Director, Major Research Initiatives

University of Alberta • Edmonton, AB

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position has a term length of 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and on-site work, with a requirement of at least three days per week in person at North Campus, Edmonton. The Director, Major Research Initiatives, serves as the institutional architect and senior leader for the development, coordination, and execution of the University’s major research portfolio. Operating within a complex, matrixed environment, the Director drives a proactive, whole-of-institution strategy across high-value research domains (e.g., Health, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Robotics), with an immediate primary focus on defence and dual-use research. The Director designs repeatable, secure, and multidisciplinary frameworks that lower barriers to entry for faculties while aligning university capabilities with national strategies (e.g., Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, national security needs, and regional economic growth). This high-visibility role bridges the gap between discovery-based research and real-world deployment, positioning the University of Alberta as a national leader in translating research into sovereign operational and commercial capabilities. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker and relationship builder who can align diverse stakeholders, navigate complex environments, and position the University of Alberta as a leader in major research initiatives with national and global impact.

Requirements

• Strategic thinker
• Relationship builder

Responsibilities

• Serve as the institutional architect and senior leader for the development, coordination, and execution of the University’s major research portfolio.
• Drive a proactive, whole-of-institution strategy across high-value research domains (e.g., Health, AI, Quantum, Aerospace, Robotics), with an immediate primary focus on defence and dual-use research.
• Design repeatable, secure, and multidisciplinary frameworks that lower barriers to entry for faculties while aligning university capabilities with national strategies (e.g., Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, national security needs, and regional economic growth).
• Bridge the gap between discovery-based research and real-world deployment.
• Position the University of Alberta as a national leader in translating research into sovereign operational and commercial capabilities.
• Align diverse stakeholders and navigate complex environments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed