Executive Positions

Position Title: Associate Vice-President, Research Services

Deadline: Late March 2018
Please reference AD #18-19

Position Description:

The University of Guelph invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice-President (Research Services).  

The University of Guelph is recognized as one of Canada’s leading comprehensive research-intensive postsecondary institutions, with an established record of success with both individual research initiatives as well as achievements in large-scale, collaborative, and multidisciplinary projects. It receives over $150 million annually in research funding across seven colleges, the regional campus at Ridgetown, fifteen research stations, and the University of Guelph/Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs partnership. The University of Guelph is a leader in knowledge translation and has been transferring technologies from the lab to the marketplace for over a century. The institution plays a key role in agricultural, veterinary, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and life sciences research and training. Further information about the University and its research focus can be found at www.uoguelph.ca/research/.

This is an exciting time at the University of Guelph, and the Associate Vice-President (Research Services) will have the opportunity to capitalize upon the considerable momentum the University is enjoying. With an infusion of funding from government partners, philanthropy, and funding agencies, the University of Guelph is focused on elevating its standing in global research rankings, growing its share of Tri-Agency funding, and enhancing and supporting the robust research culture on campus.

Reporting to the Vice-President (Research), and working in close collaboration with the Associate Vice-President Research (Agri-Food Partnership), the Associate Vice-President (Research Services) will ensure that the University’s research enterprise is well-administered with a strong focus on client service, that faculty members feel enabled and supported as they pursue their research careers, and that new opportunities are strategically identified and pursued. 

The Associate Vice-President (Research Services) will have primary responsibility for several operational units within the Office of the Vice-President (Research) including the following: the Research Services Subcommittee; Research Support Services (Grants and Contracts); Research Ethics; Animal Care Services; Strategic Research Program and Infrastructure; Research Legal Review; Research Risk Management; Research Information Technology and Management Systems; and, Research Analysis and Reporting. The new AVPRS will also provide leadership to the development and management of the University-wide operational, planning, and policy framework related to the University of Guelph’s research endeavours. They will represent the Vice-President (Research) on University and/or external bodies as required, and will oversee the development and preparation of research initiatives with external organizations including the federal tri-council granting agencies, and various federal and provincial research incentive programs. 

The ideal candidate will bring a broad understanding of the role of research and scholarship in society, strong human resources and financial management skills, and a record of problem-solving, managing change, team-building, networking, and collaboration in an academic setting.  They will have significant experience in implementing complex and large scale systems, and an unrelenting focus on client service.

Located in Guelph, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron people, the University of Guelph is a research-intensive and learner-centred comprehensive university, with 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending three campuses, spanning urban hubs and rural communities. The University is known for its commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens.

Consideration of candidates will begin in late March 2018.  Written nominations, applications, or expressions of interest may be submitted in confidence to uguelphavprs@odgersberndtson.com

The University of Guelph is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its teaching, learning and work environments, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our University community are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and the University of Guelph throughout the recruitment process.