CIHR Scientific Director – Accountability Profile

Job Title:	Scientific Director
Organization:	Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Location:	Host Institution / Canada Wide

Primary Focus

As the leader of a Canadian Health Research Institute, and with a focus on research areas within the purview of his/her Institute mandate, as defined by the Governing Council of CIHR, the Scientific Director will champion and support inter-disciplinary research of the highest levels of international excellence and will forge a health research agenda across disciplines, sectors and regions that embraces scientific opportunity and reflects the emerging health needs of Canadians. The Scientific Director will facilitate and nurture partnerships; accelerate the dissemination and translation of research findings; and ensure the representation of the highest ethical and moral standards.

Specific Accountabilities

Reporting directly to the President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and in close collaboration with the Institute Advisory Board (IAB), the Scientific Director as a leader in Canadian health research will:

• As a member of the Scientific Council and in collaboration with fellow Scientific Directors, provide scientific leadership and advice to Governing Council on health research and Knowledge Translation priorities and strategies; recommend investment strategies in accordance with CIHR's 5 year strategic plan; take part in the review and approval of all multi-institute and pan-organization strategic initiatives and related funding.

• Capture the mission, vision, values and key priorities of the Institute in a thoughtful, accessible, and inspiring strategic action plan that aligns with CIHR's Strategic Plan, is responsive to Canadian health needs and research opportunities, and includes discrete measures and indicators for a performance measurement framework.

• Advocate and champion the mission and values of the Institute with the various research communities, universities, hospitals, non-governmental organization, health charities, governments, industry and the public.

• Inform the public of the key activities of the Institute and their importance in health research, the health of Canadians and the Canadian health care system, and establish the Institute as an authoritative public information source.

• Build and enhance research capacity in the field under the purview of the Institute, by a judicious use of innovative tools such as training and retention programs, and awareness and grantmanships initiatives.

• Lead and manage the business and affairs of the institute with the authority to take all actions necessary to fulfill its mandate; appoint, terminate and replace institute based staff; assume responsibility for the use of financial and human resources in accordance with the terms of the Institute Support Grant (ISG) program and the CIHR Act, ensuring financial accountability and transparency to Canadians for the investment.

• Lead and inspire strategic research initiatives, programs and projects, both ongoing and new areas/themes, through the integration and promotion of trans-disciplinary, peer-reviewed internationally recognized research in the domains of the Institute which are in line with CIHR's mission, values and strategic orientations.

• Foster and nurture innovative partnerships and alliances between and among fellow Scientific Directors and other stakeholders, to pursue opportunities for collaboration in health research and to bring research communities together to address research priorities.

• Facilitate and accelerate the dissemination and translation of knowledge into new policies, interventions, services and products.

• Establish and maintain contacts with national and international stakeholders through consultations and participation in various fora and conferences.

• Plan, direct and manage an organizational team through the development of an infrastructure, processes and systems that will support and achieve the vision and research priorities of the Institute as well as support CIHR policies and ensure financial accountability and transparency to Canadians for the investment.