Michael Smith Health Research BC President & CEO

About Us

Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC) is the provincial agency dedicated to strengthening British Columbia’s health research system. By funding health research excellence, building capacity, and mobilizing knowledge, the organization plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes, supporting innovation, and enhancing BC’s leadership in health research on a global scale.

In 2021, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the BC Academic Health Science Network made the decision to join forces to create a dynamic and integrated health research organization that will support the growth and evolution of BC’s research and life sciences sectors.Guided by a bold vision, the organization works to attract and develop diverse research talent, catalyze systemic change, and mobilize communities to drive real-world health improvements. Health Research BC plays a critical role in bridging research and practice—ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into tangible benefits for patients, health systems, and the economy. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and Indigenous-led research, the organization fosters collaboration between government, academia, healthcare providers, and industry to advance knowledge and improve health for all British Columbians.

The Opportunity

As CEO, you will provide strategic vision, leadership, and influence to drive Health Research BC’s mission forward. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will engage with a diverse range of partners to enhance the province’s health research ecosystem.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive with a track record of leadership in health care, academia, not-for-profit, or the public sector, bringing experience working with health researchers, scientific communities, health system leaders, governments, and other partners in the life sciences community. They possess exceptional strategic thinking abilities, capable of synthesizing complex information, setting priorities, advancing an organization’s vision, and leading in a time of change. A skilled and inspirational leader, the new CEO will bring outstanding relationship-building and communication skills and be widely respected as a trusted partner and advocate.

Health Research BC offers staff a hybrid work environment, with its primary office in Vancouver. The CEO will be expected to spend a significant amount of their time in Vancouver and Victoria, while also travelling across BC and nationally as required.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of health research in British Columbia, ensuring it delivers real-world benefits for patients, communities, and the economy.

For more information, please contact Brent Cameron, Lisa Kershaw or Jillian Berg at jberg@boyden.com. To submit your cover letter and resume, please click Apply.

The current salary range for the position is $290,000-$330,000, plus benefits and pension. Consideration will be given to the candidate’s background and experience when establishing the final salary. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.

Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.