Director General, Aquatic and Crop Resource Development

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 new 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 NRC is seeking a senior research executive to fulfil the role of Director General (DG) to lead the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre and make up the ranks of its senior management team.

The incoming DGs goal will be to lead and inspire a diverse multisite and multidisciplinary team to excel in performing advanced scientific research and technology development supporting Canadas food system productivity primarily through sustainable transformation of Canadian agricultural and marine bioresources.

ACRDs largest site is in Saskatoon and it is focused on application of innovative technology and data-driven approaches to design crops that are resilient to environmental stressors and can be cultivated in northern and remote locations. ACRDs research interests include integrating engineering intelligent systems data analytics and plant biotechnology to optimize crop production in controlled indoor environments. Strategic collaborations with industry plant breeders and other regional stakeholders including the provincial government and academic institutions are addition ACRD is investing in modernizing its R&D infrastructure including a digital transformation to fulfil the ambition of being a globally-relevant crop design technology accelerator.

ACRD also contributes to Canadas blue bioeconomy through applied research that advances marine bioresource valorization sustainable aquatic production systems and the scale-up of marine bioproducts while promoting environmental stewardship and community and stakeholder partnerships. This work is enabled by ACRDs Marine Research Station in Ketch Harbour NS where microalgae seaweeds and other marine and freshwater organisms are cultivated as well as by analytical and bioproduct-development laboratories in Halifax.

Complementing these areas of focus is ACRDs Atypical Fermentation Facility (AFF) as well as associated analytical and downstream processing capacity in Charlottetown. It anchors an industrial biomanufacturing innovation hub in the burgeoning PEI biotech ecosystem to support the commercialization of bio-based products.

Reporting to the Vice-President Research (Life Sciences) the Director General Aquatic and Crop Resource Development (DG ACRD) provides strategic leadership on matters relating to agricultural and biomarine research across the NRC and works closely with internal and external stakeholders in advancing its research agenda. The DG strategically positions on-going and new projects while spearheading growth initiatives and research collaborations with industry academia and government partners to develop and transform agricultural and marine bioresources into food feed and ingredients and other high value bioproducts.

As a well-qualified candidate you are a seasoned research leader and come with a high level of scientific credibility in one or more of the centres disciplines. You are skilled in inspiring research groups and collaborating across the innovation landscape in achieving outcomes. You bring significant experience in developing maintaining and leveraging strategic partnerships research collaborations and client relationships that include academia SMEs and governmental research bodies. You are experienced in developing and leading research strategies designed to keep groups at the forefront of scientific and technical fields. As an outstanding communicator you easily navigate large complex organizations with many stakeholders and are skilled in developing high performing teams that pivot to seize emerging opportunities and adapt to change. As an ideal candidate you possess a masters or PhD in a relevant field.

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:

An advanced post secondary degree such as Ph.D. and/or MSc/MBA with significant experience leading research teams in a relevant field. Preference may be given to candidates with a combination of science and business education.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

• Significant experience conducting original research in a field related to the position and ideally recognition as a global leader in their domain of expertise.
• Significant experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams ideally 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 managing multidisciplinary R&D programs.
• Significant and demonstrated scientific or engineering and technical leadership.
• Significant experience in building partnerships with national and international organizations.
• Experience developing and maintaining strategic projects with senior government officials academic and industry leaders.
• Senior executive experience including a demonstrated ability to lead change build superior teams motivate a diverse group of individuals and direct large-scale initiatives.

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.

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

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

• Strong knowledge of the national and international Aquatic and Crop Resource Developments research community.
• Knowledge of the Canadian innovation process the structure of the Canadian research and innovation systems and the Canadian research community.
• Ability to effectively lead and manage a multi-faceted organization in an R&D environment with a style and approach that supports NRCs commitment to scientific excellence and its participative management and entrepreneurship ability to successfully leverage government industry or other partnerships to generate and deliver on ideas that would lead to recognition of NRCs role in world-wide research and technology innovation.
• Strong knowledge of Aquatic and Crop Resource Developments initiatives programs and activities and their potential for impact nationally and internationally.
• Recognized leadership in the field of aquatic and crop resource development.
• Ability to analyze complex information make timely decisions and communicate clearly with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage in a scientific environment with in depth knowledge of the different models of research operations while enhancing a collaborative approach.
• Knowledge of the National Research Council its mandate and strategic objectives.

• Management Competencies (MG) - Inspirational Leadership (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Self-Awareness (3)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Client Relationship Management (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Service Orientation (level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Financial Management (Level 4)
• Management Competencies (MG) - Human Resources Management (4)

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

View all competency profiles

From $189203to $226920 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.

• 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.