GRAND (Graphics, Animation and New Media) Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE), Canada’s largest digital media research network, invites applications and nominations for the position of Scientific Director.
Spanning 26 Canadian universities with over 130 researchers and 250 students and postdoctoral fellows across multiple disciplines, GRAND addresses complex issues in digital media through cross-disciplinary research, training, partnerships, policies and innovation. GRAND also partners with over 60 industry, government and non-profit organizations to develop innovation and commercial opportunities that bring economic and social benefits to Canadians. For more information, please visit grand-nce.ca
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Scientific Director is responsible for providing scientific leadership and strategic direction to GRAND consistent with the Network Strategic Plan and the NCE Program, including the development of research excellence at all levels within the network, and the promotion of the network to the research community, industry, government, and other stakeholders. The Scientific Director works closely with the Network Manager to maintain the capacity and capability of the network to carry out its programs and mandate, and establish collaborative partnerships and exchanges that bridge research communities (SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR), academic institutions, and industry partners. She or he also provides mentorship and support to Network Investigators and others to inspire leading-edge research, to fully develop opportunities with other disciplines and the receptor community, and to encourage collaboration with their international peers.
The ideal candidate brings outstanding academic credentials, considerable experience working in or with industry, and demonstrated past performance in leading a scientific research program, including creating collaborative teams and successfully pursuing related funding opportunities. She or he will possess and have demonstrated the high-level communication, interpersonal and leadership skills required to build and sustain constructive relationships across disciplines and communities, the capacity to make connections between the research underway within GRAND and the needs of the receptor community, and a commitment to fostering excellence, equity, diversity and inclusion. Experience dealing with government agencies regarding funding and policy issues would be an asset.
GRAND’s initial five years of funding under the NCE Program will expire on December 31, 2014. As a key priority, the incoming Scientific Director will play a central role in GRAND’s 2014 NCE Renewal Competition application to extend and expand the mandate of the network for a second five-year term. GRAND’s current Scientific Director will continue to serve in that role through the end of GRAND’s fiveyear term, with the incoming Scientific Director assuming the position on January 1, 2015. The initial term of this appointment commences, on a part-time basis, on or after September 1, 2013, and becomes a fulltime position on January 1, 2015, subject to a successful renewal of funding.
The successful candidate must be eligible to apply for funding under the policies and guidelines of at least one of the three federal granting agencies.
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including women, visible minorities, people of Aboriginal origin and people with disabilities. Candidates should indicate whether they are currently eligible for employment in Canada. A letter of introduction that includes a statement of interest and an outline of qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without consent of the applicant) should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 15, 2013