"Vice Dean, Research (Biomedical Sciences)"

The University of Saskatchewan’s campuses are situated on Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 Territories and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of these places and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan. The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation, creativity, and patient care, and we are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work, learning, and clinical environments.

USask, as a member of the U15 group of Canadian Research Universities, is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as infectious diseases, water, and food security, and world-class research facilities like the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the Canadian Light Source synchrotron. Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges.

The College of Medicine is committed to health through innovative and interdisciplinary research and education, leadership, community engagement, and the development of culturally competent, skilled clinicians and scientists. The College stands out for its strong commitment to Indigenous Health through dedicated programs, and its unique proximity to the renowned Western College of Veterinary Medicine, fostering unparalleled interdisciplinary learning and discovery. Collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous peoples and communities are central to its mission.

This is an exciting time to join the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine as Vice Dean, Research (Biomedical Sciences), providing impactful leadership as the College pursues a shared goal of deepening its dedication, funding and reputation in biomedical sciences.

Reporting to the Dean of the College, and serving as a key member of the decanal team, the Vice Dean will provide strategic leadership for the College of Medicine’s Research Office with oversight of biomedical sciences research. Working in close alignment with the decanal team, including the Vice Dean, Research (Clinical, Health Sciences and Population Health), the Vice Dean contributes to a shared vision of research excellence that advances the College’s priorities within USask’s campuses and all communities it serves across Saskatchewan. As a key member of a highly collaborative and coordinated leadership team, the Vice Dean will co-lead the development and implementation of an integrated and forward-looking research agenda that fosters growth, excellence, innovation, and collaboration. In partnership with the Dean and members of the College, the Vice Dean plays a central part in ensuring biomedical research initiatives align with national and global standards, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) framework, while advancing College and institutional goals. The Vice Dean will also lead internationalization initiatives, drive graduate program quality and integration, support research funding strategies, and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive research culture that tackles health challenges and translates discoveries into improved health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally. The role is 50% administrative, allowing the Vice Dean to maintain their own active research program.

Candidates will possess a PhD or MD/PhD in any field of biomedical sciences, an outstanding record of scholarly excellence, and qualifications commensurate with an academic appointment at the rank of Full Professor. They will demonstrate an understanding of leading effectively in an academic medicine setting, driving initiatives related to health research funding, and will have a passion for graduate education and the learner experience. A proven ability to foster team as well as interdisciplinary collaboration, promote inclusive excellence, and build strong relationships with diverse partners, such as research agencies, Indigenous communities, and health system partners in different geographic locations is essential. The successful candidate will be a visionary and effective leader, committed to advancing truth and reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the biomedical sciences research landscape.

The new Vice Dean will ideally take office in the Fall of 2025 or as mutually agreed, with consideration of candidates beginning immediately. Applications are encouraged online at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/30595. Nominations, inquiries, or applications by way of a curriculum vitae and letter of interest should be submitted, in confidence, to Andrea Patrick and Krutika Hotwani of Odgers at ViceDeanBiomedical@Odgers.com.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Saskatchewan and Odgers are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify Odgers and we will work together on the accommodation request.

The University of Saskatchewan continues to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. A successful candidate who asserts Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.