City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Position Summary

McMaster University is seeking a senior, collaborative, and accomplished leader for the position of Associate Vice-President, Research, Accelerated Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (AVPR-ACE). Reporting to the Vice-President, Research, the AVPR-ACE is a key member of the University’s senior leadership team and a key position that will be responsible for advancing commercialization, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and innovation-driven impact across the institution.

The AVPR-ACE provides enterprise-wide leadership to strengthen McMaster’s innovation ecosystem, accelerate the translation of research into societal and economic benefit, and advance partnerships with industry, government, hospitals, and community organizations. The role supports McMaster’s Strategic Research Plan, positioning the University as a global leader in research impact and inclusive innovation.

Scope & Context

McMaster University has a strong and expanding record of research commercialization and innovation, including a substantial portfolio of invention disclosures, active licenses, startup companies, commercialization revenue, and partnerships across industry, government, hospitals, and communities. The AVPR-ACE will build on this foundation to further elevate McMaster’s global reputation for research impact and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Strategy & Institutional Impact

• Lead the development and execution of McMaster’s institution-wide strategy for commercialization, entrepreneurship, and research partnerships
• Provide senior leadership on emerging models of innovation, commercialization, and knowledge mobilization
• Design and implement scalable frameworks, governance structures, and processes that support externally partnered research and commercialization
• Identify and champion the removal of institutional barriers to innovation and partnership-driven research
• Ensure effective governance and stewardship of research and commercialization partnerships
   

Culture of Commercialization & Entrepreneurship

• Champion a strong, campus-wide culture of knowledge mobilization, entrepreneurship, and research impact
• Promote McMaster’s research and innovation strengths to internal and external stakeholders
• Support the creation and growth of spin-off companies and a robust startup ecosystem
• Oversee the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO), including intellectual property, knowledge transfer, and commercialization services
• Advance the McMaster Seed Fund and entrepreneurial pathways for faculty, staff, and students
• Lead the development of policies, practices, and client-service models that deliver best-in-class research innovation support
   

Pan-University & External Engagement

• Collaborate closely with Faculty Deans, Associate/Vice-Deans (Research), senior academic leaders, and central units
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with affiliated hospitals, municipalities, industry, community organizations, and international collaborators
• Represent McMaster and the Vice-President (Research) with government agencies, funding bodies, and external innovation organizations
• Serve on boards, advisory bodies, and committees influencing the research and commercialization landscape
• Support regional economic development and the growth of the local innovation ecosystem
   

Inclusive Excellence & People Leadership

• Champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the commercialization and entrepreneurship portfolio
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing, and respectful work environment
• Invest in staff development and cultivate a shared sense of purpose among teams supporting innovation and entrepreneurship

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a respected senior leader with:

• A distinguished record of leadership in research commercialization, innovation, entrepreneurship, or research partnerships
• Deep understanding of the academic research ecosystem and its intersections with industry, government, and community partners
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, influence across portfolios, and operate effectively in multi-stakeholder environments
• Strategic vision paired with operational credibility and a strong execution track record
• A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and inclusive leadership
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and representational skills
• An advanced degree and experience within a research-intensive environment are strongly preferred.