Head, Fundamental Research

The Next Leap Starts Here. CIFAR doesn’t just solve complex challenges; it imagines new possibilities for humanity. CIFAR is a global catalyst for breakthroughs, mobilizing the world’s most brilliant minds to tackle the questions that define our future. Founded in Canada and connected to the world, CIFAR provides the platform for high-risk, high-reward research. For more information, please visit: https://cifar.ca/

It is within this context that CIFAR welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its inaugural Head, Fundamental Research commencing Fall 2026, or soon thereafter.

The Head, Fundamental Research provides strategic leadership for CIFAR’s research portfolio, guiding activities that span early-stage discovery, horizon exploration, research programs, and impact clusters. Reporting to the Executive Director, Research, this role is responsible for shaping and stewarding a dynamic portfolio that advances CIFAR’s mission of driving transformative knowledge and global impact. As a senior leader within the Research Department and a member of CIFAR’s Leadership Team, the Head, Fundamental Research plays a critical role in ensuring CIFAR’s research initiatives are thoughtfully designed, effectively managed, and positioned to generate meaningful scientific and societal impact. This role oversees CIFAR’s research programs and impact clusters, while integrating foresight and discovery pipeline initiatives to support CIFAR’s long-term strategy. The Head, Fundamental Research also leads and supports a team of Research Program Directors and the Senior Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives and works closely with internal and external partners to ensure the portfolio remains innovative, rigorous, and globally relevant.

As the ideal candidate, you hold a PhD in a field of relevance to CIFAR’s work and have a demonstrated record of research contribution. You have a deep understanding of research principles, program design, and best practices in research management, and understand the global research landscape, including institutions, networks, and emerging areas of inquiry. You have experience working within a research-focused organization, in roles that include managing a team of highly engaged researchers, academics and scholarly experts. You have contributed to, and work to foster, a culture that with an interdisciplinary perspective; that is highly collaborative, inquisitive, innovative and curious. You are a strategic leader who has the ability to shape research agendas in complex and evolving environments, navigate ambiguity, convey complex ideas, and influence outcomes while building trust across a multitude of partners and stakeholders. Your exceptional verbal and written communications skills support this work and are viewed as being both credible and trustworthy. You have strong financial acumen, including experience managing large and complex budgets from a variety of funders, including philanthropic donors, governments, and institutions.

Use of AI: Griffith Group Executive Search does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

Reason for posting: New role

Salary Range and Compensation Package: $154, 964 – 182,310 – To ensure fair and equitable pay at CIFAR, placement on the salary range will be based on the successful candidate’s years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The total compensation package includes a comprehensive wellness and benefits package, professional development opportunities for learning and growth, and a defined benefits pension.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with CIFAR, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

Location/WFH: CIFAR encourages a hybrid working model that includes work-from-home arrangements with a minimum of 3 days in the office and Focus Fridays (meeting-free Fridays every week).

CIFAR welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

CIFAR and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.