Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s 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 your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a Director, Research and Development, to support our Clean Energy Innovation (CEI) Research Centre. The Director, R&D would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Clean Energy Innovation Research Centre delivers advanced technologies to Canada's energy, mining and environment sectors by transforming scientific discoveries into applications. With staff located at 5 different sites across the country, we apply our multidisciplinary capabilities through strategic R&D programs addressing stakeholder challenges and creating positive impacts for Canada.

The Director, Research and Development (DRD) provides scientific leadership and manages research activities, ensuring alignment with NRC’s objectives. The DRD supports the Director General in developing both employees and business or collaboration opportunities to create long-term sustainability for the organization. Where assigned, manages R&D programs, technical services, facilities, or other internal capabilities in home or other Divisions.

Applying excellent management skills, hands-on leadership, and technological depth, the DRD leads a cadre of 5 team leaders with approximately 70 research and technical staff to achieve optimal execution of projects, resource management, and continuous professional development of staff. The DRD plays a critical role in the CEI management team and provides the Director General with crucial and timely advice and ongoing assurance of alignment with strategy, scientific and technical excellence, and client satisfaction. The DRD maximizes the value and impact of CEI’s contribution to various NRC R&D programs aimed at Canada’s public policy initiatives. As well, the DRD works extensively with external stakeholders and clients providing research and development to accomplish common goals.

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

Masters' degree in science or engineering from a recognized university in a scientific field relevant to the research areas of CEI research centre.

A PhD may be considered an asset.

An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• In depth scientific experience working in an area related to CEI research centre scientific and technological domains, including both supporting and leading the development of programs or projects.
• Experience supervising and developing scientific staff in multidisciplinary teams, including in a matrix environment of projects and programs.
• Significant and recently demonstrated experience in applying the principles, tools and practices of leadership, administrative, financial, and human resource management.
• Experience accessing technology trends and setting research directions in application areas relevant to CEI technologies.
• Significant experience with demonstrated success in developing partnership or business opportunities with industry, academia, government or other partnerships; demonstrating highly-effective interpersonal skills.

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)

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

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated broad understanding of current and relevant scientific, technical and business issues, and of organizational and external factors and trends that impact the research centre’s success;
• Ability to direct and engage organizational capabilities and to effectively lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team, balancing revenue and scientific-knowledge-generation activities;
• Significant knowledge of program and project management, strategic and operational planning;
• Significant ability to lead and inspire change while applying best practices in the management of human resources, finances and projects, achieving ongoing efficiencies and improvements;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, to work cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of employees, colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

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 $153,444 to $184,059 per 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 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's 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.