Vice President, Research & Innovation
University of British Columbia

The Opportunity

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the top research universities in Canada and one of the leading public research universities in the world. The role of Vice-President, Research & Innovation is central to the leadership and implementation of UBC's strategic vision for the future.

The Position

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) reports to the President and is a member of the University's Executive team. The VPRI provides leadership in the development, administration and the promotion of research and innovation at both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. The VPRI will be an articulate, credible advocate for the full range of the University's research and innovation priorities, and will establish and maintain effective liaison with external funding agencies, business, industry, government, and the broader community. More specifically, the VPRI is expected to:

• Be a champion and advocate for research by leading, articulating and promoting the University's research strategy, strengths, goals, and achievements to UBC's internal and external communities;
• Function as a key member of the University's Executive team, spearheading a cohesive, focused approach to the research portfolio consistent with the University's academic mission;
• Advance the University’s innovation strategy, working in partnership with researchers, industry and government.
• Have administrative responsibility for all units and shared research platforms in the VPRI portfolio;
• Foster a collaborative research environment focused on research excellence that ensures that Faculties, Schools, and the Library are provided with efficient support services relating to research administration and information on funding sources, grants procedures, and other relevant matters;
• Understand the diverse nature of research across a multi-campus University; foster collaboration in research and creative scholarly and professional activities among scholars in various fields, both within and outside UBC;
• Play a major role in the enhancement and oversight of UBC health research in partnership with the Dean, Faculty of Medicine and VP, Health, that is conducted within the provincial health authorities and through unique partnerships with the University of Victoria and the University of Northern British Columbia;

• Work on the national stage and build partnerships, and establish and maintain effective liaison with agencies and institutions such as the national granting councils, research foundations, the four affiliated teaching hospitals, the health authorities, TRIUMF, and external research institutes and centres, as well as business, industry, and government;
• Enhance the institutional reputation through the active support of awards and recognition for research scholarship;
• Foster international connections and research collaboration;
• Promote and ensure ethical research practices;
• Ensure a commitment to diversity and cultural awareness in research practices;
• Promote knowledge transfer and oversee the management of intellectual property issues, including the financial, legal, ethical and social implications of research for the wider community; and
• Engage in fund development for research and seek out appropriate funding opportunities, including granting agencies, new government initiatives, foundations, industry and other partnerships.

Reporting Relationships