Director, Research and Development - Immunobiology

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s 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 Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s 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 role

Help bring research to life and drive Canada's health innovation ecosystem forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.
We are seeking a Director, Research and Development (R&D) –Immunology to provide scientific and strategic leadership within the Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research Centre. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scientific leader with a demonstrated record of advancing innovative therapeutics from discovery through pre-clinical development while building impactful collaborations with industry, academia, hospitals, government organizations, and international partners.

The Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre accelerates the discovery, development, and translation of innovative biologics and advanced therapies that improve the health and well-being of Canadians. Through collaborative research and technology development, HHT advances vaccines, antibodies, cell and gene therapies, biomanufacturing technologies, and emerging therapeutic platforms while supporting the growth and competitiveness of Canada's life sciences sector.

The Director, R&D –Immunology is one of the senior scientific leaders within HHT, reporting to the Director General. The Director provides leadership for multidisciplinary research activities spanning immunology, translational sciences, pre-clinical development, advanced analytics, in vivo imaging, animal models, biologics and vaccine development, cell and gene therapies, and phage-based therapeutics.
Working closely with other R&D Directors and operational leaders across HHT, the Director will shape scientific strategy, oversee complex research programs, develop partnerships, and ensure the delivery of high-impact outcomes that advance Canadian innovation and public health priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary research portfolio focused on translational biosciences and immunology.
• Lead research programs supporting the discovery, characterization, and pre-clinical development of biologics, vaccines, antibody therapeutics, cell and gene therapies, and phage therapeutics.
• Oversee research capabilities in immunology, advanced analytical sciences, molecular and cellular characterization, imaging technologies and animal models.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align scientific capabilities, infrastructure, talent, and resources with NRC and HHT priorities.
• Foster an innovative, collaborative, and high-performing research culture while providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for scientific and technical staff.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, SMEs, academia, healthcare organizations, government departments, and international collaborators.
• Identify emerging scientific and technology trends and translate opportunities into new programs, partnerships, and business development initiatives.
• Serve as a scientific ambassador and spokesperson for HHT, promoting NRC capabilities nationally and internationally.
• Support the development of collaborative R&D projects, consortium initiatives, and commercialization opportunities that enhance Canada's life sciences ecosystem.
• Provide expert advice to the Director General and HHT leadership team on scientific, operational, business, and strategic matters.
• Ensure effective management of financial, human, and infrastructure resources while achieving program objectives and impact targets.

Screening criteria

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:

Education

PhD in Immunology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or other relevant field from a recognized university.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant experience leading multidisciplinary research and development programs in immunology, translational biosciences, biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, or related therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated industrial experience advancing therapeutic candidates from discovery through pre-clinical development and translational research stages.
• Experience leading scientific teams and developing talent in complex, matrix-based research environments.
• Significant experience building and managing strategic partnerships with industry, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and international collaborators.
• Experience securing, managing, and delivering large-scale collaborative research initiatives and technology development programs.
• Experience with advanced analytical technologies, imaging platforms, and characterization approaches relevant to biologics and advanced therapeutics.
• Experience identifying technology trends and translating scientific opportunities into impactful programs and partnerships.
• Knowledge of critical path for development and evaluation of biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and/or phage therapeutics, from bench to bedside.
• Experience supporting commercialization, technology transfer, or industry-focused innovation initiatives would be considered an asset.

Condition of employment

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. 

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/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

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Demonstrated understanding of pre-clinical development requirements, including efficacy, safety, PK/PD, biomarker development, and regulatory considerations.
• Knowledge of pre-IND/CTA submissions for regulatory approval of biological drugs.
• Broad understanding of current scientific, technological, regulatory, and business trends affecting the development of advanced therapeutics.
• Deep knowledge of immunology, translational biosciences, pre-clinical development, and biologic therapeutic platforms.
• Strong understanding of advanced analytical characterization, imaging technologies, and translational research methodologies.
• Ability to lead complex multidisciplinary programs in a dynamic scientific and business environment.
• Strong strategic planning, program management, and organizational leadership capabilities.
• Ability to build and sustain productive collaborations across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.

Behavioural competencies

• 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)

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $153,444 to $184,059 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.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's 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.