Vice President, Research & Innovation
University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the world’s leading research universities—an institution inspiring people, ideas, and actions for a better world. With two main campuses (Vancouver and the Okanagan), more than 70,000 students, 20,000 faculty and staff, an annual budget approaching $4 billion, UBC is an institution of remarkable breadth and depth that is distinguished by its world class research and societal impact.

Each year, UBC researchers lead over 10,000 research projects supported by approximately $900 million in funding, advancing knowledge across every field and driving innovation with partners around the world. Over the past 20 years, our researchers have created 284 spin-off companies that are a result of the university's innovation ecosystem, which aims to turn research discoveries into real-world products, services, and therapies. 

Through its Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio, UBC supports the full research and innovation continuum—from discovery to creation and application. The portfolio provides leadership for research excellence, innovation and partnership development, as well as infrastructure and compliance. UBC’s renewed strategic plan, UBC Strategic Directions 2025–2030, identifies Discover and Innovate for Impact, Excelling in the Development and Application of Emerging Technologies, and Partnering for Purpose as central priorities, in order to further enhance the university’s capacity to drive collaboration, discovery and societal impact.

UBC is seeking a visionary Vice-President, Research & Innovation to champion research excellence, enable innovation with impact, and deepen UBC’s role as a partner of choice in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. A member of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the President, the VPRI will provide strategic leadership across both campuses, fostering collaboration, strengthening research infrastructure, and advancing inclusion and reconciliation across the research enterprise.

A visible and inspiring advocate, the VPRI will elevate UBC’s global research reputation, expand partnerships with government, industry, Indigenous and community partners. The VPRI will play a pivotal role in shaping evidence-informed policy and driving innovation that makes a difference—locally and globally. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the world’s best research universities into its next era of discovery and impact.