Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations Inuit and Métis) persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act which is under review uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City:Ottawa

OrganizationalUnit:Human Health Therapeutics

Classification:MGT-2

Tenure:Continuing

Language Requirements:BilingualImperativeCBC/CBC

Work arrangements:

- Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

At the NRC we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2026 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas largest research and innovation organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore recent ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

Help bring research to life and drive Canadas health innovation ecosystem forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Canadas largest research and technology organization.
We are seeking a Director Research and Development (R&D;) Immunology to provide scientific and strategic leadership within the Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scientific leader with a demonstrated record of advancing innovative therapeutics from discovery through pre-clinical development while building impactful collaborations with industry academia hospitals government organizations and international partners.

The Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre accelerates the discovery development and translation of innovative biologics and advanced therapies that improve the health and well-being of Canadians. Through collaborative research and technology development HHT advances vaccines antibodies cell and gene therapies biomanufacturing technologies and emerging therapeutic platforms while supporting the growth and competitiveness of Canadas life sciences sector.

The Director R&D; Immunology is one of the senior scientific leaders within HHT reporting to the Director General. The Director provides leadership for multidisciplinary research activities spanning immunology translational sciences pre-clinical development advanced analytics in vivo imaging animal models biologics and vaccine development cell and gene therapies and phage-based therapeutics.




Working closely with other R&D; Directors and operational leaders across HHT the Director will shape scientific strategy oversee complex research programs develop partnerships and ensure the delivery of high-impact outcomes that advance Canadian innovation and public health priorities.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide scientific and strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary research portfolio focused on translational biosciences and immunology.
- Lead research programs supporting the discovery characterization and pre-clinical development of biologics vaccines antibody therapeutics cell and gene therapies and phage therapeutics.
- Oversee research capabilities in immunology advanced analytical sciences molecular and cellular characterization imaging technologies and animal models.
- Develop and implement strategic plans that align scientific capabilities infrastructure talent and resources with NRC and HHT priorities.
- Foster an innovative collaborative and high-performing research culture while providing leadership mentorship and professional development opportunities for scientific and technical staff.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry SMEs academia healthcare organizations government departments and international collaborators.
- Identify emerging scientific and technology trends and translate opportunities into new programs partnerships and business development initiatives.
- Serve as a scientific ambassador and spokesperson for HHT promoting NRC capabilities nationally and internationally.
- Support the development of collaborative R&D; projects consortium initiatives and commercialization opportunities that enhance Canadas life sciences ecosystem.
- Provide expert advice to the Director General and HHT leadership team on scientific operational business and strategic matters.
- Ensure effective management of financial human and infrastructure resources while achieving program objectives and impact targets.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

PhD in Immunology Biological Sciences Biomedical Sciences Molecular Biology Biotechnology or other relevant field from a recognized university.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

Experience

- Significant experience leading multidisciplinary research and development programs in immunology translational biosciences biologics vaccines cell and gene therapies or related therapeutic areas.
- Demonstrated industrial experience advancing therapeutic candidates from discovery through pre-clinical development and translational research stages.
- Experience leading scientific teams and developing talent in complex matrix-based research environments.
- Significant experience building and managing strategic partnerships with industry academic institutions healthcare organizations government agencies and international collaborators.
- Experience securing managing and delivering large-scale collaborative research initiatives and technology development programs.
- Experience with advanced analytical technologies imaging platforms and characterization approaches relevant to biologics and advanced therapeutics.
- Experience identifying technology trends and translating scientific opportunities into impactful programs and partnerships.




- Knowledge of critical path for development and evaluation of biologics vaccines cell and gene therapies and/or phage therapeutics from bench to bedside.
- Experience supporting commercialization technology transfer or industry-focused innovation initiatives would be considered an asset.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Language requirements

BilingualImperativeCBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

- Demonstrated understanding of pre-clinical development requirements including efficacy safety PK/PD biomarker development and regulatory considerations.
- Knowledge of pre-IND/CTA submissions for regulatory approval of biological drugs.
- Broad understanding of current scientific technological regulatory and business trends affecting the development of advanced therapeutics.
- Deep knowledge of immunology translational biosciences pre-clinical development and biologic therapeutic platforms.
- Strong understanding of advanced analytical characterization imaging technologies and translational research methodologies.
- Ability to lead complex multidisciplinary programs in a dynamic scientific and business setting.
- Strong strategic planning program management and organizational leadership capabilities.
- Ability to build and sustain productive collaborations across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong communication stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

Behavioural competencies

- Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
- Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
- Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)
- Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
- Financial Management (Level 3)
- Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
- Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $153444to $184059per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

- In 2026 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
- A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
- Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
- The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
- We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions with therequisition number (26299) to:

E-mail:

Telephone:

Closing Date:18 November 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources check outCareer tools and resources

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.

Required Experience:

Director

📌 Director, Research and Development Immunobiology (Ottawa)
🏢 National Research Council Canada
📍 Ottawa