At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research in immunology and drive health advancements at NRC.
- Company: Join Canada's largest research organization, recognized as a top employer for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health innovation while collaborating with top minds in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and significant experience in leading R&D programs.
The predicted salary is between 153444 - 184059 $ per year.
Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons. Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.
City: Ottawa
Organizational Unit: Human Health Therapeutics
Classification: MGT-2
Tenure: Continuing
Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC
Work arrangements: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified. At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required.
The role: Help bring research to life and drive Canada's health innovation ecosystem forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization. We are seeking a Director, Research and Development (R&D) – Immunology to provide scientific and strategic leadership within the Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scientific leader with a demonstrated record of advancing innovative therapeutics from discovery through pre-clinical development while building impactful collaborations with industry, academia, hospitals, government organizations, and international partners.
The Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre accelerates the discovery, development, and translation of innovative biologics and advanced therapies that improve the health and well-being of Canadians. Through collaborative research and technology development, HHT advances vaccines, antibodies, cell and gene therapies, biomanufacturing technologies, and emerging therapeutic platforms while supporting the growth and competitiveness of Canada's life sciences sector.
The Director, R&D – Immunology is one of the senior scientific leaders within HHT, reporting to the Director General. The Director provides leadership for multidisciplinary research activities spanning immunology, translational sciences, pre-clinical development, advanced analytics, in vivo imaging, animal models, biologics and vaccine development, cell and gene therapies, and phage-based therapeutics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide scientific and strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary research portfolio focused on translational biosciences and immunology.
- Lead research programs supporting the discovery, characterization, and pre-clinical development of biologics, vaccines, antibody therapeutics, cell and gene therapies, and phage therapeutics.
- Oversee research capabilities in immunology, advanced analytical sciences, molecular and cellular characterization, imaging technologies and animal models.
- Develop and implement strategic plans that align scientific capabilities, infrastructure, talent, and resources with NRC and HHT priorities.
- Foster an innovative, collaborative, and high-performing research culture while providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for scientific and technical staff.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, SMEs, academia, healthcare organizations, government departments, and international collaborators.
- Identify emerging scientific and technology trends and translate opportunities into new programs, partnerships, and business development initiatives.
- Serve as a scientific ambassador and spokesperson for HHT, promoting NRC capabilities nationally and internationally.
- Support the development of collaborative R&D projects, consortium initiatives, and commercialization opportunities that enhance Canada's life sciences ecosystem.
- Provide expert advice to the Director General and HHT leadership team on scientific, operational, business, and strategic matters.
- Ensure effective management of financial, human, and infrastructure resources while achieving program objectives and impact targets.
Screening criteria:
Education: PhD in Immunology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or other relevant field from a recognized university.
Experience: Significant experience leading multidisciplinary research and development programs in immunology, translational biosciences, biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, or related therapeutic areas. Demonstrated industrial experience advancing therapeutic candidates from discovery through pre-clinical development and translational research stages. Experience leading scientific teams and developing talent in complex, matrix-based research environments. Significant experience building and managing strategic partnerships with industry, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and international collaborators. Experience securing, managing, and delivering large-scale collaborative research initiatives and technology development programs. Experience with advanced analytical technologies, imaging platforms, and characterization approaches relevant to biologics and advanced therapeutics. Experience identifying technology trends and translating scientific opportunities into impactful programs and partnerships. Knowledge of critical path for development and evaluation of biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and/or phage therapeutics, from bench to bedside. Experience supporting commercialization, technology transfer, or industry-focused innovation initiatives would be considered an asset.
Condition of employment: Secret clearance. A thorough security clearance process will be applied. For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.
Language requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC. Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.
Compensation: From $153,444 to $184,059 per annum. NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.
We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Director, Research and Development in Ottawa employer: National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
The National Research Council (NRC) is an exceptional employer located in Ottawa, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, NRC provides extensive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health coverage, and opportunities for professional development. The culture at NRC emphasizes teamwork and creativity, making it an ideal place for individuals looking to make meaningful contributions to Canada's defence and technology sectors.
Contact Details:
National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada Recruitment Team
