Category: Administrative positions

Chief Research and Program Officer – Brain Canada Foundation

Posted on | by Julie

Brain Canada logoPosition: Chief Research and Program Officer

Status: Permanent, full-time

Location: Flexible-work remote position

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Chief Research and Program Officer (CRPO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, and a strategic member of the Management Team. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CRPO contributes actively to the organization’s strategic plan by providing leadership and expertise for the development of long-term strategic research and program priorities and goals.

Overseeing a team of dedicated research and program staff, the CRPO leads and directs the development, design, conception and implementation of all Brain Canada’s research activities and funding programs. They engage regularly with the Canadian brain research community and assist with managing relationships at the scientific level with key stakeholders including Brain Canada’s Board of Directors, the Government of Canada, partners and research funders, universities, private or philanthropic donors, and the international brain research community. They act as a key spokesperson and an ambassador for Brain Canada on the national and international stage.

They work in close collaboration with the Evaluation and Special Projects Team on evaluation, impact assessment and other initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Positions reporting directly to this role:

  • Program Operational Lead
  • Senior Program Manager, Knowledge Mobilization
  • Research and Program Analyst

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership and Relationship Management:

  • As a key mission ambassador for Brain Canada, lead and inspire Brain Canada’s team in championing and advocating the organization’s ambitious future directions.
  • Develop, grow, and broaden relationships with the federal government and key stakeholders to identify and achieve exciting and transformational research priorities and goals, and promote funding opportunities.
  • Liaise and oversee the presentation of information to the federal government at a strategic level.
  • Develop and maintain active participation and strong relationships with the brain research community and key institutional and organizational research partners, such as universities, partner organizations, research centers and hospitals, researchers, philanthropic donors, etc.
  • Present regularly at Brain Canada Board meetings and represent the Research and Program Team on the Research Committee.
  • Align Brain Canada’s Research and Program activities with the Research Committee recommendations.
  • Participate in the development and stewarding of key donor relationships, assist the President and CEO and the National Director of Philanthropy with discussions, presentations, and meetings with prospective donors and funding partners to develop and implement new agreements which will be mutually beneficial and meet both research and philanthropic objectives.
  • Target and develop new strategic partnerships: initiate discussions with new strategic partners, develop agreements and terms of initial contracts, allocate funds to a specific research domain, etc.

Strategic Planning and Business Management:

  • Lead the Research and Program Team in the development of the organization’s strategic and operational plans (aligned with Brain Canada’s long-term strategic plan). This includes:
    • Overseeing the development, design and conception of all research activities and funding programs, including the peer review process.
    • Preparing and overseeing the execution of the annual budget of the Research and Program Team.
    • Reporting KPIs related to Research and Program to the Board of Directors.
    • Overseeing the selection and implementation of IT systems to increase the Research and Program Team efficiency.
    • Working closely with the CFO and Director of Legal Affairs and Governance to ensure compliance with the federal government’s contribution agreement.
  • Lead the implementation of the long-term strategic plan through annually-developed business plans (with aligned resources, identified reporting, and accountability).
  • Contribute and participate as a member of the executive team supporting the President and CEO to ensure the effective management of the organization including the integration of evidence-based research in the Mission and Vision, Research, Fund Development, and Marketing/Communications plans.
  • Support the Evaluation and Special Projects team to set priorities for evaluation initiatives (e.g., program evaluation, bibliometric analysis).
  • Collaborate closely with the Evaluation and Special Projects Lead on special projects such as strategic planning and stakeholder engagement for Indigenous initiatives and developing concept papers to support program development and philanthropy.

Human Resource Management:

  • Lead, inspire, and engage a highly effective Research and Program Team, ensuring high standards of delivery, competence, performance, and values are maintained and that staff is well supported in fulfilling their duties, developing their skills, and achieving their career potential. Specifically:
  • Ensure a clear understanding of organizational goals and priorities; ensure optimal deployment of resources to achieve business goals.
  • Establish team contribution plan; manage a strong team and develop effective lateral relationships cross-functionally.
  • Establish contribution plans and objectives and review on an ongoing basis.
  • Onboard and integrate direct reports, provide coaching and feedback, assess their contribution, nurture talent, and support their growth to help them realize their potential and engagement.
  • As required, recruit skilled talent in support of current and future needs.
  • Be familiar and comply with Brain Canada policies.
  • Provide coaching and development to team members and implement initiatives that effectively inspire loyalty and philanthropy amongst our supporters.
  • Be a visible leader in living the values throughout the organization.

