Scientific Director – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research

Term:
4 years (renewable once)

Time commitment:
minimum 50%

Deadline:
January 18, 2027

Impact: Shape the future of health services and policy research in Canada and help guide CIHR's broader scientific agenda as health systems across the country confront complex challenges and opportunities for transformation.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is seeking an internationally recognized scientific leader to serve as Scientific Director (SD) for the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR). In this high-impact national leadership role, the successful candidate will build on Canada’s world-class research strengths and shape the future of health services and health policy research within Canada’s broader health research agenda.

Working alongside CIHR’s senior leadership team, fellow Scientific Directors, an IHSPR staff team, and numerous public and private sector partners, the successful candidate will shape the direction of health research in Canada through strategic leadership, national influence, and collaboration that advances research excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact for people and communities.

Why this role matters

We are entering a period of extraordinary possibility with heath systems transformation rapidly enabled by a data-rich workplace. However, Canada's health systems are facing unprecedented pressures and challenges. From improving access to care, addressing health inequities to accelerating the use of evidence in decision-making, there is a growing need for research that informs practice and policy and drives health system transformation.

As Scientific Director,



you will have a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research and mobilize evidence into impact through scientific leadership, strategic investments, partnerships, capacity building and knowledge mobilization.

This is an opportunity to lead with vision, inspire excellence, and help position Canada among the world's leaders in health services and policy research. This will leave a lasting mark on the future of health and healthcare, as the decisions made today will shape the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of future generations.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill one (1) SD position for a four-year term, beginning January 1, 2028. The successful candidate is eligible for re-appointment for an additional four-year term (maximum eight years total).

CIHR is committed to employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate if they belong to a designated group: Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), racialized, a person with a disability, women, and/or a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Reporting to the President of CIHR, the Scientific Director is a national scientific leader responsible for setting vision, driving strategy, contributing to agency leadership, and delivering measurable impact across Canada’s health research ecosystem.

Scientific and Strategic Leadership

- Define and champion a bold,



forward-looking scientific vision for health services and policy research in Canada, leading the development of the Institute’s Research Priority Plan and positioning the field to respond to emerging scientific, technological and societal developments;
- Provide expert advice and thought leadership to CIHR on research opportunities, gaps, priorities and investment strategies;
- Contribute to CIHR-wide leadership and decision-making by shaping cross-cutting research strategies, science policy, and strategic initiatives that advance Government of Canada priorities, CIHR objectives, and the broader health research agenda;
- Advance knowledge mobilization to inform health policy, practice, and system improvement;
- Champion research excellence and innovation across the Institute mandate to strengthen Canada's leadership in health services and policy research.

Partnerships, Influence and System Transformation

- Build and convene high-impact partnerships across sectors to catalyze inter- and transdisciplinary inter-sectoral research;
- Strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in health services and policy research through high-impact national and international collaborations, thought leadership and strategic influence;
- Mobilize researchers, partners, funders, and knowledge users around shared priorities to advance the Institute's research agenda and maximize impact;
- Leverage partnerships and co-investment opportunities to advance strategic priorities, strengthen research capacity, and accelerate impact;
- Advance CIHR-wide priorities through collaboration with other Scientific Directors, Institutes, and partners to address complex health challenges and opport

📌 Scientific Director of the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (Canada)
🏢 Cihr Irsc
📍 Canada