We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.

 

As the only university in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and one of the largest postsecondary institutions in Atlantic Canada, Memorial University plays a central role in the intellectual, cultural, and economic life of the province. A research-intensive, multi-campus institution, Memorial’s research mission is deeply grounded by its obligation to the province and its people and in advancing knowledge that responds to its social, economic, cultural, and environmental priorities. Guided by the Research Strategy 2023-2028, Memorial’s scholars address issues of local, national, and global significance including ocean and Arctic research, natural resources and critical minerals, rural and coastal sustainability, water security, health systems innovation, and the social and cultural foundations of the province. As a result, Memorial has experienced more than 50% growth in research funding over the past decade and continues to strengthen its reach and impact locally, nationally, and globally.

 

As Memorial continues to enhance the scale, profile, and national competitiveness and connections of its research enterprise, the University is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its inaugural Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (VPRI).

 

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the VPRI will champion research excellence across all disciplines, strengthen the pathway from discovery to real-world impact, and ensure Memorial’s research contributes meaningfully to communities, industry, public policy, and economic development locally and nationally. They will also accelerate innovation and knowledge mobilization across the University, advancing commercialization, intellectual property strategy, entrepreneurship, and the translation of research into impact.

 

The VPRI will serve as Memorial’s lead ambassador for research and innovation, cultivating strategic relationships with government, funding agencies, industry, health authorities, and community partners to align priorities, drive shared outcomes, and elevate the University’s national presence. Internally, the VPRI will empower faculty, researchers, and students by strengthening supports, fostering cross-campus collaboration, and expanding high‑quality research and training opportunities for students, postdoctoral fellows, and emerging scholars.

 

The VPRI will be a respected academic leader and accomplished researcher with a distinguished record of scholarship consistent with appointment at the rank of Full Professor. They will bring an ambitious vision for research and innovation at Memorial; a strong record of developing partnerships across government, industry, and communities; deep knowledge of diverse funding opportunities; and proven ability to translate research excellence into social, cultural, economic and policy impact. They will also have demonstrated success in strategic planning, leading complex research portfolios, managing institutional research budgets, and strengthening processes and systems that enable research successes while reflecting Memorial’s distinctive mission and context. Above all, Memorial’s inaugural VPRI will demonstrate a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenization, and will be a collegial, inspiring and highly effective communicator and leader.

 

Memorial University has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Krutika Hotwani of Odgers to support this recruitment for an inaugural role. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2026, though timing may be negotiated based on the successful candidate’s circumstances. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online. For more information, or to submit a nomination, please reach out to MUNVPRI@odgers.com.  

 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and disabled people. Memorial University value people’s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants throughout the recruitment and hiring process. If you require accommodation to participate in these processes, please inform us at MUNVPRI@odgers.com.

 

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.