Director, Research and Development (CEI)

Director, Research and Development (CEI)

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*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Organizational Unit: Clean Energy Innovation

Classification: MGT-2

Tenure: Continuing

Work Arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least four times per week at their own expense.
• 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.

The Role

We are looking for a Director, Research and Development to support our Clean Energy Innovation (CEI) Research Centre. The Director, Research and Development would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Director, Research and Development (DRD) provides scientific leadership and manages research activities, ensuring alignment with NRC’s objectives. The DRD supports the Director General in developing employees, and business or collaboration opportunities to create long-term sustainability for the organization. Where assigned, manages technical services, facilities, or other internal capabilities in home or other Divisions.

This is a special and entrepreneurial opportunity to play a leadership role in growing NRC’s first major research facility in the Greater Toronto Area and creating a major national innovation hub in advanced materials discovery.

The Director, Research and Development will lead the activities of the research facility in Mississauga’s Sheridan Park. The vision for NRC-Mississauga is to establish a national centre for accelerated materials discovery and innovation, with a focus on collaborative development and application of a set of platforms for accelerated materials discovery, development, demonstration/validation, scale-up and transition to industry.

Key areas of activity for the growing NRC-Mississauga facility include development of AI-driven, smart (computer-enabled) automated Materials Acceleration Platforms (MAPs), electrocatalytic materials for clean energy, synthesis of structural and functional powders and development of “smart materials for smart objects”.

As part of CEI, NRC-Mississauga applies its multidisciplinary capabilities in partnership with other parts of NRC and our partners through strategic R&D programs that target stakeholder-endorsed challenges to strengthen Canadian supply chains. We will deliver advanced technology solutions to improve productivity and help companies develop and maintain competitive positions in markets at home and abroad.

The Director manages the capability embodied in assigned research centre resources (facilities, employees and minor and major capitals), ensuring relevance, focus and utility by working with program leaders and external stakeholders, including clients. The Director supervises Team Leaders to achieve effective execution of project management and continuous professional development of staff. Through discharging these responsibilities, and through the provision of timely strategic advice, the Director, Research and Development provides the Director General with vital assurance of long-term research centre sustainability and impact for Canada.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Masters degree in science or engineering from a recognized university in a scientific field relevant to the research areas of CEI research centre. A PhD may be considered an asset.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

• In depth experience working in the Canadian and international context around NRC’s Clean Energy Innovation research centre technologies with a particular focus on advanced materials science and/or materials engineering.
• Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a matrix environment of projects and programs.
• Significant and recently demonstrated experience in applying the principles, tools and practices of administrative, financial, and human resource management.
• Experience accessing technology trends and setting research directions in application areas relevant to CEI technologies.
• Significant experience with demonstrated success in developing partnership or business opportunities with industry, academia, government or other partnerships; demonstrating highly-effective interpersonal skills.

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)
Must be able to travel.

Language Requirements

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.

Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrated broad understanding of relevant business and industry issues, and of internal and external factors that impact research centre operations.
• Significant knowledge of program and project management to fulfill research centre objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information, assess risks and opportunities, and make recommendations on potential courses of action.
• Ability to direct and engage core capabilities to effectively lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team balancing generation of revenue and scientific/technical knowledge generation activities.
• Ability to lead and influence change while applying best practices in the management of human resources, finances and projects, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, to work cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of employees, colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Inspirational Leadership (Level 4)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)

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.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (22932) to:

Closing Date: 10 January 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time