Special Advisor to the President
Help shape the future of health research in Canada
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is looking for an accomplished scientific leader and strategic thinker to serve as Special Advisor to the President, with particular expertise in biomedical research, translational science and the pathways that move discovery toward health, social and commercial impact.
This is a rare opportunity to work directly with CIHR's President at a pivotal moment for Canadian health research. As CIHR advances an ambitious transformation of how it supports research and maximizes its impact, you will provide trusted, evidence-informed advice on some of the most important scientific and strategic questions facing the organization.
You will bring deep knowledge of the research continuum, from fundamental discovery through validation, translation, commercialization and adoption. Working across CIHR and with leaders throughout Canada's research and life sciences ecosystem, you will help turn bold ideas into practical strategies that strengthen Canadian research, improve health and increase the impact of discoveries made here.
Why this role matters
Canada has exceptional health research talent and a strong record of scientific discovery. The challenge—and the opportunity—is to ensure more discoveries lead to better health, stronger health systems, new therapies and technologies, and a globally competitive life sciences sector.
CIHR is strengthening how it supports this continuum while renewing the foundations of investigator-driven research. The Special Advisor will help shape that work, bringing scientific expertise, a strategic perspective and a deep understanding of how research moves from discovery toward impact.
The opportunity
As a trusted advisor to the President, you will work at the intersection of science, strategy, policy and partnerships. You will offer candid, independent advice; connect ideas and expertise across sectors; and help CIHR identify where national leadership and investment can make the greatest difference.
The role will be integral to advancing CIHR's Transformational Roadmap and the President's vision for a stronger, more connected Canadian health research ecosystem. It offers unusual scope to influence how a national research funder responds to emerging science, supports biomedical research (CIHR's Pillar 1), advances translation and strengthens the conditions for Canadian discoveries to reach their full potential.
What you will influence
- Serve as a trusted scientific and strategic advisor to the President on biomedical research, translational science, commercialization and emerging developments in the Canadian and international research landscape.
- Help shape strategies that strengthen the path from fundamental discovery to clinical, health, social and economic impact.
- Provide expert advice on CIHR policies, programs, partnerships and investments, identifying opportunities, risks and areas of growing scientific importance.
- Connect ideas and expertise across CIHR, government, universities, research hospitals, industry, health charities, patient communities and other partners.
- Bring an international perspective to CIHR's work, identifying leading practices and opportunities for Canada to strengthen its position in health research and the life sciences.
- Represent or support the President in high-level discussions with scientific leaders, institutions, governments and partners in Canada and abroad.
- Challenge assumptions, clarify choices and translate ambitious ideas into practical approaches that CIHR can implement.
- Support the President in the development of a translational research transformational roadmap.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who understands research deeply, sees connections across the research and innovation ecosystem, and can turn complex evidence and competing perspectives into clear advice for senior decision-makers.
You may have built your career in academia, a research hospital, industry, government, a research funding organization, or across several of these environments. What matters most is the depth of your expertise, the quality of your judgment and your ability to operate effectively at the intersection of science, policy, partnerships and impact.
You will bring
- A record of scientific leadership and internationally recognized expertise in biomedical research, translational science, research commercialization or related areas.
- A sophisticated understanding of the continuum from discovery through validation, translation, commercialization and adoption, and of the different forms research impact can take.
- Sound judgment and the ability to assess complex evidence, competing priorities, uncertainty, risk and opportunity.
- Experience advising senior leaders and helping turn evidence and ideas into strategy, policy, programs, partnerships or investment decisions.
- The credibility and relationship-building skills to work with distinguished researchers, institutional leaders, governments, industry and diverse partners.
- The ability to communicate complex scientific and strategic issues clearly, concisely and persuasively, in writing and in conversation.
- Intellectual curiosity, integrity, discretion and the confidence to provide candid advice.
The assignment
This is expected to be a part-time assignment for two years, requiring up to two days per week. The successful candidate will remain employed by their home institution, with the assignment formalized through an assignment agreement.
Work arrangements, including location and any expectations for in-person attendance, will be determined as part of the assignment process, taking into account CIHR’s operational needs and the successful candidate’s location. The successful candidate will be required to comply with applicable conflict of interest policies.
CIHR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive research ecosystem and encourages applications from members of equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized communities, women and individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
How to express your interest
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- an executive-level CV; and
- a cover letter of no more than one page outlining their interest in the opportunity and the experience and strengths that demonstrate what they would bring to the role.
Please send your application to Jennifer Cruickshank, Director General, Human Resources at Jennifer.Cruickshank@cihr-irsc.gc.ca by October 9, 2026.
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