Vice-President Research

University of Ottawa

Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa is now the largest French–English bilingual university in the world, with 10 faculties and 43,000 students registered for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral studies. The University benefits from being in close proximity to the seat of the federal government in the National Capital Region and to research granting agencies, diplomatic missions, a vibrant and innovative healthcare sector and the head offices of major national associations. Ottawa is also a dynamic and growing centre for research-driven innovation and development in leading-edge technologies. Year after year, the University of Ottawa ranks among the leading research universities in Canada, and it aims to be among the top five in the next 10 years. In 2015, research income was $294 million. For more information, visit the University of Ottawa website (www.uOttawa.ca/en).

Following the end of the incumbent’s successful eleven-year tenure in office, our client is actively seeking its next

VICE-PRESIDENT RESEARCH

Responsibilities
Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President Research is a key member of the University’s management team and plays a leadership role in national and international activities related to research policy, guiding the University in defining and meeting emerging research opportunities that will have a profound impact on our world.

The Vice-President Research:

• Oversees services provided to faculty, including research funding application assistance as well as research ethics and post-award financial administration.
• Works with industry partners, government leaders, granting councils and other research institutions to create a dynamic and stimulating research environment.
• Establishes priorities, policies and practices that attract and retain outstanding researchers.
• Works in partnership with stakeholders in affiliated hospital research institutes to advance research and innovation.
• Contributes to the University’s reputation and its image of dynamism and excellence in academic circles in Canada and in general at the international level.

Challenges and opportunities
The Vice-President Research works closely with the President and the Vice-President Academic and Provost to ensure the growth and success of the research mission of the University and to generate the resources necessary (human, material and financial) to assist the University in achieving its research goals. In keeping with the priorities identified in the University’s Strategic Plan, Destination 2020, uOttawa aspires to be among the top five universities in Canada. To this end, the University continues its efforts to improve the institution’s research enterprise and to increase the grant success rate. This objective will certainly carry over into the next strategic plan.

Experience and key competencies
The Vice-President Research must possess outstanding organisational and research leadership skills and must be able to gain and maintain the respect of the research community both within the University of Ottawa as well as across Canada and internationally. Key experience and competencies include:

• University education at least at the doctoral level.
• University research experience and peer recognition of the quality and impact of this research.
• Experience managing research in a university context, ideally beyond managing a research centre or laboratory.
• Experience managing research in a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary context, with sensitivity to the different forms of research.
• Proven leadership skills in a collaborative environment, with an emphasis on the ability to motivate, inspire and build consensus.
• Solid vision of the development, promotion and valorisation of research, as well as a passion for developing research and for nurturing researchers as they strive to develop their scholarly interests and expertise.
• Complete integrity and excellent judgment in order to be able to deal with complex issues in the conduct and dissemination of research.
• Ability to innovate and mobilise resources for successful implementation of priorities, particularly with regard to institutional research priorities.
• Wide networks of quality contacts in the world of research and research funding.
• Demonstrated ability to build research partnerships with different stakeholders that will further the University’s strategic research objectives.
• Ability to be a team player and team builder who complements the other members of the University’s senior management team.
• Strong vision, drive, initiative and focus on strategic objectives in order to maintain and enhance the University’s research position and reputation nationally and internationally.
• Deep understanding of the ethical issues related to university research and ability to ensure that the values of integrity in research are adhered to across the University.
• Ability to communicate professionally in French and English is a requirement.

Application
If you believe you have the profile we are seeking, please forward your résumé with a letter explaining your interest by completing the Registration Form on the Kenniff & Racine website. All information received will be treated in the strictest confidence. While we appreciate the interest of every candidate, only those selected for the next step in the process will be contacted.

The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Citizenship and Immigration Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply. However, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The University of Ottawa is proud of its over 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides staff members and their spouses the means to become bilingual. At the time of tenure, professors are expected to have the ability to function in a bilingual setting.