Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies

Nipissing University invites applications for the position of Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies.  The ideal candidate will have the energy and imagination to lead and innovate, and the experience and judgment necessary to build an exciting and sustainable future for the University by promoting the highest standards in academic innovation, research and scholarship, and intellectual and creative activity.   This is an opportunity to join the growing research and graduate culture at Nipissing where you can make a difference.

The Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, reporting to the Provost and Vice-President Academic, is a member of the academic leadership team of Nipissing University.  The AVP plays a key role in developing research policy, advancing innovative research, and fostering excellence in graduate education, as well as working externally with industry and community partners, government agencies and granting councils, foundations, and other research institutions to grow Nipissing’s research enterprise and identify future opportunities.  The AVP is appointed for a term of five years with the possibility of re-appointment or extension and will hold a tenure position following the appointment.

Nipissing University is a young and dynamic institution with roots in teacher education that reach back 100 years.  Today, through the integration of teaching, research, professional internships, service and global experiences in undergraduate, professional and selected graduate areas, Nipissing University offers a student experience that is highly rated in national and international surveys of student engagement and quality of education. 

Nipissing University is in the City of North Bay, Ontario (population 55,000), between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, surrounded by pristine Canadian Shield Forest. A comfortable three-hour drive from Toronto and three and a half hours from Ottawa, North Bay has a vibrant arts community, ample amenities, and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Nipissing University sits on the territory of Nipissing First Nation, the traditional territory of the Anishinabek, with its communities bordering the city.

Research & Innovation

Nipissing continues to build a strong culture of academic inquiry and innovation by building on the outstanding individual skills of its researchers, by maintaining focus on its core research disciplines and Nipissing University’s Strategic Research Plan (2019-2024), by celebrating the role of undergraduate and graduate student research, and by facilitating a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research initiatives within both the institution and the broader community. The Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies works to support, promote, and celebrate this vibrant, growing research enterprise.

The AVP is responsible for creating opportunities for faculty members to develop successful research careers by maximizing internal and external research funding opportunities.  The AVP plays a critical role in maintaining a strong and positive relationship with the national granting agencies and facilitates the submission and management of grants for faculty members. The AVP is responsible for managing Nipissing’s participation in Federal programs such as the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Programs, as well as the Research Support Fund (RSF).  

The AVP will work to further develop and support Nipissing’s participation in contract research and regional economic development, including facilitating industry engagement and commercialization activities, and programs to support technology transfer activities.

The AVP will work to develop and maintain positive and reciprocal research relationships with Nipissing’s Indigenous partners.

Graduate Studies

The AVP is responsible for administering and promoting graduate programs at Nipissing University. The Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies coordinates the admission of graduate students and the award of scholarships and assistantships within the graduate programs currently active on campus. The Office is also responsible for the administration of thesis defense committees.

The AVP is dedicated to building a vision for graduate studies and graduate culture at Nipissing University and is responsible for championing for advocacy and support of all graduate students including international students, Indigenous students, distance students, etc. The AVP will liaise with the relevant departments (Office of Indigenous Initiatives, International Initiatives, Student Development and Services) to identify gaps and enhance graduate student support at Nipissing University.

Management and Administration

The AVP is responsible for the operations and financial management of the Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies, including the supervision, hiring, and evaluation of office staff. The AVP also recommends to the Provost and Vice-President Academic policies governing Nipissing’s involvement in contract research, management of intellectual property, and the establishment of partnerships and relationships with industry, government, and community groups.

The AVP oversees and works with all research centers and institutes on campus, helping to enhance research and educational capabilities.  Meeting regularly with the internal university leadership, the AVP will assist in identifying synergies and multidisciplinary opportunities, provide support for promotion and outreach, receive and collate information, reports, and oversee compliance with University policies. In addition, the AVP is responsible for the development, promotion and management of various research infrastructure projects on campus.

The AVP is a member of the University Management Group and serves on Senate Executive.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a discipline appropriate for an academic appointment at the rank of associate or full professor position.  They will also have comprehensive knowledge of the university research-funding environment and of key research programs and funding agencies at the provincial, federal and international levels.  The anticipated start date is July 1, 2023.

For more information about Nipissing University and a detailed position description, please visit www.nipissingu.ca. Consideration of applications will begin on December 5, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. A letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation (at least one commenting on research and graduate experience) should be sent to careers@nipissingu.ca

The Selection Committee would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a covering letter from Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

Please note that only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Nipissing University is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. We will respect and adhere to any accommodation needs you may need during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at access@nipissingu.ca.