Policy development:

  • In close collaboration with the Research Committee and Director, Legal Affairs and Governance, develop and update Brain Canada policies that relate to conflict of interest, research integrity, ethical conduct of research, privacy & security, data protection, publication, data access and sharing, intellectual property, and other aspects of the research process.

Other duties:

  • As assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate degree in neuroscience or a related discipline; Ph.D is a plus.
  • Proven success as a strategic transformational leader in a mission-driven health care, research or science organization (8-10 years leadership experience).
  • Extensive knowledge in the design, implementation, and delivery of scientific funding competitions, as well as best practices in the management of funded projects, research, and training programs through experience working in a research-funding organization or in an administrative capacity in a research-performing organization.
  • A demonstrated understanding or a desire/ability to acquire knowledge of the scientific and research issues associated with the brain; experience in inspiring, connecting, and engaging with researchers.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with a proven ability to engage others and establish strong partnerships.
  • Success in advocacy, policy, and program development, working with government officials, research partners, volunteers, and internal teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and inspire audiences with varying levels of knowledge regarding brain research.
  • Success in rallying a talented staff around a shared vision and plan, delivering planned results.
  • Evidence of strong strategy development and implementation success.
  • Experience in leading change with and through others.
  • Passion for the cause: demonstrated ability to gain partners and donors and raise funds for a cause.

TALENTS:

  • Inspiring and Engaging leadership – inspires, motivates, develops, and manages a high-performing service-oriented team.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills, with people at all levels of organization (internally and externally); a passionate champion and ambassador.
  • Healthy self-confidence, authenticity, and humility.
  • Political savvy/acuity.
  • Superb negotiation, mediation, and persuasive abilities.
  • Ability to work under pressure, balance multiple tasks and projects at once, considering priorities appropriately, meet tight deadlines and cope with rapidly changing scenarios.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications and writing skills in English. Fluency in French is a plus.
  • Available for travel across Canada on a regular basis, and internationally on an occasional basis.
  • Comfort and ease in dealing with volunteers, donors, being visible internally and externally.
  • Agile and flexible leadership style and approach; comfort in leading in a matrix leadership model.
  • Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Work environment:

Brain Canada Foundation is committed to providing an excellent work environment for team members. We offer:

  • A competitive compensation package including a complete benefits plan.
  • A flexibility to work from home, in accordance with our Work-from-Home Policy.
  • A healthy, flexible, and dynamic work environment that values teamwork, creativity, innovation and work-life balance.
  • Access to professional development and training as available.

About Brain Canada

Brain Canada Foundation (Brain Canada) is a national registered charity headquartered in Montréal, Quebec. We play a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world.

Our Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

Brain Canada is committed to improving and expanding brain science to benefit all people, including groups historically under-researched and underrepresented. We know that increasing the diversity of the research workforce and integrating sex and gender in brain research leads to innovation and greater impact.

Our commitment to EDI is reflected in actions we are taking to diversify our workforce and to foster inclusive environments through our advertising, interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, and performance review practices. We actively welcome members of underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ2+ communities.

Territorial acknowledgement

The offices of Brain Canada Foundation are located on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka Peoples, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations.

In our work, we focus our efforts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those that pertain to improving health for Indigenous Peoples and that focus on advancing our own learning on Indigenous issues (Calls to Action numbers 19 to 24)

 

To apply:

careers@braincanada.ca

Director – The Western Institute for Neuroscience

Posted on | by Julie

THE WESTERN INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENCE

is seeking outstanding candidates for a

DIRECTOR

Western University in London, Ontario, Canada seeks applicants for a Director of the Western Institute for Neuroscience (WIN) Research. Applicants who can demonstrate outstanding leadership in research, training, and outreach in the field of neuroscience are encouraged to apply. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or MD or DDS or equivalent with relevant professional designation or licensure. Candidates should also be recognized internationally for research relevant to neuroscience. The successful candidate will hold a tenure or continuing academic appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with (commensurate with qualifications and experience), in the most appropriate Department/School and Faculty. As Director, the candidate will hold a Western Research Chair (Leadership) and join an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and/or clinician-scientists for a 3 to 5-year terms that is renewable once. The position will commence as soon as October 1, 2022 or as negotiated.

