Vice-President, Research and International

Simon Fraser University

Vice-President, Research and International

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, and, respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose traditional territories our three campuses reside.

For the seventh consecutive year SFU has been ranked by the Maclean’s University Ranking Guide as Canada's leading comprehensive university and is ranked 13th in Canada by the QS World University Ranking. SFU has deep roots in partner communities throughout British Columbia and around the world. Over the past 10 years, SFU has steadily increased in research intensity, impact, and sponsored research income. Recently the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) ranked SFU in the top 35 universities in the world for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and industrial application.

SFU aims to become Canada’s leading engaged university through innovative education, cutting-edge research and community outreach. In line with these institutional goals, SFU now seeks to appoint its next Vice-President, Research and International (VPRI). Reporting directly to the President, the VPRI is a member of the Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and Administrative Leadership Council. The VPRI is responsible for the academic leadership and administration of research and scholarly activities at SFU and for developing and supporting the University’s international engagement activities.

Within a large, pan-institutional portfolio, the VPRI leads a team of six direct reports and works closely with the President, Provost, and wider senior team in advancing SFU’s strategic priorities and ensuring alignment between research and the broader academic mission. They will elevate SFU’s research performance, intensity and impact and seek out new opportunities for research funding, partnerships, and collaborations locally and globally. They will strengthen SFU’s relationships with funding bodies, industry, foundations, governments, hospitals, and other external organizations nationally and internationally. They are accountable for leadership on strategies within the portfolio that support SFU’s commitments to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and for transforming services, programs, and policies to meet the University’s goals for Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation.

Candidates must have a distinguished record of scholarship, consistent with appointment to the rank of full Professor, and considerable administrative leadership experience in a large, complex research intensive institution. They will be ambitious for SFU and have a track record of success in elevating research performance across disciplines, experience and knowledge of both the Canadian and global research landscapes, and an ability to proactively identify and develop opportunities for research collaboration and funding. They will possess an understanding of and commitment to building inclusive working environments, promoting EDI, decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation.. SFU is seeking an individual who has the experience and ability to develop and execute a bold vision for research, is a clear and effective communicator, and will actively champion a culture of collaboration across the academy. They will also have knowledge of Intellectual Property, knowledge mobilization and an ability to build upon SFU’s strengths in innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to SFU’s excellence as an engaged university. SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. SFU encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, although Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

For further information, including a position description and selection criteria, please visit www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting reference 4802. The closing date for applications is 12 noon (Pacific Time) on Friday, February 19, 2021. To assist SFU with mandatory reporting requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, please advise if you are a Canadian Citizen or Canadian Permanent Resident in your CV or Cover Letter.

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