Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives

The University of Toronto (U of T) invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives (VPRISI).

As Canada’s leading university and a global Top 20 institution, U of T is uniquely positioned to lead life-changing cross-disciplinary research and innovation to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The University is home to 330 Canada Research Chairs among an exceptional complement of faculty, staff and students who bring deep expertise in partnering with leading researchers and institutions globally. Annually, U of T attracts 16.3% of the country’s Tri-Agency funding, $64 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund, and with its hospital partners, $1.4 billion in research funding from both national and international sources, federal and provincial governments, and the not-for-profit and private sectors. The Division of the VPRISI supports the U of T community by managing the research and innovation enterprise across the institution; supporting high-impact interdisciplinary research through U of T’s Institutional Strategic Initiatives portfolio; fostering partnerships with government, industry, community, and philanthropic partners; advancing U of T’s entrepreneurship ecosystem; and advocating on behalf of U of T’s researchers. For more information, visit: www.research.utoronto.ca

The VPRISI is a member of the University’s executive team, reporting to the President and working in collaboration with other Vice-Presidents and senior academic and administrative leaders across U of T’s three campuses to realize the University’s strategic research mission. Among other priorities, the VPRISI will advance U of T’s national and global leadership in research and innovation; encourage internal and external strategic collaborations, partnerships, and engagement across disciplines; enhance U of T’s success with the federal granting councils, potential donors and international opportunities; promote inclusive excellence across research and innovation; and strengthen institutional supports that cultivate excellence and success in research endeavors, supporting the University’s commitment to outstanding Undergraduate, Graduate and Postdoctoral research.

The new VPRISI is a visionary and inspirational leader and respected scholar – appointable at the rank of Full Professor - with demonstrated excellence as a leader and administrator within a multi-perspective and collegial environment. They bring a track record of advancing the research mission of a globally recognized academic unit, and significant leadership experience that demonstrates their commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility with an acknowledgement that pluralism and representation makes institutions stronger. They inspire intellectual curiosity and creativity; encourage collegiality and collaboration; and empower the U of T community to be successful in performing a rich array of research. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to balance consultation with sound decision-making, and be an excellent listener, communicator and motivator, and a person of unassailable integrity and character.

The new VPRISI will take office in January 2022 or as soon as mutually agreed thereafter. Consideration of candidates will commence in mid October 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries and/or applications, in confidence, should be directed to Gerri Woodford or Krutika Hotwani at uoftvprisi@odgersberndtson.com.

Fully committed to teaching, research, and student wellbeing as complementary facets of scholastic achievement, U of T is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world for research, teaching, and innovation, and among the world’s top 10 public institutions. The University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With approximately 22,000 faculty and staff, some 93,000 students, and an annual operating budget approaching $3 billion, the University contributes $15.7 billion to the Canadian economy each year. Alumni include many thousands of distinguished researchers, teachers, creative artists, prominent federal, provincial, and municipal politicians, global business leaders, and eminent philanthropists. The University has identified enhancing undergraduate education, deepening international collaboration, and leveraging the University’s position in the Greater Toronto Area – one of the world’s most diverse urban regions – as the University’s top three strategic priorities.

Regularly named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, the University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In accordance with the AODA, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.