Vice President, Research & Innovation
University of British Columbia

The Search Committee recognizes that no candidate is likely to meet all of the following criteria in equal measure. Nevertheless, the following qualifications, characteristics, experience, approach and personal qualities are seen to be highly desirable:

Priority Criteria 

Strategic Leadership: Capacity to envision, advocate and champion where the University of British Columbia can lead as a major research institution in today’s rapidly changing global higher education environment. A record of success in developing and implementing a research strategy for a complex organization, aligned with the University’s broader strategic priorities that includes traditional and emerging areas of research. 

Research Excellence: A champion for research excellence within the academy. Sets the highest academic standards in facilitating and supporting research and scholarship (basic, applied, interdisciplinary and creative) and graduate student training across the university.

Research Leadership Experience: A proven track record of success in senior research leadership roles at a well-respected, research-intensive university. Strong skills in leading, facilitating and supporting research, scholarship, and impact across a range of fields within the University and enhancing research networks domestically and internationally. Experience in a medical doctoral university and with major institutional research grants are definite assets.

Partnerships: Brings a successful track record of building partnerships with governments, industry, and other key stakeholders in Canada and around the world. Demonstrated commitment to working across disciplines; recognizes and values all research and forms of scholarship.

Administrative Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience at the VP, Dean, AVP or other senior leadership role within a university or major research organization. Proven track record of success moving initiatives and projects forward.

Funding: Responsible for attracting external funding for research from a variety of sources, including government agencies, industry, philanthropic organizations, and international bodies. Demonstrates a personal record of success in attracting financial support for research.

Innovation: A proven history of developing and implementing a proactive innovation agenda within the context of a complex, research-intensive university; one that is attuned to the rapid changes in society and technology. Can engage and partner with industry to advance a research strategy that fosters UBC’s globally leading role in innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Values Based People Manager: A values-based people leader who is able to mentor and develop a strong team to support research across the university.  A clear commitment to the values of the University of British Columbia. Evident integrity and demonstrated strength of character. A strong sense of fairness. 

Collaborative Approach: A track record of working with others in a collaborative, collegial, inclusive and transparent manner to achieve great things. Plays a proactive and prominent role fostering productive relationships within the University, with external partners and other universities, including building relationships with Provosts, Deans, Executive team members, and Associate Deans, Research in building UBC’s research capacity. Works with faculty, staff and students to reach consensus on important discussions, and willing to make tough decisions when needed. Able to manage competing interests within a large institution.

Indigeneity, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A proven track record of championing inclusion and fairness throughout the University. Demonstrates an inter‐cultural understanding and a commitment to inclusion in research, employment activities, and community engagement. Committed to truth and reconciliation and has significant experience collaborating with Indigenous groups.  

Student Focused: Has a genuine interest in supporting students and a desire to promote the undergraduate and graduate students’ experience through engagement in research. In previous roles, has created systems that support students and a sense of excitement about research that has motivated students to want to attend the institution for their higher education and to pursue research.

Faculty Engagement: As the Executive Research Officer of the University, has demonstrated in past leadership roles a passion and commitment to engaging faculty at all levels in activities in promoting research and scholarship at the University. Has created a research culture that is inclusive and motivating for faculty.

Research Recognition: promote the visibility and impact of university research through strategic dissemination efforts, including publication in high-impact journals, presentation at national and international conferences, and collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that faculty research receives broad recognition within the University, academic, governmental, and professional communities.

Research Integrity: Plays a crucial role in developing and overseeing policies that promote responsible conduct of research, intellectual property management, ethical standards, and the protection of research data.

Academic Freedom: Champions and upholds the institution’s value of academic freedom, ensuring that researchers, scholars, and students can pursue avenues of inquiry, publish findings, and allows for the pursuit of ideas through respectful discourse and open discussion.

Academic Credentials: An exemplary record as an educator and researcher. Eligible to be appointed as a full professor at UBC.