Associate Vice-President, Research (Nuclear)

McMaster University

McMaster’s nuclear operation has earned a high profile, both nationally and internationally, as one of the largest university-based research reactors. The McMaster Nuclear Reactor, in concert with other nuclear focused operations and facilities, supports research across a range of disciplines, from biological and medical research and the production of medical isotopes—one of only two primary global producers of iodine-125, a radioisotope used to treat prostate cancer—to material composition and neutron and gamma scattering.

The Associate Vice-President Research (Nuclear) will lead the efforts to advance the University’s endeavors in nuclear research, education and commercial activities by seeking out and establishing strategic partnerships with public and private stakeholders, fostering these external partnerships on behalf of the University and identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The Associate Vice-President Research (Nuclear) will promote and support institutional commercialization and entrepreneurship efforts related to the various nuclear operations and facilities.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Vice-President, Research, the Associate Vice-President Research (Nuclear) will lead efforts to advance McMaster’s nuclear research, foster interdisciplinary initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and support commercialization and innovation activities. The role will be instrumental in expanding McMaster’s national and global impact in nuclear science, technology, medicine, and training.

The Associate Vice-President Research (Nuclear) will oversee key senior leaders within the various McMaster nuclear operations and facilities, including the Chief Nuclear Officer, the Director of Nuclear Research & Education Support, the Manager of Strategic Nuclear Initiatives, the HR Strategic Partner team and the Executive Assistant. In addition, this role will act as a key support for the various Directors of nuclear-focused research centres and institutes, and relevant administrative staff.

While candidates from a diverse and wide range of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the successful candidate will likely be appointed to the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, or the Faculty of Health Sciences. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Associate or full Professor and will have the opportunity to operate an independent research program, to supervise students and other research personnel and to mobilize knowledge arising from their research.

Key Responsibilities:

This role works closely with the Vice-President, Research to promote the University’s strengths and priorities in nuclear research, education and operations. It leads nuclear-related initiatives within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and supports efforts across campus, including guiding Indigenous engagement related to nuclear activities.

This position identifies, connects, and coordinates nuclear initiatives across the University while building strong partnerships with government, industry, and external organizations. It develops and implements strategies that align with the University’s Strategic Research Plan, supports interdisciplinary collaboration, and helps advance innovation and commercialization opportunities.

Working with Deans and Associate/Vice-Deans, the role supports the development of educational programs in nuclear science and technology and assesses the impact of new research initiatives. It engages with affiliated hospitals on nuclear medicine activities and supports collaboration in medical applications of ionizing radiation.

The role oversees key research and commercial units and ensures effective operations across nuclear focused centres, institutes, and platforms. It represents the Vice-President, Research externally, contributes to proposals and funding strategies with partners, and supports researchers involved in nuclear operations and activities.


Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will bring a distinguished record of nuclear-related research, leadership, and strategic partnership development.

You will have proven experience leading complex teams and fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary initiatives, along with a strong track record of engagement with government, industry, and research partners in strategic and influential roles.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader capable of advancing institutional priorities and guiding the University’s nuclear portfolio within a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape.


Conditions of Appointment:

The position of Associate Vice-President (Nuclear) shall be held by a qualified faculty member, appointed for a renewable five-year term. The individual will be selected by a Senate Ad Hoc Selection Committee for nomination through the Senate Committee on Appointments to the Senate and the Board of Governors, as required by The McMaster University Act, 1976 and the Senate By-laws.

To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

How To Apply
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority for this position.

Applications should be submitted via McMaster's career page to the attention of:

Attention: Dr. Gianni Parise
Vice-President, Research
McMaster University

Applications will begin to be reviewed the week of January 20, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.