Reporting to the Vice President (Research), the Director will advance the WIN at Western University as an entity known internationally for its impact on research and knowledge mobilization across a range of specialties that include tools and technologies, basic science and applied research, in accordance with the research vision and mission. Towards this goal, the Director will identify, and enable access to, opportunities that expand the Institute’s research mission through the development of partnerships and fund-raising. Also, the Director will engage frequently with a Governing Board, the Executive Committee as well as internal and external Advisory Boards regarding strategy and vision. The Director will inspire research excellence and actively implement processes that mobilize and support interdisciplinary research teams within the Institute. The Director will be supported by the Institute’s excellent administrative team in implementing programs/activities. Also, the Director will be expected to lead their own research program as part of an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers in WIN.

The ideal candidate will have the following profile:

  • Demonstrated excellence in neuroscience research and training at all levels (undergrad to early career)
  • Demonstrated research leadership involving financial oversight
  • Strong communication skills
  • Evidence of ability to build community amongst multiple stakeholders and support for open-science
  • Evidence of ability to build effective teams of interdisciplinary researchers
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID)
  • Evidence of ability to attract, establish and sustain internal and external partnerships
  • Willingness to engage and support fund-raising efforts

The WIN was established in 2020 to bring together and enhance collaboration among basic and applied researchers and clinicians, with expertise in various disciplines and approaches. As a whole, neuroscience across the London region has a gene to behaviour breadth, spans the lifespan and includes emphases on fundamental mechanisms that are translated into breakthroughs in education, technologies, and brain health. The research impacts human lives in both the social and clinical contexts and how these two worlds interact. Home to world-class facilities and training programs, the mission of the WIN is to elevate and accelerate the impact of neuroscience research on society by: creating new opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary neuroscience research, coordinating efficient economies of scale through city-wide neuroscience platforms, raising the profile of a unified neuroscience community at Western, enhancing funding success and philanthropic gains, expanding current training opportunities, and developing strategic cooperative alliances.

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. We seek excellent candidates to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” – an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit the Western Strategic Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan and for information on Western’s research areas please visit Western Research.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package to Jann Paquette-Warren at jpaquet3@uwo.ca, in confidence, as a single PDF file containing:

  • Cover letter that outlines their interest and qualifications for the role and a statement on Equity, Diversity,Inclusion and Decolonization in relation to their leadership
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Names of 3 referees
  • Brief statement of interest that addresses the candidate profile listed above
  • Brief statement of research experience and interests.

Please ensure that the Application for Full-Time Position form at

https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full- time-application-form.pdf

is completed and included in your application submission.

All materials will be provided to the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2022.

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID- 19 Vaccination Policy

(https://uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp311_covid19.pdf).

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Kristina Fornelos at kfornelo@uwo.ca.

https://www.uwo.ca/research/impact/institutes/win_director_search.html

Posting end date 2022/09/19

Call for Expressions of Interest for Brain Research Editor-in-Chief

Posted on | by Julie

From Elsevier

We are seeking an Editor-in-Chief for our flagship neuroscience title Brain Research. The first step of the search process is an open call for nominations of candidates. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. The Search Committee welcomes nominations of a diverse pool of candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, country of residence, age, disability, or any other category protected by law. Brain Research is a broad-format journal inviting submissions from across the international neuroscience community that range in scope from issues in fundamental neurobiology to translational and clinical neuroscience.

Role and Responsibilities

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for defining an overall strategy for the journal and upholding the mission of the publication. The Editor-in-Chief works closely with the Deputy Editor to evaluate submissions and assign, if appropriate, to a handling editor who recommends whether the submission should be sent to reviewers or rejected without review based on how it ranks relative to other submissions under consideration. The Editor-in-Chief also handles suspected plagiarism cases, Editorials, Correspondences, and Announcements.

The ideal Editor-in-Chief should have

  • an international reputation as an outstanding researcher and educator in field of neuroscience
  • a demonstrated commitment to constructive participation in academic peer review
  • no major conflicts of interest and adequate support from applicant’s institution
  • an ability to work diplomatically with authors, other editors, and reviewers
  • intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for the field of neuroscience as a whole
  • an interest in remaining abreast of issues and developments in scientific publishing
  • an unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and the principles of academic freedom
  • a willingness to work within an online manuscript handling system and handle email correspondence

Nomination and Selection Process

15 August 2022 is the deadline to submit a nomination. Prospective candidates are asked to send a complete curriculum vitae and a cover letter (max 1 page), detailing their interest for the position and names and email addresses of three referees who are willing to speak to the nominee’s qualifications for the position. Please send the document to Gail M. Rodney, Senior Publisher; email: g.rodney@elsevier.com

In September, the Search Committee will select a short list from among the nominees, invite those individuals to provide additional information (in particular, a statement of their vision for Brain Research), and solicit input from their referees.

