SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the President & CEO, and working closely with the VP, Research Operations & Academic Partnerships (ROAP), the Scientific Director will shape the direction of AI research at the Vector Institute. The successful incumbent will have a unique opportunity to drive Vector’s research excellence through strategic leadership of distinguished faculty and research programming, strengthen both local and global partnerships, and advance Vector’s positioning as a premier AI research institution, all while working alongside some of the field's most innovative minds in practical AI deployment and research advancement. The successful incumbent will drive change, align and mobilize stakeholders, and enable large-scale, complex research initiatives towards lasting impacts.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary spokesperson for Vector’s research excellence, accomplishments, and vision, representing the Vector Institute at key internal events (e.g., Town Halls, Research Symposium, AI Summit & Career Fair, Endless Summer Schools) and external forums (industry and other partnership engagements, international research institutes, and media where appropriate);
Drive attraction, recruitment, and retention of high-caliber researchers, partnering with primary institutions, participating in talks and interviews, and communicating and negotiating with potential candidates as required;
Foster a vibrant and collaborative culture of excellence reflective of Vector’s values of inspiration, collaboration, transparency, respect, integrity, and equity, diversity, and inclusion, contributing to a highly engaged and motivated research community;
Represent the research community in various forums, and foster synergy and cohesion between the research community, the Board of Directors, and senior leadership. Strengthen Vector’s research agenda and AI positioning by providing strategic guidance to Vector’s President & CEO and the Board of Directors, actively contributing to senior leadership dialogue regarding research strategy and related decisions, and supporting in the development and ongoing stewardship of a Scientific Advisory Committee;
In partnership with the President & CEO and VP, ROAP, support strategic partnerships across Vector’s existing and prospective institutional partners and spearhead partnerships with like-minded international institutions;
In partnership with the Research Operations & Academic Partnerships and Industry Innovation work streams, foster large-scale funding programs for AI research in alignment with Vector’s strategic priorities;
Deliver operational excellence through championing and communicating new policies, programs, and other relevant updates to Vector Faculty Members, overseeing and reviewing recommendations from Faculty Committees, leading the annual Faculty Performance Development and Review Process, supporting Associate Research Directors and the AI Engineering Team as required, and addressing any escalated matters (e.g., grievances, performance concerns, resource allocation inquiries) within the Vector research community; and,
Other related duties as assigned from time to time.
KEY SUCCESS MEASURES
The Vector Institute retains its status as a top-10 world-leading centre for machine learning and deep learning research;
Vector has a strong external brand, voice, and partnerships, reflective of the Vector Institute's priorities and accomplishments;
Vector’s research agenda is strengthened through development and advancement of Vector’s research strategy, new funding sources, and associated research collaborations and programming;
Vector attracts, recruits, develops, and retains high caliber research talent;
Vector researcher publications, communications, conferences, and workshop presentations are reflective of Vector’s AI research agenda and advance Vector’s global reputation and research strategy;
Vector’s research programs are expanded and enhanced ensuring alignment with research and corporate objectives; and,
Vector’s research to application pipeline is enhanced.
PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
PhD in computer science or a related field. Internationally recognized machine learning / deep learning researcher with a publication record at top ML conferences;
7+ years of experience in either a full-time academic appointment at a university, or in leadership positions in an industry research lab, or a combination of both;
Holding or qualified to hold a faculty position at a Canadian university, maintaining a world leading position in AI research;
Expectation of substantial physical presence at the Vector Institute’s offices in Toronto;
Research management experience at a major institution;
Has a demonstrated history of leadership skills inclusive of shaping strategic visions, mobilizing and coaching others, and demonstration of thought leadership;
Demonstrated success in securing significant research funding;
Demonstrating success in bridging academia and industry; and,
Holds a collegial attitude with excellent communication and diplomacy skills.
Application Materials Required:
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application package:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Publication List
Balanced Statement on Career Accomplishments and Future Research Interests (one-page)
Three (3) references, including 1 arms length (reference letters will be requested, once we have shortlisted candidates)
POSITION STATUS: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Vector believes AI powers possibility by advancing cutting-edge research and translating it into real-world impact through collaboration with research, industry, and government. Vector is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that reflects its values.
The Vector Institute welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those who are Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.
If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process, please contact [email protected]. The Vector Institute team will be happy to work with you to ensure your experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
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