Chief Scientific Officer - Global Institute for Food Security The Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) will lead the scientific strategy to advance GIFS's mission of providing innovative, sustainable solutions for global food security. Reporting to the CEO, the CSO will champion scientific innovation, team development, and strategic partnerships, while representing GIFS within the broader scientific and innovation community. This pivotal role involves co-leading the business opportunity pipeline, fostering scientific and operational excellence, and aligning scientific initiatives with organizational goals. The CSO will represent GIFS's scientific work and strengthen its reputation locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Key Accountabilities Strategic Leadership Drive GIFS's strategy through the development and implementation of the science strategy, through the Science Leadership Team (SLT) Enhance financial sustainability by establishing partnerships and expanding GIFS's innovation ecosystem, in alignment with the overarching strategy Lead the project portfolio assessment and stage gate process to deliver impact Lead and secure strategic grant opportunities aligned with GIFS strategy Oversee budget management, and adherence to research compliance standards for the GIFS Science organization. Executive Leadership Serve on the GIFS Executive Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational decision-making Work with the International Science Advisory Panel (ISAP) to understand emerging market and technology trends while exploring new opportunities to enhance GIFS mission. Scientific Innovation & Leadership Guide innovative approaches across all GIFS research activities to de-risk and accelerate time to impact Drive the OneGIFS culture through the leadership of the SLT, reinforcing cross team collaboration Lead operational excellence initiatives, ensuring quality management, process improvements, and scalable innovation Manage the portfolio of projects, both internal and in partnership with key stakeholders, from discovery through launch. Business & Innovation Work closely with the Business & Innovation (B&I) team lead Lead the grant pipeline in partnership with the B&I team lead Collaborate with Integrated Business Processes (IBP) to align scientific initiatives with GIFSs broader objectives Build partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders to address global food security challenges, including the total factor productivity challenge. Public Representation Act as the primary ambassador of GIFSs science, communicating the institute's research, capabilities, and achievements Serve as a thought leader, influencing policy and scientific direction through active participation in local, national, and international forums. Team Development & Leadership Recruit, attract, and retain top scientific talent, building a team recognized for excellence in Canada and internationally Mentor and develop program and platform leads, promoting a commitment to GIFS's mission, vision, values, and scientific excellence. Relationship Building & Thought Leadership Build relationships within the scientific and innovation ecosystem, enhancing science connectivity and collaborative opportunities, both internal and external to GIFS Influence policy and science in the field, positioning GIFS as a trusted voice and a resource regionally, nationally, and internationally. Safety & Compliance Champion a culture of continuous improvement, with an emphasis on safety and compliance. Qualifications Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g., agriculture, biology, chemistry, engineering, etc.) Extensive experience in leading and developing teams and people Extensive experience in scientific leadership within industry Demonstrated experience with intellectual property management and harvesting A proven track record of managing projects through partnership and collaboration Proven success in strategic grant funding Skilled communicator with a public presence, able to influence and lead diverse stakeholders Experience with operational management, quality assurance, and discovery processes for advancing innovation Commitment to safety and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Key Competencies Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen Leadership and Team Development Relationship Management Communication and Advocacy Operational Excellence Continuous Improvement Mindset Impact The CSO will shape GIFS's scientific future, enhancing its global reputation and fostering a culture of innovation. Through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and a commitment to scientific leadership, the CSO will play a vital role in advancing GIFS's mission and ensuring the institutes contribution to global food security. We will accept applications until January 17, 2025. Candidates selected for interview will be contacted after the positions closes. Thank you for your interest in the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan. Department: Global Institute for Food Security Status: Permanent Employment Group: Exempt Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1 FTE Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Posted Date: 11/26/2024 Closing Date: 1/17/2025 at 6:00 pm CST Number of Openings: 1 Work Location: On Campus The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewans main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Mtis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Mtis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Chief Scientific Officer