Innovation Investment Advisor (IIA)

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 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 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 Innovation Investment Advisors (IIA) - Digital & Emerging Technologies for our National Program Office, to support the NRCs Collaborative Science, Technology, and Innovation Programs focusing on the advancement of Digital & Emerging Technologies. The Innovation Investment Advisors (IIA) would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

IIAs work closely with Program Directors to ensure that NRC’s Collaboration Programs achieve their outcomes. They are responsible for performing an impartial advisory role by credibly assessing and performing due diligence on program and project proposals by applying their technical, business, and sector specific knowledge and experience in delivering support to (and as applicable managing) research and technology programs. This includes ensuring that the design and execution of program/project proposals are sound and of high research excellence, and are aligned to deliver on identified priorities.

They advise on NRC resource and funding investments, establish strategic co-funding partnerships, and help shape the design of programs through stakeholder engagement and the establishment of expert advisory committees. They are also responsible for monitoring and reporting on the allocation of grants and contribution funding to NRC collaborators working on projects in support of Collaborative R&D and Ideation Programs.  This includes: managing a G&C budget; delivering competitive funding calls; negotiation complex collaborative research funding agreements; and providing leadership in issues management by proactively identifying potential problems, trends or risks that could impact the R&D programs and working in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to address them.

They are expected to develop, manage and navigate a diverse set of relationships including NRC researchers, different levels of management and a varying number of external national and international collaborators and stakeholders.

IIAs have the opportunity to shape existing and new national initiatives to facilitate collaboration between academia, industry and other organizations nationally and internationally and NRC’s highly qualified multidisciplinary teams to deliver impact for Canadians.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.

Background

The National Program Office, under the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Platform Program (CSTIP), seeks support for initiatives in quantum science and quantum‑resilient cryptography.  Initiatives under CSTIP support collaborative R&D to enable the NRC to bring together the best minds to deliver breakthroughs across the innovation continuum that matter to Canadians. This includes providing grant and contribution (G&C) funding to defray the costs of projects with collaborators external to the NRC.

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

A graduate degree in physics, quantum, post-quantum cryptography or a related field from a recognized university.

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

Experience

• *Significant experience within at least one of the following scientific, technological areas and/or industry sectors:
  • • Quantum Science or technologies that enable quantum;
    • Cybersecurity and quantum‑resilient cryptography;
• *Significant experience managing a diverse set of stakeholder relationships spanning the government, academic and private sectors, with researchers, managers and research administrators.
• *Significant experience in performing an oversight advising role within a scientific or research environment, including providing technical and/or policy advice to senior management (Director level and above).
• Experience performing technical reviews and detailed due diligence on projects or proposals including assessment of research and technology plans and the assessment of project finances.
• Experience in the negotiation and management of complex agreements.

*Significant is defined as at least 3 years of experience.

Assets:

• Experience in delivering and/or administrating grant and contribution programs in the public service context.
• Experience in working with international partners and collaborators.

Condition of employment

One position will require a Reliability Clearance and one will require a Secret Clearance.

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

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 locally, nationally and/or internationally.

Language requirements

Various linguistic profiles

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Effective interpersonal skills to work with cooperatively and effectively with a broad range of client, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the NRC, and its mandate, programs and awareness of the characteristics and special requirements of an innovation program and scientific research environment.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize information, assess risks and opportunities and make recommendation on potential courses of action.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership in communicating a vision and bringing different communities together to catalyze something new initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of technology, innovation and commercialization issues and trends within the sector/or region relating to the position.
• Solid knowledge of project management.
• Knowledge of the machinery of federal government in regards to implementation of grants and contribution programs is an asset

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s):  Management Services; Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Compensation

These positions are classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC.  The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3 or RCO-4 level, which is an intermediate to senior-career with a salary range of $119,688 to $168,192.  

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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.

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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.
• Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. Candidates must use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.  In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she 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.
• These positions are being advertised internally and externally simultaneously; however, first consideration will be given to internal NRC applicants.
• 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.