Role of the Scientific Director
Scientific Directors (SDs) of CIHR Institutes are leaders in their respective fields who champion and support health research, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development at the highest level of scientific excellence. As key representatives of CIHR, they provide scientific leadership and advice, shaping CIHR’s health research priorities and investment strategies with the goal of improving the health of people in Canada and around the world. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to mentor and train the next generation of health researchers, advocate for researchers, people with lived experience and other partner communities, and give back to the health research ecosystem.
Scientific Directors remain employees of their academic institution, which hosts the Institute during their term. They are required to devote 50% of their time to CIHR-related duties while remaining active as a researcher. CIHR supports Scientific Directors by providing an Institute Support Grant to support the operation and staffing of the Institute. In addition, they receive ongoing financial support to ensure the continuity of their research program. Scientific Directors manage an Institute team that helps with its operations and collaborates closely with the corporate head office at CIHR.
Upcoming opportunities
Scientific Directors are recruited through a competitive process and appointed by CIHR's Governing Council for a mandate of four years. There is the possibility to renew the SD’s appointment through an assessment and evaluation process, for an additional four-year term, with a maximum mandate length of eight years in total.
View current and upcoming Scientific Directors positions.
CIHR’s Scientific Directors share what makes the job special
“Guiding research that enables older people to age well and with dignity is both an honour and a profound responsibility. By bringing together diverse, cross-cutting areas of research, we can address the most pressing health priorities and help improve the quality of life of older people across Canada and beyond. ”
Dr. Jane Rylett
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Aging
“Each small, but meaningful step in cancer research makes a profound difference in the lives of individuals and their families impacted by cancer. As the Scientific Director, it’s a privilege to support the life-changing cancer research happening here in Canada.”
Dr. Fei-Fei Liu
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Cancer Research
“Investing in sex and gender science is our path to discovery and impact for better, more equitable health for everyone. I’m so grateful that the position of Scientific Director affords me the opportunity to help shape a bold vision of a healthier future for all men, women, girls, boys and gender-diverse people.”
Dr. Angela Kaida
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health
“Canada has a rich history in training and conducting world-class genetics research, and I’m so glad that I get to play a role in keeping the momentum going and supporting and growing this research community.”
Dr. Christopher McMaster
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Genetics
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to serve alongside my Scientific Director colleagues from across the country. It is through collective dedication and collaborative efforts that we can continue to propel the research ecosystem forward.”
Dr. Christine Chambers
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health
“I was drawn to this role by the opportunity to bring together my passion for infection and immunity research with my commitment to mentorship, collaboration and building strong research communities. I am honoured to work with Infection and Immunity researchers, trainees, and affiliated community members across Canada to find new creative solutions to current and future health challenges.”
Dr. Keith Fowke
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
“I am so very honoured and privileged to serve the Canadian research community together with my scientific director colleagues, and so very proud to help showcase and empower research excellence and leadership in the IMHA community and to amplify the voices of those affected by these diseases.”
Dr. Rae Yeung
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
“The unique privilege of serving as Scientific Director of INMHA is the opportunity to look across the entire brain health ecosystem, connecting disciplines, perspectives, and communities to catalyze discoveries and solutions that no single field could achieve alone.”
Dr. Patricia Conrod
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction
“Serving as a CIHR Scientific Director of the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes is a privilege and an opportunity to give back to Canada's health research community. I am deeply grateful to work alongside my Scientific Director colleagues and with researchers, people with lived experience, and partner communities to help advance health research priorities and support meaningful impact across Canada.”
Dr. Mary E. Jung
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes
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