Appointment/Term

The initial term of the editorship is three years with a maximum total term of 10 years. However, the parties understand and acknowledge that an initial appointment is not a commitment to a 10-year term. The incoming Editor-in-Chief will begin receiving new submissions on 1 January 2023.

More details about Brain Research can be found at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/brain-research

Dean, Faculty of Science, Carleton University

Posted on | by Julie

Ready for a New Challenge?

Carleton University invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Science, with the appointment to be effective July 1, 2022. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Faculty that prides itself on being a discovery and innovation leader. Carleton’s Faculty of Science is committed to student success and encourages a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. The Faculty of Science is actively developing new programs and initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to increasing the awareness and appreciation of science in society and to build connections between the fields of science and policy.

Located in Ottawa, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide over 30,000 full- and part-time students from every province in Canada and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities in numerous academic programs. Additional information about the university and its Strategic Integrated Plan is available at carleton.ca.

About Carleton’s Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science offers more than 50 areas of discovery-based learning at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels and encompasses 11 departments, institutes and schools. Research-intensive, diverse and collegial, the Faculty of Science is committed to encouraging a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. This active community is comprised of almost 6,500 students (including more than 600 graduate students), 206 faculty and 108 staff. The Faculty of Science is committed to maintaining a strong faculty and staff complement. More than 35% of the faculty were hired in the last 10 years and student enrolment has nearly doubled.

The Faculty of Science has generated more than $85 million in research funding over the last five years. Faculty members are engaged in exciting fundamental and applied research that ranges from depression treatments to data science to dark matter, and collaborate with federal government research laboratories, museums, libraries, and high-technology industries in the Ottawa area, nationally and internationally. Researchers in physics are leading efforts on large-scale projects to search for dark matter at SNOLAB and to upgrade detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva. These initiatives are funded by the CFI innovation fund and the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). A 34,500 square foot addition to the Life Sciences Research Building is home for the new Institute for Advanced Research and Innovation in Smart Environments (ARISE), which fosters interdisciplinary research with all five of Carleton’s Faculties.

Carleton recently boosted its innovation outreach by becoming a founding academic partner in Hub350, a new state-of-the-art global technology centre in Canada’s largest tech park in Kanata North. This fall, the university also launched the Innovation Hub, a cross-Faculty venture to foster creativity and entrepreneurship and encourage students to collaborate on multidisciplinary solutions to societal challenges. Additional information about the Faculty of Science is available at science.carleton.ca

About the Position

Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of the Faculty of Science is a member of Carleton’s senior administration who provides visionary leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight. The new Dean will lead the Faculty of Science to promote excellence in teaching and research and advance academic innovation and cross-disciplinary initiatives.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished researcher with demonstrated success in post-secondary education and administration. The new Dean will be able to promote excellence, equity, diversity and inclusion amongst all faculty, staff and students, while maintaining and enhancing collaborative ties with a range of internal and external partners. Having proven academic leadership experience and a record of building strong teams and promoting interdisciplinary activities, the new Dean will possess an open and collegial style, a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to identify new sources of funding, and outstanding management, communication and interpersonal skills.

Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to, women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

The search committee will begin consideration of candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate) and be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
CarletonScience@lavernesmith.com

View a PDF version of this advertisement

Canadian Brain Research Strategy – Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Partnership Associate

Posted on | by Julie

CBRS logoJob Type: Part-time, Contract

Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year (Salary commensurate with experience)

Location: Position can be located anywhere in Canada with full remote flexibility; Travel (once it is safe to do so)

Hours: Flexible; May attend after-hours Indigenous and community events on personal and business time throughout the year.

