Director, Research and Development (OCRE)

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.

Canada is an ocean nation; bounded by three oceans and one of the largest lake and river systems in the world and with the longest coastline of any nation. Oceans and coastlines present challenges such as security climate change adaptation and environmental stewardship as well as economic development opportunities related to trade and natural resource development. These systems are under increasing stress because they operate in harsh environments characterized by ice wind waves and river and ocean currents. The effects of climate change are also bearing new implications on the stability and productivity of these systems.

The NRCs Ocean Coastal and River Engineering (OCRE) research centre delivers innovative technologies and support to improve Canadas competitiveness by reducing risks and costs of marine operations while ensuring the safe and responsible development of marine-based resources. We provide the expertise and tools to improve the performance and safety of marine operations meet the challenges of a changing climate and protect people property and infrastructure from severe weather events and other environmental risks. Our suite of offerings include physical and numerical modelling engineering analysis technology development as well as full scale experiments and field work conducted with the support of world-class test facilities capable of reproducing a wide range of ice wave current and wind conditions.

The Director Research and Development manages the capability embodied in assigned research centre resources ensuring relevance focus and utility by working with program leaders and external stakeholders including clients. The Director supervises Team Leaders to achieve effective execution of project management and continuous professional development of staff. Through discharging these responsibilities and through the provision of timely strategic advice the Director Research and Development provides the Director General with vital assurance of long-term research centre sustainability and risk management.

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:

Graduate degree in science or engineering. A bachelors degree in science or engineering from a recognized university complemented by relevant professional experience related to the position will also be considered.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

• In depth experience working in the Canadian and international context around NRCs Ocean Coastal and River Engineering research centre technologies: industries forums trends the issues and dynamics that impact them and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current;
• Business experience within the relevant scientific and technological domains gained through experience with industry government or other partnerships;
• 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 administrative financial and human resource management.

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.

Must be able to travel.

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:

• Demonstrated broad understanding of relevant business and industry issues and of internal and external factors that impact research centre operations;
• Significant knowledge of program and project management to fulfill research centre objectives;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information assess risks and opportunities and make recommendations on potential courses of action;
• Ability to direct and engage core capabilities to effectively lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team in a revenue driven environment;
• Ability to lead and influence change while applying best practices in the management of human resources finances and projects and strategic planning;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills to work cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of employees colleagues clients and stakeholders.

• 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)

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

View all competency profiles

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.

• 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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications candidates are encouraged to provide along with their résumé a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education experience language requirements) by providing concrete addition the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when where and how he/she gained the experience.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.