Position Summary
McMaster University is seeking a senior, collaborative, and accomplished leader for the position of Associate Vice-President, Research, Accelerated Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (AVPR-ACE). Reporting to the Vice-President, Research, the AVPR-ACE is a key member of the University’s senior leadership team and a key position that will be responsible for advancing commercialization, entrepreneurship, research partnerships, and innovation-driven impact across the institution.
The AVPR-ACE provides enterprise-wide leadership to strengthen McMaster’s innovation ecosystem, accelerate the translation of research into societal and economic benefit, and advance partnerships with industry, government, hospitals, and community organizations. The role supports McMaster’s Strategic Research Plan, positioning the University as a global leader in research impact and inclusive innovation.
The ideal candidate for this role is someone who has personally navigated the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This includes having founded or co-founded a company, successfully advanced innovations through the intellectual property (IP) process, and worked within or alongside startup accelerators/incubators. Equally important is an understanding of the realities of building and scaling ventures, including securing investment, developing partnerships, and translating ideas into commercial outcomes.
While founder experience is highly valued, an exceptional candidate would further distinguish themselves by having leveraged that entrepreneurial background within an academic or research-intensive environment. This could include leading commercialization initiatives at a university or research institution, partnering closely with researchers to translate academic discoveries into commercial ventures, supporting the creation and growth of campus-based startups, or helping to build an innovation ecosystem that connects faculty, industry, funding partners, and entrepreneurs. This combination of lived entrepreneurial experience and a demonstrated ability to foster innovation within an academic setting represents the unique blend of leadership and credibility required to advance McMaster's commercialization and entrepreneurship agenda.
Scope & Context
McMaster University has a strong and expanding record of research commercialization and innovation, including a substantial portfolio of invention disclosures, active licenses, startup companies, commercialization revenue, and partnerships across industry, government, hospitals, and communities. The AVPR-ACE will build on this foundation to further elevate McMaster’s global reputation for research impact and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Strategy & Institutional Impact
- Lead the development and execution of McMaster’s institution-wide strategy for commercialization, entrepreneurship, and research partnerships
- Provide senior leadership on emerging models of innovation, commercialization, and knowledge mobilization
- Design and implement scalable frameworks, governance structures, and processes that support externally partnered research and commercialization
- Identify and champion the removal of institutional barriers to innovation and partnership-driven research
Ensure effective governance and stewardship of research and commercialization partnerships
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Culture of Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
- Champion a strong, campus-wide culture of knowledge mobilization, entrepreneurship, and research impact
- Promote McMaster’s research and innovation strengths to internal and external stakeholders
- Support the creation and growth of spin-off companies and a robust startup ecosystem
- Oversee the McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO), including intellectual property, knowledge transfer, and commercialization services
- Advance the McMaster Seed Fund and entrepreneurial pathways for faculty, staff, and students
Lead the development of policies, practices, and client-service models that deliver best-in-class research innovation support
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Pan-University & External Engagement
- Collaborate closely with Faculty Deans, Associate/Vice-Deans (Research), senior academic leaders, and central units
- Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with affiliated hospitals, municipalities, industry, community organizations, and international collaborators
- Represent McMaster and the Vice-President (Research) with government agencies, funding bodies, and external innovation organizations
- Serve on boards, advisory bodies, and committees influencing the research and commercialization landscape
Support regional economic development and the growth of the local innovation ecosystem
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Inclusive Excellence & People Leadership
- Champion equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the commercialization and entrepreneurship portfolio
- Foster an inclusive, high-performing, and respectful work environment
Invest in staff development and cultivate a shared sense of purpose among teams supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
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Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a respected senior leader with:
- A distinguished record of leadership in research commercialization, innovation, entrepreneurship, or research partnerships
- Deep understanding of the academic research ecosystem and its intersections with industry, government, and community partners
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, influence across portfolios, and operate effectively in multi-stakeholder environments
- Strategic vision paired with operational credibility and a strong execution track record
- A clear commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and inclusive leadership
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and representational skills
An advanced degree and experience within a research-intensive environment are strongly preferred.
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