About Us

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is a pan-Canadian community-led initiative uniting over 30 world-leading neuroscience and mental health institutes to advance Canada as a world leader in collaborative, transdisciplinary, open, and ethical brain research. The CRBS aims to bring together the diverse neuroscience ecosystem – brain research initiatives and projects, public and private funders, health charities, as well as communities and patient organizations across the country – in a uniquely collaborative effort that will push the frontiers of brain science, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Position Summary

Including the voices of Indigenous Peoples is of paramount importance as we work to forge a unified strategy for Canadian brain research over the next decade and beyond. This position will lead CRBS Indigenous Initiatives and play a key role in Indigenous and Stakeholder engagement, building and maintaining relationships in our projects and operations. This position is funded by a grant jointly administered through Laval University and the University of British Columbia.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Reports to the Executive Director of CBRS and serves as a key organizational and analytical partner to help develop key partnerships and execute on special projects in Indigenous Initiatives.
  • Own relationships and lead stakeholder engagement with university researchers, trainees, individuals, communities, Indigenous groups, local governments and organizations in support of CBRS’ mission.
  • Work with partners within and outside CBRS to develop engagement strategies, approaches to community and Indigenous engagement.
  • Lead in the development and implementation of specific engagement plans, including project-specific engagement plans and strategies.
  • Research and draft briefings, talking points, presentations, and other communications materials relating to CBRS Indigenous Initiatives with rigorous attention to detail.

Education, Experience and Skills

  • 5 or more years of directly related work experience in Indigenous and/or stakeholder engagement
  • Knowledge and direct experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, including on Indigenous history and rights, on cultural protocols and norms, on Indigenous politics and the ability to successfully engage with Indigenous peoples.
  • Demonstrated recognition, allyship, and acknowledgement of the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples; Lived Indigenous experience is an asset.
  • Strong writing skills with rigorous attention to detail in written and verbal communications.
  • Agile, creative problem solver and team player with a can-do attitude.
  • Proven written and verbal communication, presentation and organizational abilities.
  • Strong social skills, including consultation, negotiation, facilitation, risk communication and conflict resolution.
  • Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to communicate fluently and are bilingual in English and French is an asset.

 

Qualifications and Competencies

  • Partnership and Relationship Building: Professional representation and communication on behalf of the team, the Executive Director, and CBRS to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Communication: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications ability; You are an attentive and thoughtful listener and contributor, confidence in presenting ideas. Rigorous attention to detail and nuance required.
  • Strategic Ability: Strong research and analytical abilities; anticipates future opportunities and consequences, demonstrates an innovative and flexible approach to work, and can organize chaos into a coherent plan and implement it well.
  • Decision-Making: Able to evaluate risk and opportunities, proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, and ability to demonstrate and exercise mature judgement in decision-making and communications.
  • Execution: Strong project management experience and execution and organization skills, and demonstrated experience in managing, prioritizing, communicating, and executing across multiple priorities under tight deadlines and evolving landscapes.
  • Accountability and Leadership: Demonstrates follow-through and accountability for all tasks and projects.
  • Collaboration: Works inclusively and collaboratively across the organization and with external partners to advance CBRS key priorities and programmatic goals.
  • Passion and Optimism: Deep enthusiasm for the mission and vision of CBRS.

Contact: info@canadianbrain.ca

Closing Date: Posting remains open until filled.

Executive Director – Canadian Brain Research Strategy

Posted on | by Julie

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is a grass-roots initiative launched by leading Canadian neuroscientists, in partnership with representatives of the Neurological Health Charities of Canada (NHCC), to develop a strategy with the aim to position the advancement of knowledge about the brain among the national research priorities. By leveraging existing investments in brain science and by adopting a big-science approach to discovery, CBRS can transform the future of Canadian society.

The power of CBRS comes from Canada’s deep scientific expertise in brain research, artificial intelligence and neuroethics, combined with clinical excellence. Its vision is of innovative and collaborative brain research that will drive policy as well as social, health and economic advancement for Canada and the world. CBRS, with its focus on open, collaborative and transdisciplinary brain research, provides the road map to take us there.

The creation of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This network will coordinate Canada’s participation in the International Brain Initiative, which brings together the world’s major brain research projects. Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The coordinated efforts of brain researchers from all over Canada, through the Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network, will offer an unprecedented chance to reduce this burden and to improve the quality of life of Canadians.

  • For more information about The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS), please visit: www.canadianbrain.ca.

