The Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI) Office relies on faculty research advisors to provide strategic guidance, advice and leadership regarding research funding. Each advisor holds primary responsibility for a funding domain corresponding to a federal granting agency:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR);
- Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC);
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC); and
- Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
The research advisors serve both campus communities, work closely with the SPARC and VPRI offices and report to a designated Associate Vice-President Research & Innovation (AVPRI).
The VPRI is currently searching for a new research advisor in the NSERC domain.
The successful candidate will be an established researcher who holds a broad understanding of their respective research area. They should have excellent communications skills, be able to work both independently and as part of a team and be aware of and committed to the university’s mission to promote equity, diversity and inclusion. The prospective advisor should be at the rank of Professor, demonstrate knowledge of UBC research policies and systems, and hold significant grant funding experience.
Research advisors serve a term of three years, which may be renewed once, upon mutual agreement. They receive compensation, part of which can be used for a course release with the permission of the home unit. The term for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Advisor will begin January 1, 2027.
Interested applicants should supply a letter of interest and a copy of their UBC CV. Applications will be received up until October 23, 2026.
Please direct applications and questions about the role to Lisa Sundstrom, AVPRI (lisa.sundstrom@ubc.ca).
Specific Roles of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Advisor
- External leadership: Serve as NSERC leader and attend annual meeting. Host occasional visits of NSERC leadership to UBC for updates and discussions.
- Institutional leadership: Keep VPRI leadership and Faculty ADRs informed about NSERC programs; serve as liaison to the faculty for NSERC announcements.
- Attend ADR meetings and report as required; work with ADRs
- Liaise with ORS, Research Finance, VPRI and other advisors to maintain strong collaborative relationships
- Work with SPARC Director to inform SPARC team of updates to NSERC programs; plan NSERC-ADR meetings; adjudicate NSERC CREATE LOIs internally; and advise on strategy
- Liaise with VP Students on NSERC-USRA program
- Participate in internal NSERC grant reviews
- Participate in orientation events for new faculty
- Respond to questions and feedback from NSERC researchers
- Prepare briefings and/or presentations at the request of the VPRI
- Serve both campus research communities
- Grant administration: Chair NSERC GRF committee advising on PG extensions and any application for funds (several per year); adjudication and allocation of emergency funds
- Adjudication role: Serve as a reviewer for internal grant competitions and selection for external competitions