Associate Vice President (AVP), Institutional Research Infrastructure and Initiatives

University of Alberta

  • Edmonton, AB
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 26 days ago
DescriptionThis position is an Academic Administrator appointment with an initial term of 5 years. Professors with tenure at the University of Alberta (at the associate or full level) are welcome to express their interest. This posting is restricted to internal applicants.Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.Working at the University of AlbertaThe University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .PositionThe Associate Vice-President (AVP), Institutional Research Infrastructure and Initiatives, reports to the Vice-President (Research) and plays a central role in advancing the University of Alberta's research excellence. This position focuses on the strategic oversight and development of major research infrastructure, research space, and initiatives, including centres and institutes and high performance computing, ensuring they align with institutional goals and support interdisciplinary collaboration. This position supports the implementation of Forward with Purpose (the Institutional Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation).DutiesStrategic Leadership
  • Develop and lead the implementation of aspects of Forward with Purpose, ensuring alignment with the University's goals and priorities.
  • Provide strategic planning expertise to the leadership team, ensuring milestones and objectives are met effectively.
  • Guide the integration of institutional research priorities as they relate to infrastructure (including high performance research computing and other tools), space, and Centres and Institutes across Colleges, Faculties, and other units.
Oversight of Institutional Research Infrastructure and Space
  • Lead the strategic planning and management of the University's research infrastructure, including Core Research Facilities and Animal Service Facilities, to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and equitable access.
  • Work collaboratively with University Services, Operations and Finance (USOF), International and Enterprise (IE), Colleges, Faculties, and Centres and Institutes to develop funding and operating models to support core research infrastructure and increase external access to Core Facilities and infrastructure to increase sustainability, revenue, and reputation.
  • In collaboration with the AVP (Research Integrity Support), implement centralized governance and consolidated operation for Animal Service Facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.
  • Develop and lead a Core Facilities strategy, including the streamlining of Core Facility operations through optimized resource allocation, reduced redundancies, and improved management systems.
  • Work closely with USOF, Colleges, and Faculties on major infrastructure initiatives, with a focus on project planning, space allocation, funding development support, and alignment with Forward with Purpose priorities.
  • Work closely with IST and libraries on major research computing infrastructure, including high performance computing and data centres, providing strategic direction to align with Forward with Purpose and safeguarding research considerations/work.
Institutional Programs and Funding Initiatives Related to Infrastructure
  • Oversee participation in key institutional infrastructure funding programs (e.g., CFI, BRIF, MSI) to enhance the University's funding success and optimize the use of secured resources, ensuring alignment with Forward with Purpose.
  • Develop policies and administrative structures to support priority institutional research initiatives and reduce administrative burden for leads of high priority institutional awards.
  • Act as a liaison with funding agencies and government, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and alignment with national research priorities.
  • Facilitate University of Alberta participation in major provincial, national, and international research platforms.
  • Support researchers in grant development for major research infrastructure initiatives and lead institutional processes for strategic allocation of infrastructure funds.
  • Oversee administration of grant funding for major research infrastructure initiatives that build capacity (e.g. core facilities, research space and infrastructure) in priority areas.
Institutional Research Infrastructure and Space Strategy
  • Develop and implement strategies for effective allocation, utilization, and planning of research space to meet evolving infrastructure needs and goals articulated in Forward with Purpose, working closely with Colleges, Faculties, USOF and IE.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align space planning with research priorities and emerging opportunities.
Governance of Centres and Institutes
  • Develop a strategy for Centres and Institutes to support their growth, impact, visibility, and sustainability.
  • Provide oversight and strategic direction for the governance of Centres and Institutes, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with University policies.
  • Develop performance metrics to evaluate their impact and guide improvements.
Qualifications
  • PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a research discipline with preference for an individual with experience and interests in interdisciplinary research, large scale research initiatives, and research infrastructure. At least 15 years of experience as an active researcher, with knowledge of the University of Alberta's systems and research administration processes.
  • Five to seven years of demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to build a service culture of excellence, combined with ethical and effective leadership practices that both nurture trust and foster excellence in the work environment.
  • Strong capacity to deal with ambiguity, conflicting needs, and ethical issues.
  • Extensive experience as a proactive leader with the ability to identify key issues, define corrective actions, and lead others towards resolution and accountability.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate strategic imperatives to a diverse group of cross-functional leaders of all levels.
  • Ability to lead and unify teams to provide world-class service, to make decisions, and work collaboratively with others to solve problems.
  • Ability to work independently; highly motivated and detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
  • Expertise in and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in research and commitment to supporting Indigenous research initiatives.
  • Ability to network and interact, as well as identify and support effective partnerships with key groups and individuals.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and motivate others.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in written form in a clear, straightforward, and professional manner.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks and meet all deadlines.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 15, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

University of Alberta