Call for Applications for the Health Research and Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Faculty Research Advisors

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 new research advisors in the CIHR and CFI domains.  

The successful candidates will be established researchers who hold 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.  Prospective advisors should be at the rank of Professor, demonstrate knowledge of UBC research policies and systems, and hold significant grant funding experience.

Specific duties related to each advisor role may be found below.

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 begins 1 January, 2026 for the CIHR position and 1 April for the CFI position. 

Interested applicants should supply a letter of interest and a copy of their UBC CV.  Applications will be received up until December 1, 2025.

• Please direct applications and questions about the CIHR role to Lisa Sundstrom, AVPRI (lisa.sundstrom@ubc.ca).
• Please direct applications and questions about the CFI role to Rachel Fernandez, AVPRI (rachel.fernandez@ubc.ca). 
   

Specific Roles of the Health Research Advisor

1. External leadership: Serve as CIHR delegate, attend monthly meetings with CIHR via teleconference and the annual meeting with CIHR and the other delegates in Ottawa (typically in June).  Prepare communication in advance of program announcements.  Host formal UBC visits from senior CIHR staff and government. CIHR delegates are also encouraged to stand for election to the executive group to receive direct insight and input into CIHR program planning.
2. Institutional leadership: Keep VPRI leadership and Faculty ADRs informed about CIHR programs as well as opportunities and threats to the health research funding ecosystem; serve as liaison to the faculty for CIHR announcements.
   1. Attend ADR meetings and report as required; work with ADRs
   2. Liaise with ORS, Research Finance, VPRI, VP Health, health authorities and other advisors to maintain strong collaborative relationships
   3. Work with SPARC Director to inform SPARC team of updates to CIHR programs; plan CIHR-ADR meetings; and advise on strategy
   4. Participate in internal CIHR grant reviews
   5. Participate in orientation events for new faculty
   6. Respond to questions and feedback from CIHR researchers
   7. Prepare briefings and/or presentations at the request of the VPRI
   8. Serve both campus research communities
3. Adjudication role: Serve as a reviewer for internal grant competitions and selection for external competitions
    

Specific Roles of the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Advisor

1. External leadership: Comment on draft changes to CFI programs and provide strategic advice to VPRI leadership
2. Institutional leadership: Keep VPRI leadership and Faculty ADRs informed about CFI programs (including the Innovation Fund and JELF); serve as a liaison to the faculty for CFI announcements; conduct information sessions on the CFI program (e.g. Test Your Concept, 1:1 consultations); serve both campus research communities.
   1. Attend ADR meetings and report as required; work with ADRs
   2. Liaise with IPO Managing Director and work very closely with CFI program officer in support of the full-cycle of CFI grants.
   3. Liaise with VPRI and other advisors to maintain strong collaborative relationships
3. Prepare briefings and/or presentations at the request of the VPRI
4. Adjudication role: Organize and participate in multi-level internal review of Innovation Fund applications (peer review, mock MAC panel review, budget review – with assistance of the IPO). Coordinate reviews, perform scientific reviews of CFI and JELF applications
5. Provide feedback to applicants to help strengthen applications.