About the role

Research Program Director stewarding CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs. Managing operations, budgets, partnerships, and portfolio strategy for transformative research.

Responsibilities

Partner with research program leadership to advance intellectual goals and guide key decisions
Build relationships with Program Co-Directors, Advisory Committee members, and Program Members
Co-develop and support implementation of program impact agendas and public engagement initiatives
Oversee operational delivery of a portfolio of 4–5 interdisciplinary research programs
Administer collaborative funding allocations according to program guidelines
Support program reviews and assessments
Manage program budgets with Finance and Research Strategy & Operations
Ensure timely reporting and tracking of program activities, including EDI metrics
Identify synergies across programs and support CIFAR’s research portfolio strategy
Collaborate with teams focused on strategic foresight, early career researchers, and global partnerships
Serve as the primary operational liaison between Research Programs and CIFAR departments, including Communications, Advancement, and Government Relations
Participate in the Program Leadership Group within the Research Department
Travel for program meetings and other engagements approximately 8 times a year, typically for 2–3 days and potentially including weekends or holidays

Ph.D. in natural or physical sciences, social sciences, or humanities; a background in the natural or physical sciences is strongly preferred
3–5 years of work experience post Ph.D. in a research administration or research policy setting
Experience leading collaboration through designing and facilitating meetings and projects
Ability to build trust and navigate complex relationships with world-class researchers across diverse cultures
Proven skill in guiding high-profile external partners toward organizational goals through persuasion, credibility, and relationship-building
Capacity to pivot quickly between diverse scientific or scholarly disciplines to identify synergies and strategic opportunities
Strong project management, planning and execution skills
Thorough knowledge of research principles, best practices and strategies
Understanding of CIFAR’s role, mandate and activities
Current knowledge of the research landscape and key players, institutions, and research fields
Strong knowledge of financial, human resources, and administrative methodologies
Fluency in both English and French preferred where possible; other languages considered an asset

Comprehensive wellness and benefits, including extended health coverage and mental health supports
Defined benefit pension
4 weeks’ vacation
“CIFAR Days” (days off with pay) throughout the year
Professional development resources and opportunities for learning and growth
Hybrid work-from-home arrangements with a minimum of 3 days in the office
Focus Fridays (meeting-free Fridays every week)
Generous maternity and parental leave top-ups
Flexible work environment