The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation within Alberta (Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis…
District 6).
Executive Summary
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is seeking a bold Vice-President (Research) to lead Canada’s fastest growing research and innovation enterprise through to its next chapter of global impact.
UCalgary is on a remarkable rise, advancing discoveries that improve lives and strengthen communities around the world. By tackling society’s biggest challenges, UCalgary has progressed rapidly into one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Academic excellence, transdisciplinary collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit have fuelled this trajectory. UCalgary is ranked among the top one per cent of universities worldwide and contributes $23.2 billion annually to Alberta's economy.
The next Vice-President (Research) joins the university at a defining moment of growth.
UCalgary is Canada's youngest top five research university. Sponsored research funding reached a record $632 million in 2024-25, up from $457 million over the past five years, demonstrating sustained momentum and increasing national and international competitiveness. As Canada's entrepreneurial university, UCalgary leads the nation in new company creation, launching more startups over the past six years than any other Canadian university and generating significant economic impact.
Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, and a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the next Vice-President (Research) will channel this momentum into even greater impact for Alberta, Canada, and the world. The mandate is simple though the challenge is great: Continue to grow the university’s research and innovation enterprise while accelerating the translation of discovery into lasting societal benefits.
The leader UCalgary is seeking
Candidates must bring at least 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including five or more years in an enterprise-level role within a complex organization.
They will have a demonstrated record of leading significant research, innovation or knowledge-mobilization mandates, translating strategy into measurable outcomes and leading high-performing teams with accountability for budgets, governance, and organizational performance.
Candidates will have built strategic partnerships across universities, governments, industry, healthcare, communities or the not-for-profit sector and successfully secured major funding, investment or partnership resources. They will be experienced external ambassadors, capable of influencing senior decision-makers, and shaping strategic outcomes.
Candidates will bring substantive experience within research-intensive environments, whether through academia, healthcare, government, industry or related sectors. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD, professional graduate degree or comparable terminal degree with credentials that qualify them for an appointment “With Tenure” at the rank of full Professor.
Applicants may be accomplished academic or research leaders with meaningful experience beyond the academy, or exemplary executives from industry, government, healthcare, research organizations, entrepreneurial ventures or the not-for-profit sector. Knowledge of Canada's research and innovation ecosystem is preferred. Candidates with comparable international experience and the ability to navigate new jurisdictions will also be considered.
The appointment is for a five-year period with the possibility of renewal.
About the University of Calgary
Celebrating its 60th year in 2026, UCalgary has emerged as one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. Its footprint includes four Calgary campuses, the University Innovation Quarter and five research stations across Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon.
UCalgary is a global intellectual hub for high-quality research and scholarship, where students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking.
More than 38,000 students, 600 postdoctoral fellows and 1,860 faculty members pursue transdisciplinary discovery, creativity and innovation across 13 faculties and schools, supported by 4,700 staff. The university offers more than 250 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs, along with 80 continuing and professional education programs.
To learn more, visit ucalgary.ca. You can also view the academic and research & innovation plans, as well as the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Indigenous, mental health and sustainability strategies.
About Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary is Canada’s “Blue Sky City.” Situated where the Canadian plains meet the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by profound natural beauty. With a population expected to exceed two million by 2030, Calgary is one of Canada’s youngest and most diverse cities. Ranked the most liveable city in North America and fifth in the world in 2024, Calgary offers an exceptional quality of life, world-class amenities, and unparalleled access to outdoor adventure. Calgary is a top destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment, ranking among the world’s Top 50 emerging startup ecosystems.
Application Instructions
To explore this opportunity further or to apply, please email apply@jssearch.ca, and include “VP Research” in the subject line of your email. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, and includes Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse campus community benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (oicteam@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodation can be sent to People and Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).