The Canadian Brain Research Strategy Network is headed up by Dr. Yves De Koninck, a professor with Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine and director of the CERVO Brain Research Centre, and Dr. Judy Illes, a professor at the University of British Columbia and director of Neuroethics Canada. The heads of 31 teams from Canada’s leading neuroscience institutes and research centres will join with them in developing the strategy. The coalition Neurological Health Charities Canada will bring the voice of Canadians affected by brain conditions to strategy development.

Role and Mission of the Executive Director

The full time Executive Director (ED) will manage the daily operations and initiatives of the CBRS, and ensure sound budget, financial and human resources management. The ED will serve as a key liaison to the participating institutions and stakeholders, manage surveys among members, coordinate task forces, work with members and the KT and Communication specialist to draft documents, and support the development of national platforms along the goals expressed by the collective membership of CBRS.

Nature of the contribution

The Executive Director will report to CBRS President and Co-President, with the key mandate to:

  • Create a unifying and inspirational vision that will take into account the reality of potential or actual partners, as well as NHCC’s needs.
  • Leverage, around this vision, the full potential that the CBRS Network has, with a view, notably, to respond to the challenge put by the CIHR who wish to contribute to positioning the advancement of knowledge about the brain among the national research priorities.

The role of the Executive Director is to develop strategies that will ensure that the Canadian Brain Research Strategy become an essential driver for the development of brain research in Canada and around the world.

Finally, together with the leaders and the Steering Committee that he will be working with, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic planning, the governance, and the representation with various stakeholders. He will also be responsible for all activities related to the financial, operational, communicational and organizational development of the Canadian Brain Research Strategy.

Key Challenges

  • Oversee the organizational structure of the new CBRS initiative, including its operational management and the recruitment of its operative staff;
  • Take a lead role in the development, approval and implementation of the strategic plan of CBRS, based on the vision initiated by the Steering Committee;
  • Sustain the mobilization of key players in the Neurology Ecosystem, in conjunction with the members of the Management Committee;
  • Actively pursue and secure the recruitment of potential partners to join in this initiative (in the short, medium, and long-term);
  • In collaboration with all leaders, ensure that the Research Compliance Program is in line with
    the objectives of the initiative;
  • Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of CBRS by creating a leverage effect from the initial funding put on the table;
  • Provide updates on the project’s progress, and submit the various reports required by the Steering Committee;
  • Contribute to the defining of performance indicators;
  • Assure the management of CBRS human resources;
  • Prepare the annual budget for approval by the Executive Committee, and ensure regular monitoring with quarterly reports;
  • Plan and coordinate communications and official correspondence on behalf of the Executive Committee and CBRS;
  • Establish CBRS communication and visibility plans to assure their long-term viability and leadership at the provincial, national and international levels.
  • Act as CBRS representative and official spokesperson.

Competency Profile

Experience

For this position, we are looking for candidates having demonstrated, during the course of their career, the following experience, skills, and personal suitability:

  • Master’s degree (Ph.D. is an asset);
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in a position involving similar responsibilities;
  • Extensive team and project management experience;
  • Comprehensive understanding of the Health Research and Innovation sphere within the Quebec and Canadian communities;
  • Demonstrated skills in business development;
  • Established credibility and ability to convene effectively with decision-makers and key players in research and innovation activities in the field of neurology (asset);
  • Budget management skills; Analysis and interpretation of financial statements;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English.

Skills and personal suitability

  • Superior demonstration in the development of a strategic vision and operational implementation;
  • Strong entrepreneurial drive (ability to secure organizational growth);
  • Political sense, diplomatic skills, and business acumen;
  • Creativity, audacity and innovation;
  • Leader with the ability to motivate, inspire and engage employees;
  • Remote management experience;
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision;
  • Outstanding communication, representation and collaboration skills;
  • High degree of mobility (frequent travel).

Candidates who wish to apply for this position must provide us with their current resume, along with a Letter of Interest (maximum of 2 pages) describing their interest for this opportunity. You will receive an acknowledgement by email that your documents have been received.

 

Via email: krobert@electi.ca
Message Subject: Executive Director – The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS)
Date of Employment: The successful candidate will take office as soon as possible, following the date of appointment.

Equal Access Employment Program:
The Canadian Brain Research Strategy provides an environment that is free of discrimination, and invites Women, Indigenous people, visible or ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to submit their application. If you have a disability and need assistance to participate in your hiring evaluation process, please let us know in a timely manner so accommodation measures may be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. We will keep this information strictly confidential.