skills

Leadership in scientific programs

Collaboration skills

Strategic planning

Funding acquisition

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

The Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute (McDonald Institute) is Canada’s hub for astroparticle physics discovery.

Based at Queen’s University and named for Nobel Laureate Dr. Arthur B. McDonald, the Institute unites researchers, students, and technical teams from leading universities and research facilities across the country. Through deep partnerships with SNOLAB, TRIUMF, the Perimeter Institute, and international collaborators, the McDonald Institute strengthens Canada’s global leadership in fundamental physics and trains the next generation of scientific explorers. Guided by its vision to position Canada at the forefront of astroparticle physics, the Institute champions a vibrant, diverse, and interdisciplinary community dedicated to understanding the universe and sharing the excitement of discovery with the public.

It is within this context that the McDonald Institute seeks a visionary Scientific Director to lead its national research mission.

Reporting to the Advisory Board and working closely with Queen’s University and partner institutions, the Scientific Director articulates and advances a bold scientific strategy that drives research excellence across Canada’s astroparticle physics community. The Scientific Director guides strategic planning, champions major initiatives, and ensures alignment with federal research priorities, funding agencies, and international scientific efforts. They foster an inclusive, collaborative research culture, mentor emerging scientific talent, and promote interdisciplinary connections across cosmology, particle physics, and underground science. As the Institute’s chief scientific ambassador, the Scientific Director represents the McDonald Institute nationally and internationally, strengthens partnerships, elevates the profile of Canadian discovery science, and supports the Institute’s commitment to training, outreach, and public engagement.

As an ideal candidate, you are an accomplished physicist with a distinguished record of research, collaboration, and impact. You bring deep experience leading large-scale scientific programs or research networks, with demonstrated success securing funding, managing multi-institutional projects, and working effectively with government and national facilities. Strategic, respected, and collegial, you excel at bringing the scientific community together around shared priorities. You provide clear, credible leadership grounded in scientific excellence, and you are committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and mentorship at all career stages. With strong communication and partnership-building skills, you adeptly represent Canadian science on the global stage and inspire researchers, trainees, and the public alike.

This is a full-time leadership appointment, typically held for a five-year renewable term, based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada at Queen’s University.

If you are ready to shape the future of Canadian astroparticle physics and lead a national community of researchers toward new scientific frontiers, we invite you to express your interest by submitting a curriculum vitae and a statement of scientific vision for the McDonald Institute to Paul Marshall [e-mail] and Mike Young [e-mail] at Boyden.

The McDonald Institute invites applications from all qualified individuals and is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. Support will be made available to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process should reach out to Mike Young.