CIFAR welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its inaugural Head, Fundamental Research commencing Fall 2026, or soon thereafter.

The Head, Fundamental Research provides strategic leadership for CIFAR’s research portfolio, guiding activities that span early-stage discovery, horizon exploration, research programs, and impact clusters. Reporting to the Executive Director, Research, this role is responsible for shaping and stewarding a dynamic portfolio that advances CIFAR’s mission of driving transformative knowledge and global impact.

As the ideal candidate, you hold a PhD in a field of relevance to CIFAR’s work and have a demonstrated record of research contribution. You have a deep understanding of research principles, program design, and best practices in research management, and understand the global research landscape, including institutions, networks, and emerging areas of inquiry. You have experience working within a research-focused organization, in roles that include managing a team of highly engaged researchers, academics and scholarly experts.

CIFAR welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its inaugural Head, Fundamental Research commencing Fall 2026, or soon thereafter.

The Head, Fundamental Research provides strategic leadership for CIFAR’s research portfolio, guiding activities that span early-stage discovery, horizon exploration, research programs, and impact clusters. Reporting to the Executive Director, Research, this role is responsible for shaping and stewarding a dynamic portfolio that advances CIFAR’s mission of driving transformative knowledge and global impact.

As the ideal candidate, you hold a PhD in a field of relevance to CIFAR’s work and have a demonstrated record of research contribution. You have a deep understanding of research principles, program design, and best practices in research management, and understand the global research landscape, including institutions, networks, and emerging areas of inquiry. You have experience working within a research-focused organization, in roles that include managing a team of highly engaged researchers, academics and scholarly experts.