The Associate Dean of Research is an academic leadership role responsible for building shaping and growing a culture of research excellence innovation and commercialization within the University of Frederictons dynamic academic model. Reporting to the Dean of Programs & Research the Associate Dean oversees the UFred Global Innovation Centre to ensure its operational success and strategic alignment with applied research priorities. The ideal candidate will excel in driving market-focused research outcomes translating innovative ideas into commercially viable products and generating actionable knowledge through industry surveys and market research-while also emphasizing research in digital transformation including areas including but not limited to leadership artificial intelligence cybersecurity data analytics and digital infrastructures.
Key Responsibilities
Scholarly Engagement & Teaching
Strategic Leadership & Research Development
Applied Research Vision & Innovation: Lead UFreds research strategy by aligning initiatives with global innovation trends regional and national applied research priorities and institutional goals. Develop and support interdisciplinary research initiatives that drive scholarly impact real-world application and rapid commercialization.
Innovation Center Management: Oversee and manage the Global Innovation Centre as a hub for research excellence industry collaboration commercial innovation and strategic knowledge generation.
Operational & Financial Oversight
Financial Planning & Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor financial plans that ensure the Centres operational efficiency sustainability and profitability. Establish performance benchmarks such as cost efficiency return on investment and market impact.
Funding & Revenue Generation: Secure external funding through competitive research grants strategic partnerships and industry collaborations. Identify and evaluate revenue-generating opportunities within the Centres research portfolio.
Industry & Academic Partnerships
Deep Industry Engagement: Develop and nurture strong relationships with industry partners to create joint research projects commercialization opportunities and applied research initiatives that drive both scholarly innovation and tangible market outcomes.
Networking & Collaboration: Facilitate collaborations with national and international academic institutions to expand UFreds research network and influence. Act as a key liaison between UFred and industry leaders.
Faculty Hiring Review & Development
Recruitment & Team Building: Lead recruitment efforts for research faculty ensuring the assembly of a diverse and high-performing team with both academic and entrepreneurial expertise.
Performance & Commercialization Mentorship: Oversee research faculty performance evaluations integrating structured mentorship programs that enhance research capabilities and promote success in both commercialization and knowledge generation.
Support for Market Success & Program Development: Develop programs and workshops to equip faculty with skills in securing research funding expanding scholarly impact and translating research into commercially viable outcomes.
Education
A PhD or other terminal degree in a relevant field.
The initial hire should have expertise in one of the following areas (Information Systems Computer Science Data Science Cybersecurity Statistics Business Leadership Marketing)
Experience
Minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership role related to research administration innovation centers or interdisciplinary research.
Proven track record in leading research strategy securing external funding or managing large-scale research initiatives.
Strong financial acumen with experience ensuring the profitability and sustainability of research initiatives.
Experience in hiring evaluating and mentoring faculty within a research-driven environment.
Comprehensive understanding of research funding mechanisms and grant application processes.
Experience in leading a significant research initiative or innovation centre (preferred).
Strong industry connections to facilitate applied research and commercialization (preferred).
Experience in policy development compliance and ethical research governance (preferred).
Demonstrated success in revenue generation through research-based projects patents or commercialization (preferred).
Skills
Outstanding strategic planning and leadership skills with the ability to drive research impact and foster innovation.
Bilingualism: Fluency in English is required with proficiency in French considered an asset.
Familiarity with emerging research trends and technological advancements in higher education (preferred).
Location Requirement
The Associate Dean of Research must reside in New Brunswick and may work remotely. However they must be available to attend the Fredericton office weekly and as requested.
Since its establishment in 2005 the University of Fredericton (UFred) has aimed to provide innovative and adaptable online education. From its inception UFred has remained devoted to delivering accessible high-quality education to professionals across Canada and beyond. Nearly two decades later the University is recognized for its distinctive approach to online learning particularly in the fields of business administration and occupational health and safety.
As UFred prepares for its next phase of development the University has made strides toward global May 2023 UFred was acquired by IU Group (IUG) a prominent educational institution based in Germany. Both establishments share a commitment to making education broadly accessible emphasizing flexibility innovation and quality within their programs. This shared vision facilitated the acquisition and positioning of UFred for further expansion. With IUGs support UFred aims to utilize additional resources and expertise to enhance its offerings and reach a wider audience of learners both within Canada and internationally.
UFreds educational philosophy is anchored in a dedication to accessibility flexibility and personalization. As an online educational institution UFred is committed to providing learners with a rigorous academic experience that equips them for success in a changing global environment. The University values diversity integrity and lifelong learning incorporating these principles into all aspects of its operations. Program curricula are carefully designed to be challenging pertinent and aligned with the needs of both learners and the industry. UFred employs a diverse faculty of experienced professionals who bring a blend of practical knowledge and academic proficiency to the virtual classroom.
In addition to your base compensation joining the UFred team means becoming part of a rapidly expanding organization with a mission to provide quality and affordable education globally. UFred values its employees and ensures they are supported with opportunities for Wellness and Balance as well as Professional Development.
Wellness and Balance: UFred employees enjoy subsidized Health and Vision Care as well as an RRSP Match program. All staff start with three weeks of vacation and everyone receives additional paid time off between Christmas and New Years. Flexible work arrangements and an Active Living Benefit are also available to help our employees maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.
Professional Development: UFred supports both internal and external opportunities to foster your growth providing resources to meet your professional development needs.
Hours of Work
This is a full-time permanent position (35 hours) under regular business hours. The position is located in Fredericton NB with the possibility to work remotely from anywhere in New Brunswick and attend in-office meetings as required. The ideal candidate should reside in New Brunswick or be willing to relocate.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Fredericton is passionately committed to ensuring a positive and professional working environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity equity and inclusion and aim to provide a fair and consistent method for filling job openings in support of equality of opportunity and cultural diversity within the company. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants including women persons with disabilities Black Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) people from the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Transsexual Queer Questioning Two-Spirit Intersex Asexual (LGBTQ2SIA) community and other equity-seeking groups.
Required Experience:
IC