Program Director, Quantum Challenge Programs

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology 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

We are looking for two Program Directors, one for the ongoing Quantum Sensors Challenge Program and one for the new Quantum Internetworking Challenge Program. The Program Directors would be individuals who share our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The programs are hosted by NRC’s Quantum & Nanotechnologies Research Centre. The Quantum Sensors Challenge Program has the goal of enabling the development of revolutionary sensors that harness the extreme sensitivity of quantum through collaborative research and development with quantum and domain experts. The ambition is that this new generation of sensor systems, performing beyond the limits of classical physics, may be engineered and commercialized for applications that benefit Canadians. The Quantum Internetworking Challenge Program will develop and demonstrate the technologies required to process quantum information and transport it over distances.

As Program Director, you will lead a multi-disciplinary, collaborative research team to develop goals and outcomes in the quantum research space. The NRC’s Challenge Programs leverage NRC’s well-established assets (facilities, expertise, and networks) to serve as the anchor for convening strategic, highly dynamic teams to address public challenges, government priorities along with federal partners, and to stimulate business innovation. They bring together the best minds from academia, industry and government to deliver breakthroughs across the innovation continuum that matter to Canadians. 

Under your leadership, the program will bring together government, community, academic and business researchers with researchers and technical staff from across the NRC’s national research centres to deliver on the program’s objectives. You will also be provided with access to funding administered through the NRC’s National Program Office (NPO) to defray the costs of eligible external collaborators participating in the Challenge Program. 

As Program Director, you will consult with partners and stakeholders on the program approach, set the outcomes, lead the team, establish the research program and its supporting projects, and then lead the program to achievement of the target outcomes. You will work with the NRC’s NPO, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of Challenge Programs. In particular, you will collaborate with an NPO Innovation Investment Advisor who plays an impartial advisory role or ‘challenge function’ in the strategic oversight and delivery of Challenge Programs and individual R&D projects.

The Role, Continued

To successfully direct the program, you will have experience as a researcher, leading team research projects, and managing financial and human resources. You will have the experience and attributes required to inspire and lead collaborative multidisciplinary teams with expertise in a wide array of disciplines related to quantum sensing.

You will be part of NRC’s Emerging Technologies Division, reporting directly to the Director General of the Quantum & Nanotechnologies Research Centre, but expected to work collaboratively with other research centres across NRC.

This is a unique opportunity to play a leadership role in advancing multiple forms of research, to help transform the Canadian quantum landscape.

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:

Essential Qualifications

Education

A PhD in physics, engineering physics, chemistry, or mathematics from a recognized university.  

A masters degree in quantum physics from a recognized university may be considered.

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

Experience

• Experience developing multi-year R&D programs or projects and applying the associated metrics for discovery-oriented work.
• Significant experience working in an R&D environment in the Canadian and international context: industries, forums, trends, the issues and dynamics that impact them and the engagement needed to keep this knowledge current.
• Significant and recent experience in providing strategic advice and counsel to senior level executives in the public or private sectors, on complex initiatives.
• Significant experience managing partnerships including contributions, terms of engagement, reporting and IP ownership.
• Significant experience working with governments, academia and industries in a research environment.
• Experience supervising and developing staff in multidisciplinary teams, ideally in a matrix environment of projects and programs.
• Significant and recent experience in applying the principles, tools and practices of administrative, financial, and human resource management.
• Recent experience in leading, planning, monitoring and re-aligning studies, projects or strategic initiatives within a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Significant experience in designing and delivering strong impact technical and / or programmatic presentations to various audiences, tailored specifically to the audience at hand. 

Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with the performance of the duties for a period of approximately three (3) years. Recent experience is defined as having performed the duties within the last five (5) years.

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)

Language Requirements

Bilingual Non-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

Asset Qualifications

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications).

Education

A PhD in quantum physics from a recognized university.
 
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• At least one year of post-doctoral experience.
• Interdepartmental and / or international governmental project / committee / program work.

Assessment Criteria

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

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of the NRC, and its mandate, programs and awareness of the characteristics and special requirements of an innovation program and scientific research environment.
• Significant knowledge of R&D management, including strategic planning, in an environment whose main features are matrix management; high interdisciplinary; and multi-partner participation in mission-critical roles.
• Significant knowledge of the relevant field and its applications in a broad range of sectors, including current and emerging trends globally.
• Knowledge of the players, dynamics, and business models of industry sectors in quantum sciences and technologies as well as the related R&D fields nationally and internationally.
• Significant knowledge of policies and sound practices related to contract management, financial management, human resources, and procurement management.
• Knowledge of strategic marketing, and the practices and principles of negotiating and securing business and partnership relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to autonomously evaluate, assume and manage risks for large scale R&D.  

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)
• Self-awareness (Level 4)
• Action management (Level 4)
• People Management (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 $150,435 to $180,450 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

• 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.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates must provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet the Essential Qualifications for each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements), and any Asset Qualifications, by providing concrete examples.  In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how they gained the experience. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application.  Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.
• 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.