About the role
DIRECTOR, AI RESEARCH
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 visit our website .
Purpose of the Position:
The Director, AI Research, supports the Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (PCAIS), by providing intellectual leadership, vision, and strategic management of PCAIS. The Director leads the Canada CIFAR AI (CCAI) Chairs Program, Next Generation AI Training Programs, and AI & Society Program, while also serving as a member of CIFAR’s senior management team for cross-institute initiatives and priorities.
In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director contributes to the development and management of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, including research and training programs, financial oversight of PCAIS funding, departmental operations, evaluation activities, and new cross-institute initiatives.
Responsibilities:
-
Advance the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs Program by supporting the International Scientific Advisory Committee in nominations, reviews, and scientific oversight, and assist the National Programs Committee in advising on national and collaborative AI programs, training, and funding.
-
Participate as a member of CIFAR’s senior management team, contributing to the institute’s strategic direction and cross-institute initiatives.
-
Serve as a senior representative of CIFAR, cultivating partnerships, leading initiatives, and engaging in outward-facing and public meetings.
-
Contribute to strategic and corporate planning, including evaluation frameworks, board materials, and other institutional initiatives that support CIFAR’s mission and priorities.
-
Develop and maintain governance and advisory mechanisms for AI-related programs while providing guidance to ensure the success and accountability of research and training initiatives.
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with AI Institute leadership, PCAIS governance committees, and CCAI Chairs through formal and informal interactions.
-
Support the development of new program components and cross-program activities, including adjudication and evaluation mechanisms, in collaboration with program directors, advisory committees, and the ED.
-
Oversee program operations and evaluation, including 5-year assessments, distribution of collaborative funds, and the development of policies and practices guiding PCAIS program administration and adjudication.
-
Collaborate across CIFAR teams, working with Research on cross-program initiatives (e.g., Strategy 2024), with Advancement and Government Relations to cultivate donor and sponsor relationships, and with Finance to manage budgets in consultation with the ED.
-
Engage with government and funders, providing program updates, reporting on performance metrics, and ensuring accountability for PCAIS programs and outcomes.
-
Occasional travel for meetings, including approximately 5 events per year lasting 2–4 days, which may include some weekends.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience required:
- PhD in natural or physical sciences.
- 5–10 years of relevant work experience post-MSc/PhD, in academia or related sectors.
Core Professional/Technical Knowledge & Skills required for the position:
- Strategic vision and leadership, with the ability to evaluate and implement programs that advance research excellence.
- Deep knowledge of research principles, best practices, and CIFAR’s mandate, with awareness of the broader research landscape.
- Strong project management, financial, HR, and administrative skills, complemented by an established record of academic research.
Apply:
Qualified applicants are invited to apply by September 7, 2025, at 11:59pm EST. 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.
About CIFAR
CIFAR is a Canadian-based global research organization that convenes extraordinary minds to address the most important questions facing science and humanity.
By supporting long-term interdisciplinary collaboration, CIFAR provides researchers with an unparalleled environment of trust, transparency and knowledge sharing. Our time-tested model inspires new directions of inquiry, accelerates discovery and yields breakthroughs across borders and academic disciplines. Through knowledge mobilization, we are catalysts for change in industry, government and society. CIFAR's community of fellows includes 20 Nobel laureates and more than 400 researchers from 20 countries. In 2017, the Government of Canada appointed CIFAR to develop and lead the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the world's first national AI strategy.
CIFAR is generously supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.
About the role
DIRECTOR, AI RESEARCH
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 visit our website .
Purpose of the Position:
The Director, AI Research, supports the Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy (PCAIS), by providing intellectual leadership, vision, and strategic management of PCAIS. The Director leads the Canada CIFAR AI (CCAI) Chairs Program, Next Generation AI Training Programs, and AI & Society Program, while also serving as a member of CIFAR’s senior management team for cross-institute initiatives and priorities.
In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director contributes to the development and management of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, including research and training programs, financial oversight of PCAIS funding, departmental operations, evaluation activities, and new cross-institute initiatives.
Responsibilities:
-
Advance the Canada CIFAR AI Chairs Program by supporting the International Scientific Advisory Committee in nominations, reviews, and scientific oversight, and assist the National Programs Committee in advising on national and collaborative AI programs, training, and funding.
-
Participate as a member of CIFAR’s senior management team, contributing to the institute’s strategic direction and cross-institute initiatives.
-
Serve as a senior representative of CIFAR, cultivating partnerships, leading initiatives, and engaging in outward-facing and public meetings.
-
Contribute to strategic and corporate planning, including evaluation frameworks, board materials, and other institutional initiatives that support CIFAR’s mission and priorities.
-
Develop and maintain governance and advisory mechanisms for AI-related programs while providing guidance to ensure the success and accountability of research and training initiatives.
-
Build and maintain strong relationships with AI Institute leadership, PCAIS governance committees, and CCAI Chairs through formal and informal interactions.
-
Support the development of new program components and cross-program activities, including adjudication and evaluation mechanisms, in collaboration with program directors, advisory committees, and the ED.
-
Oversee program operations and evaluation, including 5-year assessments, distribution of collaborative funds, and the development of policies and practices guiding PCAIS program administration and adjudication.
-
Collaborate across CIFAR teams, working with Research on cross-program initiatives (e.g., Strategy 2024), with Advancement and Government Relations to cultivate donor and sponsor relationships, and with Finance to manage budgets in consultation with the ED.
-
Engage with government and funders, providing program updates, reporting on performance metrics, and ensuring accountability for PCAIS programs and outcomes.
-
Occasional travel for meetings, including approximately 5 events per year lasting 2–4 days, which may include some weekends.
Qualifications:
Education/Experience required:
- PhD in natural or physical sciences.
- 5–10 years of relevant work experience post-MSc/PhD, in academia or related sectors.
Core Professional/Technical Knowledge & Skills required for the position:
- Strategic vision and leadership, with the ability to evaluate and implement programs that advance research excellence.
- Deep knowledge of research principles, best practices, and CIFAR’s mandate, with awareness of the broader research landscape.
- Strong project management, financial, HR, and administrative skills, complemented by an established record of academic research.
Apply:
Qualified applicants are invited to apply by September 7, 2025, at 11:59pm EST. 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.
About CIFAR
CIFAR is a Canadian-based global research organization that convenes extraordinary minds to address the most important questions facing science and humanity.
By supporting long-term interdisciplinary collaboration, CIFAR provides researchers with an unparalleled environment of trust, transparency and knowledge sharing. Our time-tested model inspires new directions of inquiry, accelerates discovery and yields breakthroughs across borders and academic disciplines. Through knowledge mobilization, we are catalysts for change in industry, government and society. CIFAR's community of fellows includes 20 Nobel laureates and more than 400 researchers from 20 countries. In 2017, the Government of Canada appointed CIFAR to develop and lead the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the world's first national AI strategy.
CIFAR is generously supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.