Dean, Applied Research and Innovation

Position Summary

BCIT’s Applied Research department is seeking a regular, full-time (1.0 FTE) Dean, Applied Research and Innovation. This position provides leadership and strategic direction to BCIT’s Applied Research and Innovation function, the Center for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) and the Applied Research Liaison Office (ARLO). Works to advance Applied Research and Innovation initiatives by sourcing and securing funding for research projects and garnering support from business, industry and other sponsors. Negotiates and promotes collaborative opportunities, projects and arrangements for applied research with other institutions. Seeks opportunities to commercialize innovations and to identify, leverage and deliver revenue producing opportunities. Advances research activities in alignment with the Institute’s mandate to conduct applied research in support of BC’s economic development. Duties & Responsibilities SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Participates as a member of the Provost & VP’s management team, providing input to development of the division’s overarching strategies that align with the Institute’s strategic plan, and sharing responsibility for achievements and success. Acts as a champion of the Institute’s vision, mission and values.
• Acts as a strategic advisor to the Provost & VP and AVP Academic on research matters, with emphasis on research policy development, advancing innovative research, identifying future opportunities, as well as working externally with industry, community partners, government departments, granting agencies. Reports on risks, opportunities, achievements, and key initiatives.
• Develops strategies and undertakes activity to increase engagement and connections between CARI, BCIT’s Schools and industry that further BCIT’s applied research goals, faculty engagement and student participation.
• Provides strategic and operational leadership to CARI, undertaking technical problem solving and sustaining research at BCIT. Ensures activities are selected and / or developed to advance the state-of-practice, serve the success of BCIT learners and to provide innovation for the BC economy.
• Leads strategic and operational planning for CARI in consultation and collaboration with the Directors of the research units within the Centre. Provides expertise, support and encouragement to researchers and research activities across BCIT’s schools.
• Prepares and recommends annual budgets and priorities for CARI, including the allocation of resources to projects, programs, and operating units. Ensures that the operational structures and focus for CARI remain relevant and current. Oversees the development and implementation of marketing plans for CARI and the preparation of an annual review of the departmental activities.
• Provides leadership and guidance to the Directors of the research units and ARLO and assumes overall accountability and responsibility for the achievement of agreed upon annual objectives for the various research areas. Monitors, reviews, and assesses performance against key performance indicators and implements adjustments and remedial action as necessary.
• Oversees matters related research funding, annual budgets and priorities including the allocation of resources to the various projects, programs, and operating infrastructure. Ensures delivery of reports required to meet statutory, government and funder regulations.
• Collaborates with the Deans, Associate Deans, Institute and School Research Committees, Facilities and other departments to further BCIT’s vision for Applied Research, CARI and ARLO consistent with the Institute’s Educational and Applied Research Strategic Plans. Ensures there is alignment between CARI and academic offerings. Champions student engagement with applied research and actively promotes applied research in the schools, ensuring close alignment and cooperation.
• Sources and secures project funding from business, industry, or research granting organizations both in Canada and abroad. Cultivates strong strategic relationships with industry, government, research organizations to advance and champion BCIT’s role as a significant contributor to the spectrum of research and to maximize the opportunities for BCIT to secure external research funding. Actively pursues revenue producing activities and opportunities for CARI, including identifying opportunities for commercialization.
• Fosters a culture of research excellence and innovation and encourages collaboration. Provides expertise, support and encouragement to researchers and research activities within and across BCIT’s schools. Functions as an internal champion and leader for ongoing efforts to increase faculty, staff, and student awareness and involvement in research activities.
• Advocates, advises and engages with internal partners, including academic leaders, faculty researchers, and students on applied research matters to create interest, identify and develop research opportunities, and overcome internal and external barriers for applied research to achieve maximum benefit to the Institute, industry needs to promote economic development.
• Represents Applied Research, CARI and ARLO internally and externally by delivering presentations to groups within BCIT, industry, universities, the public, government agencies, and to provincial, national, or international groups, committees, board and panels.
• Develops and supports BCIT’s connections with external organizations such as the Innovation Council of BC, the university / industry liaison offices, Polytechnics Canada, Colleges & Institutes Canada, BC Association of Institutes & Universities and other local, provincial, national and international organizations to advance BCIT’s involvement in applied research and innovation initiatives.
• Manages directly and indirectly reporting staff, overseeing and participating in the selection, coaching, mentoring, development, performance management and all other people-management practices.

Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Additional Information Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

Professional Development funds and resources

Wellness and Employee Assistance programs

Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more

BCIT is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for systemically oppressed groups who have been excluded from full participation at BCIT and the larger community. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2S / LGBTQIA+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact us using our contact form . Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal. Applications submitted through the contact form will not be accepted . For additional information, please visit our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page and see how we hire .

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).