Member, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is Canada’s federal funding agency for health research. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and collaborates with partners and researchers across Canada. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

Governing Council members develop the strategic directions, goals and policies of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; they evaluate the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s overall performance, including with respect to the achievement of its objectives; approve the Institute’s budget; and are responsible for establishing the mandate and evaluating the performance of the Institutes. As such, they appoint Scientific Directors and Institutes Advisory Boards members.

Further details about the organization and its activities can be found on the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's website.

Members serve without remuneration. However travel and related expenses are reimbursed according to the Institute’s Travel Expenses Reimbursement Guidelines.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training, and/or experience.

Experience serving on one or more boards of complex organizations:

• research and development;


• life sciences industry (e.g., pharmaceutical/medical devices/biotechnology);


• healthcare delivery or administration;


• community and not-for-profit organizations;


• business community in fields such as information technology, communications, and finance;


• governance (including ethics and law);


• Indigenous health and traditional knowledge; and


• global health.

• Financial, accounting and audit;


• Innovative applications of Information Technology in the health sector;


• Business or industry, particularly the health industry;


• Voluntary/Not-for-Profit sector;


• Health Care administration or policy;


• Health research or practice that addresses socio-political determinants of health (e.g., race and/or culture, disability, gender, sexual orientation, economic inequities etc.);


• Patient representation; and


• Medical/Health ethics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research;


• Understanding of health research organizations and familiarity with current health research issues;


• Knowledge of strategic corporate planning, monitoring and evaluation of corporate performance;


• Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;


• Ability to make strategic decisions;


• Ability to identify matters that could pose a significant risk to the organization;


• Ability to engage in discussion with other board members;


• Informed judgement and superior communications skills; and


• Ability to think horizontally about health issues and develop innovative solutions.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• High ethical standards, integrity and clear sense of accountability


• Visionary leader


• Strategic thinker and high-level advisor


• Innovator


• Collegial

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• Appointees are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings (usually three per year with ad-hoc meetings as required). In the event of travel resumption, the meetings are typically held in Ottawa. In addition, there is typically a biyearly retreat held for one to two days a year.


• Appointees are expected to serve on at least one Council Standing Committee, which typically meets four times per year, through a combination of virtual and in-person meetings.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on January 22, 2021. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.