Associate Dean, School of Medicine, Research

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Help build B.C.’s new medical school from the ground up!

At Simon Fraser University's School of Medicine (SoM), we envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care and other community-level settings, in patient-centred environments, and with a curriculum that considers social, environmental and prevention contexts. As we establish the school in Surrey, B.C., our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners will help us to meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve and improve access to primary care throughout the province. We seek to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented towards measurable socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The School of Medicine (SoM) at Simon Fraser University invites applications for an Associate Dean, Research (ADR). The associate dean appointment will be for a 3-year term, renewable, with an underlying faculty position. The underlying faculty position is a continuing position and will be made at the appropriate rank and category, commensurate with experience. Alternative appointment arrangements (such as half-time) may also be considered to facilitate other commitments candidates may have.

The salary for the successful applicant will depend on the rank, category of appointment, and experience of the candidate, however, a reasonable estimate of the salary range is $220,000 - $270,000 (inclusive of an administrative stipend for the Associate Dean role and prorated depending on other commitments outside of academic work).

The ADR for SFU SoM provides leadership in advancing the research mission and growing our reputation in medical and health research. The ADR fosters a culture of inquiry amongst learners, and of collaboration and excellence with researchers within and outside of the School of Medicine. The ADR reports to the Dean, SFU SoM, and is a member of the senior executive team.

Key Areas of Involvement:

The key objective for the ADR is the development and implementation of the SFU SoM research strategic plan that will build upon the pillars of the SFU SoM’s Vision. The establishment of effective research collaborations within the SoM, across SFU, with key community partners, and with medical researchers around the world will be critical to the success of the strategic plan.

The portfolio for the SFU SoM ADR shall include responsibility for:

• Leadership: develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with both the vision and mission of the SoM as well as the broader mission of the university. 
• Research supports: drawing on resources from across SFU, develop and support the research infrastructure needed to foster research collaborations, prepare and administer research grants and contracts, ensure adherence to the highest standards of research ethics and integrity, and support knowledge mobilization activities. 
• Research results: progressively increase o applications and success rates for externally-funded granting competitions and proposals for research contracts; and 
• the scholarly dissemination/knowledge mobilization of the products of research. 
• Develop and support the undergraduate (Doctor of Medicine) student group research projects program and develop mechanisms to support student participation in research outside of the mandatory group program. 
• Involve researchers from across the SFU community in co-creating and supporting SoM led and supported research initiatives. 
• Liaise with community partners to identify research needs, and involve members of the community (including patient partners) in research projects.

Other Responsibilities of the Role of the ADR:

• Participate on the Dean’s Executive Committee. 
• Undertake duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the Dean. 
• Work collegially and in partnership with faculty, other academic administrators, staff and the SFU SoM community/stakeholders. 
• Serve as Acting Dean on notification from the Dean of short-term absences 
• Represent the SoM at external meetings and conferences related to research 
• Serve on pan-university meetings of ADR and the activities undertaken by this group (e.g., internal grant review committees, award nominations and reviews, etc.).

Qualifications & Experience:

• Ph.D. required
• M.D. preferred. A Master’s degree plus graduate degree with an active research portfolio may also be considered
• Active research agenda and a strong record of scholarly publications required
• Experience in research administration and securing competitive grants or contracts in support of research is preferred
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultural identities and values are preferred
• Experience in and/or knowledge of Primary Care is preferred
• Eligibility to hold a license to practice medicine in British Columbia desired
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

To apply, please submit the following materials to Caroll Lai, Senior Advisor of Academic Affairs at ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca:

• Curriculum vitae 
• Letter of Interest 
• Statement of research interest and accomplishments 
• Names and contact information of three referees

SFU encourages applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications received by September 30, 2024 will be given full consideration. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact msaaa@sfu.ca.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and applicable University Policies. For further details see the full Collection Notice

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. Information on benefits can be found at