IRIC - Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer

Position description

Reporting to the Université de Montréal’s Executive Committee, represented by the Vice-Rector, Research, Discovery, Creation and Innovation, the Executive Director oversees the management of operations and finances, the drug discovery unit, as well as philanthropic development in partnership with the University of Montreal Alumni and Donor network. In conjunction with the Scientific Direction, the Executive Director participates in the development of the Institute’s research and development orientations.

The Executive Director represents IRIC on the Board of Directors and is responsible for reporting to the Board. The Executive Director officially represents IRIC in dealings with external stakeholders to University of Montreal (governments, donors, private partners, etc.).

The Executive Director will be required to apply EDI, accessibility and anti-capacity/racism best practices in the promotion, recruitment and retention of team members.

Finally, the successful candidate may have his/her own research program, obtain grants and teach training courses.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for the planning, organization and management of the Institute.
• Responsible for implementing the decisions of the Board of Directors and ensuring the realization of IRIC’s strategic orientations and objectives.
• Ensures the excellence of the Institute’s training, research and commercialization activities.
• Establishes mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations and members of its academic ecosystem, as well as with local and international.
• Responsible for IRIC’s annual budget; oversees the preparation of the budget and submits it to the Assembly of Researchers for consultation, and to the Board of Directors for approval.
• As ambassadors for the Institute and to ensure its development and its reach:
  • Represents IRIC and develops a network of partners both within the University and with organizations associated with the Institute’s activities.
  • Represents IRIC with various funding agencies (i.e. FRQ-S, Génome Québec, Génome Canada, IRSC) and government agencies (e.g. MEIE) associated with IRIC’s activities, as well as with its private partners.
• In partnership with the Alumni and Donor network, acts as a key player in IRIC’s philanthropic development and ensures sound management of the philanthropic funds dedicated to IRIC.
• Ensures sound governance of the Institute:
  • By overseeing the development and implementation of policies necessary for IRIC’s fluid operation and compliance with research practices.
  • By overseeing the application of IRIC’s bylaws.
  • By submitting, as required, the recommendations of the Scientific Assembly to the Board of Directors for approval.
• Promotes an inclusive approach to diversity in order to create a work environment that values the diversity of ideas, cultures and perspectives.
• Oversees the preparation of IRIC’s annual report and submits it to the Assembly of Researchers for consultation, and to the Board of Directors for approval.
• Appoints, in conjunction with the Scientific Director, the Assistant General Manager, Operations and Finance, after consultation with the Assembly of Researchers.
• May appoint Executive Manager as required, for a term not exceeding his or her own.

Minimal experience required

• Academic background: PhD in a biomedical scientific discipline or MD with research experience.
• Experience in managing a high-level academic or industrial research unit, or other significant management experience in a field related to biomedical research.

Competencies requirements

• Leads (or has led) an innovative biomedical research program.
• Experience in managing high-level executives and professionals.
• Excellent understanding of the issues and challenges of both basic and translational research and their valorization.
• Experience in managing a budget structure that depends on several distinct funding sources.
• Experience in attracting, developing and managing public-private partnerships.
• Experience in philanthropic fund-raising.
• Good knowledge of academic university structures.
• Not afraid of making difficult decisions and taking calculated risks in the interests of IRIC and the University.
• Solid communication skills are necessary to represent IRIC to university authorities, public and private partners, and donors.
• Bring a collegial vision of management as practiced in a university environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain an excellent network in the national and international biomedical research ecosystem.
• Bilingualism in English and French.

Skills

• Authentic, transparent, and inclusive leadership with a developed ability to listen;
• Foster mobilization and create a strong sense of belonging among the Institute’s staff;
• Possess the political skills needed to influence institutional decisions (e.g. government agencies) that have an impact on IRIC’s development;
• Display an analytical mind that can quickly understand complex issues and find appropriate solutions;
• Demonstrate empathy in the exercise of leadership;
• Demonstrate an aptitude for building partnerships and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Location 

• This position is based in Montreal at the main campus of the University of Montreal.

How to apply 

• To apply, please submit your application and related documents to Boyden, the firm conducting the recruitment process, at: vpoupart-brunelle@boyden.com  and indicate “ED” in the subject line of your e-mail.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those being considered for the position will be contacted.