Manager, Research and Strategic Initiatives
This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRs Discovery building. Staff are required to be in the office three days a week, ensuring a balance of in-person collaboration and flexibility.
About CIFAR:
The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) is a globally influential research organization proudly based in Canada. We mobilize the world’s most brilliant people across disciplines and at all career stages to advance transformative knowledge and solve humanity’s biggest problems, together.
For more information please visitour website.
Purpose of the Position:
The Manager, Research and Strategic Initiatives is responsible for supporting CIFAR’s Discovery Initiatives, portfolio development pipeline, and foresight and horizon scanning strategy. Working closely across the research team and with the Senior Director, Research & Head, Foresight, the Manager will help build a pipeline of Challenges on the Horizon that drive the evolution of CIFAR’s research programs and impact clusters.
In collaboration with the Senior Director, the Manager will develop and manage new initiatives related to horizon scanning, foresight methodologies, and strategic research partnerships to advance CIFAR’s research mission.
Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of the Senior Director, Research & Head, Foresight, the Manager will:
- Oversee the process and workflow of the Discovery Initiative, which identifies and supports emerging ideas and research teams through CIFAR’s research pipeline.
- Support CIFAR’s Future of Food initiative, including calls for proposals and related workshops.
- Experiment with foresight methodologies and tools to facilitate discussions with external partners, identifying strategic opportunities and risks.
- Work closely with Research department leadership and Monitoring & Evaluation leads to assess the effectiveness of horizon scanning and foresight initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and changes in the global research landscape.
- Maintain knowledge of best practices in foresight and research development from peer organizations.
- Execute deliverables related to research partnerships, such as workshops, collaborations, and horizon scanning activities.
- Perform additional departmental functions as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience required:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (required).
- PhD (considered an asset).
- 3–5 years of experience in academic research and/or research administration.
Core Professional/Technical Knowledge & Skills required for the position:
- Expertise in horizon scanning and foresight techniques to inform strategic planning.
- Experience managing research funding programs and related initiatives.
- Strong communication skills, including written, oral, visual, and presentation abilities.
- Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and with external partners.
- Strong project management and execution skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
- Knowledge of CIFAR’s role, mandate, and activities in supporting research programs.
Apply:
Qualified applicants are invited to apply by March 3, 2025. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
CIFAR is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from multiple backgrounds, perspectives and experiences is integral to advancing excellence and increasing the impact of our organization. Our leadership, staff and volunteers strive to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and, in turn, an environment that will give our diverse global community of researchers the support to successfully address the most important questions facing science and humanity. Ensuring that every person feels valued and welcome, regardless of age, education, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, and other attributes is vital to achieving our mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of our society who face systemic barriers and biases, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority/racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of marginalized gender identity communities, and persons with disabilities. Applicants may confidentially self-identify at the time of application.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - CIFAR is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email hrteam@cifar.ca and include the term ‘Accessibility’ in the Subject Line, or call 416-971-4251. Please provide your name, preferred contact method, and a detailed description of the nature of any accommodation that you may require. Please include any materials or processes that may be used to ensure your equal participation.
CIFAR frequently communicates in both official languages and our preference is to hire employees who are fluent in both English and French where possible. Other languages are also considered an asset. For a French version of the job posting, please visit www.cifar.ca.
CIFAR is supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec as well as international partner organizations, individuals, foundations, and corporations.
