Vice-President Research

Advancing human and societal health and well-being.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally and home to over 65 research centres and institutes with more than 37,000 students, McMaster prides itself as a hub for innovation, discovery, and world-class research. McMaster is focused on advancing human and societal health and well-being – in its community and around the world.

As one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, faculty members work across disciplines to find creative solutions to complex problems, help to improve people’s lives and build a brighter future for all. The University encompasses a vast range of disciplines and is a welcoming and inclusive community. McMaster values collaboration while supporting and respecting its members and their contributions to the University’s shared mission and goals in creating a Brighter World. The Strategic Research Plan 2024‐2029 outlines how our operational priorities contribute to McMaster’s national and international reputation for global impact.

McMaster welcomes applications for the position as our next Vice-President, Research (VPR). The VPR oversees McMaster’s research portfolio, which includes leading the development of ambitious goals and strategy, establishing policies and practices that attract, retain, and empower outstanding researchers, advocating with government, granting councils, and industrial and other partners to attract resources to support all research activities at McMaster. They play a key role in creating pathways for knowledge mobilization, promoting and enhancing the national and international reputation and visibility of McMaster’s research and scholarship, and building on the University’s strengths in innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship. The VPR is a key member of the University’s executive team, reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and working collegially with other Vice-Presidents and senior academic and administrative leaders. In collaboration with the McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)’s CEO and governing board, the VPR provides strategic leadership and brings innovative visioning to create an environment that maximizes the impact of diverse perspectives and drives discovery and innovation to address the world’s most complex challenges.

The VPR will be appointable at the rank of full Professor and be a highly respected and active researcher in one of the disciplines represented at the University. They will have a bold and ambitious vision for research at McMaster and bring experience leading multi-functional teams in complex institutions. They will have deep knowledge of the research and funding landscape in Canada and globally, and have a track record of success in working collaboratively and across disciplines to increase research intensity and impact. They will also be experienced in creating an environment that supports innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship and building strong partnerships – including with all levels of government, community, industry, and other universities – to advance the University’s research goals. The VPR will be appointed on a renewable five-year term.

McMaster is partnering with the executive search firm Perrett Laver on this search. Applications should consist of a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications and relevant achievements. It should be accompanied by a cover letter describing how the candidate meets the qualifications, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they can bring to the role. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 17, 2025, at noon ET. Further information, including the full selection criteria and details of how to apply, can be downloaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference 7535.

McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

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