VICE-PRESIDENT, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

InsideHigherEdNiagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

2 days ago

Job type

Part-time

Job description

VICE-PRESIDENT, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

The University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a leading research university with a full range of academic programs. Founded in 1848 and located in Canada’s capital, it is the largest French-English bilingual university in the world, with 10 faculties, 1300 regular professors (and 1300 part-time professors), 5000 employees and 550 academic programs, including the largest French immersion program and the fifth largest co-op program among Canadian universities. Over 49,000 students (including some 8000 graduate students) are currently enrolled at the University. The University of Ottawa provides one of Canada’s most generous financial aid programs, with students receiving around $174 million in scholarships and bursaries in 2023–2024, including $102 million for international students.

An integral part of Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa is a vibrant centre of learning where many cultures and perspectives come together to create a truly unique educational experience. The University community directly reflects Canada’s diversity, bilingualism and spirit of openness.

The University of Ottawa offers a dynamic, stimulating environment where research and knowledge are fundamental. Breakthroughs in engineering, science, social sciences, the humanities and health care at the University attract attention from scholars the world over, reflecting the quality of the University’s faculty and their drive to discover. The University, by virtue of its location in Canada’s capital, benefits from its proximity to national laboratories and scientific organizations.

Research and innovation at the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top 10 research universities in Canada. With annual research revenues in excess of $380 million, the University supports innovative, interdisciplinary projects in strategic areas of high social and economic impact. This excellence is underpinned by a network of 94 Canada Research Chairs and a thriving community of nearly 8000 graduate students. In 2024, the University of Ottawa ranked fourth among U15 universities in terms of research intensity. It ranked second among the six Ontario universities in the U15 with respect to research grants from federal funding agencies.

The University of Ottawa is committed to being at the forefront of knowledge creation and mobilization; it offers an exceptional environment that fosters local and international collaboration. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovation hubs such as the Kanata North campus, and dedicated support for contract research and technology development, uOttawa builds strategic partnerships and supports the commercialization of discoveries and knowledge dissemination to maximize the impact of research, not only economically, but also as it pertains to public policies and legislation.

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation plays a key role in developing research capabilities, in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and in managing strategic relationships with stakeholders in order to foster a culture of innovation rooted in excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead the University’s strategic vision of research and innovation, shaping a bold and transformative future for the scientific and academic community.

Background

Sylvain Charbonneau held the position of Vice-President, Research and Innovation from February 2018 until his departure in September 2024 to take the position of President and CEO of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Under his leadership, research and innovation at the University of Ottawa made remarkable strides, as measured by a number of indicators.

Julie St-Pierre, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa, was named acting Vice-President, Research and Innovation on October 1, 2024. She will remain in the role until the appointment of a new incumbent.

Challenges and responsibilities

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation works closely with the President and Vice-Chancellor and the Provost and Vice-President, Academic Affairs to ensure the growth and success of the University’s research and innovation mission, and to generate the human, material and financial resources needed to achieve the University’s goals in this area. In line with the priorities set out in the Transformation 2030 strategic plan, the University aims to rank among the top five universities in Canada. The University is therefore continuing its efforts to improve institutional research and increase the success rate of grant applications.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President, Research and Innovation occupies a key position within the University’s senior management team and plays a leadership role in research policy, both nationally and internationally. The incumbent helps the University to identify and capitalize on emerging research opportunities that will have a major impact on our societies.

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation

Is responsible for faculty services, including research grant application support, research ethics assistance and grant administration.

Works with industry partners, government leaders, funding agencies and other research and innovation institutions to create a dynamic and stimulating environment for research and innovation.
Establishes priorities, policies and practices for attracting and retaining outstanding researchers.
Works in partnership with stakeholders from research institutes located in affiliated hospitals in order to advance research and innovation in health care and related fields.
Contributes to enhancing the University’s reputation and its image of vitality and excellence in academic circles in Canada and internationally.
Concretely supports all actions in the area of the University’s formal commitment to Francophone communities in Ontario, across Canada and abroad.

Experience and key competencies

The Vice-President, Research and Innovation must possess superior organizational, research and leadership skills. The incumbent must be able to gain and maintain the respect of the research and innovation community, both within the University of Ottawa and across Canada and internationally. The ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience and skills :

Knowledge and experience

Postgraduate degree (PhD)

Experience in university research and peer recognition for the quality and impact of their research

Knowledge and understanding of research-intensive universities

Interdisciplinary vision and perspective to collaborate with academic units across the University in order to develop and implement innovative research and development programs and projects

Transformational and inspirational strategic vision and leadership combined with a demonstrated ability to maintain strong relationships, foster collaboration and engage stakeholders and colleagues through innovation and community involvement

Experience in managing research and innovation in a university context, ideally beyond the management of a research centre or laboratory

Experience in managing research and innovation in an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary environment, with particular emphasis on different forms of research

Experience in applying leadership skills in a collaborative environment and strong ability to motivate, inspire and achieve consensus

Extensive high-level networks in research and innovation circles, as well as in the field of research and innovation funding.

Skills and personal qualities

Absolute integrity and excellent judgment in dealing with complex issues concerning the conduct and dissemination of research and innovation

Strategic vision for the development, promotion and recognition of research and innovation, and a passion for supporting researchers by developing their scientific interests and expertise

Energy, initiative and the ability to focus on strategic objectives that will maintain and improve the University’s position in research and innovation and its national and international reputation

Excellent teamwork, team-building and negotiation skills

Enterprising, decision-making mindset

Imagination, tact, diplomacy and political skills

Humility and desire to support staff and professors in achieving their own goals and success

Strong organizational, planning and priority management skills

Ability to innovate and mobilize resources to carry out projects, particularly in relation to institutional research and innovation priorities

Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders to support the objectives of the University’s strategic plan for research and innovation

Team player who complements other members of the University’s senior management team

Excellent understanding of the ethical issues involved in university research and ability to enforce the values of integrity in research and innovation throughout the University

Sensitivity and engagement toward equity, diversity and inclusion

The ability to communicate at a professional level in French and English is a requirement of the position.

Application process

Do you feel that your profile matches the one we’re seeking? We invite you to reach out to us by completing the Application Form and attaching your CV and a letter of interest. Before applying, please review the Procedure for Appointing a Vice-President or the Secretary of the University . All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence. We thank all applicants in advance. However, we will contact only those selected for the next phase.

The selection committee will begin looking at applications in spring 2025 and continue the process until the position is filled.

The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 175-year tradition of bilingualism. At the time they assume their duties, senior administration team members are expected to be able to work in a bilingual (French and English) environment.

Kenniff Leadership