CHILD-BRIGHT is accepting applications for a Scientific Co-Director!
The CHILD-BRIGHT Network is an innovative pan-Canadian Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) research network that aims to improve life outcomes for children with brain-based developmental disabilities and their families.
The CHILD-BRIGHT Network is headquartered at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). Using family and child-focused approaches, we work to create novel interventions to optimize development, promote health outcomes, and deliver responsive and supportive services. Phase 2 of CHILD-BRIGHT is made possible thanks to a four-year grant by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) under Canada’s SPOR, and 15 generous funding partners from public and private sectors across Canada.
The Scientific Co-Director is responsible for strategic and operational leadership for the CHILD BRIGHT Network, focusing on advancing research initiatives and fostering collaborations. This role encompasses overall network leadership, strategic planning, governance oversight, and active participation in key committees. Working closely with the Nominated Principal Investigator (NPI: Annette Majnemer), other Scientific Co-Director (Steven Miller), and the Director of Operations (Tom Philpott), the Scientific Co-Director ensures the network's objectives are met and its impact is amplified.
Key responsibilities:
Network leadership: Provides strategic direction to the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
Strategic planning: Develops and implements long-term strategies to enhance the network's research impact and sustainability.
Governance oversight: Participates in, and provides oversight for, network governance, ensuring effective decision-making and compliance.
Committee participation: Chairs or co-chairs committees, including the Network Steering Committee and project theme meetings, facilitating collaboration and progress.
Partner engagement: Collaborates with network program co-leads, principal investigators, policymakers, funders, partners with lived and living experience and researchers to promote the network's initiatives and expand its reach.
Operational collaboration: Works alongside the Director of Operations to support operational functions and ensure the smooth execution of projects.
Mentorship: Provides guidance and support to emerging researchers within the network, as well as network staff, fostering a culture of growth and development.
Sustainability initiatives: Leads efforts in sustainability and succession planning to ensure the long-term success of the network.
Conference planning: Contributes to the programming of the CHILD-BRIGHT conference, ensuring it reflects the network's objectives and engages members & partners effectively.
Fundraising: Contributes to successful fundraising for CHILD-BRIGHT’s next phase of operations (Phase 3), including through maintaining and nurturing existing relationships.
Accountability:
This role is accountable to CHILD-BRIGHT’s Nominated Principal Investigator and Scientific Co-Director and must adhere to Tri-Agency guidelines for grant administration.
Standards of performance:
Research impact: Advancements in the network's research agenda, including supporting projects in achieving measurable outcomes in children's brain-based developmental disabilities and their families.
Funding success: Acquisition of new research grants and funding to support network initiatives.
Partner engagement: Strength and breadth of collaborations with partners with lived and living experience, clinicians, policymakers, and the community.
Operational efficiency: Effective governance and smooth operation of network activities and committees.
Sustainability planning: Development and implementation of strategies ensuring the network's long-term success and leadership continuity.
Appointment:
Minimum 1 year, contingent on network funding and sustainability.
Time commitment:
This role requires flexible working commitments that vary in intensity, adapting to changing Network demands. For example, one bi-weekly 90-minute executive team meeting, a quarterly National Steering Committee meeting, and other occasional meetings.
Compensation:
This role does not currently offer direct compensation as the candidate is understood to be remunerated through a salaried post at their academic institution.
Eligibility:
Academic qualifications: The candidate must be eligible to apply for and hold CIHR grants and awards as a nominated principal applicant at an institution that meets the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) institutional eligibility requirements for administering funds.
Research expertise: Demonstrated success leading a research program in children's brain-based developmental disabilities (BBDs).
Leadership experience: Proven leadership experience in academic or research settings, with a track record of managing teams and projects successfully.
Funding acquisition: A history of securing research funding is required, preferably including tri-agency grants, though other funding experiences will be considered.
Interpersonal skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage diverse key partners effectively.
Passion and compassion: A deep commitment to improving outcomes for underserved children and youth, demonstrating both passion for the work and compassion for the populations served.
Deep understanding of CHILD-BRIGHT’s mission and operations: The successful candidate will integrate into our collaborative ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to our work. Co-leadership of an existing network program or project is an asset, though not required.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit to admin@child-bright.ca one combined PDF that includes:
a current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography, and
a one-page summary stating the applicant’s philosophy, experience and ambitions for the role.
The deadline for application is April 30, 2025.
CHILD-BRIGHT is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable research environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, or cultural background. We encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups to apply.
We are open to candidates from both within and outside the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, provided they demonstrate a deep understanding of our mission and operations. Co-leadership of an existing network program or project is an asset. A successful candidate will be able to integrate into our collaborative ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to our work.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of the CHILD-BRIGHT Network, making a significant impact on research and outcomes for children with brain-based developmental disabilities.