Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is Canada’s national synchrotron facility located at the University of Saskatchewan. The CLS empowers academic, industry and government researchers from across Canada and around the world to probe the structure of matter, with unique-in-Canada advanced characterization techniques using intense beams of light. Over 4,500 scientists, including 3,000 students, from 42 countries and 171 Canadian institutions have used the CLS in the last 16 years, enabling over 900 international research collaborations. CLSI is funded through Federal grants, the Saskatchewan Government, the University of Saskatchewan, as well as revenue derived from the provision of services to industry.

CLSI employs 250 staff and is committed to strengthening capacity, scientific programs, and industry engagement, to maximize the impact of the brightest light in Canada and serve a global community of world class science.

Reporting to the CLSI Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides leadership to manage, guide and build relationships nationally and internationally to attain continued growth, success, and mission impact as a world-class synchrotron. This innovative individual will be responsible for continuing to advance CLSI’s reputation nationally and internationally, and for attracting leading edge scientific and industrial researchers.

The CEO holds primary responsibility for the operational and strategic management of the facility including securing and managing the operating budget, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures. Combining credibility in science and research, and experience in overseeing large complex projects, the CEO will invest in the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the facility by fostering an environment that leverages team members’ strengths and expertise. The CEO will also combine their operational and business acumen to recognize marketable innovation and commercialization. Recognized as an exceptional communicator and politically astute, the CEO has the capacity to engage and speak authentically to a variety of stakeholders and audiences about the capabilities and opportunities that CLSI can deliver. The CEO will maintain and continue to develop trustworthy and transparent partnerships with federal and provincial governments, universities, and granting agencies to secure additional support for CLSI operations and advancement into the future.

The next CEO will articulate a clear vision that inspires others to feel a sense of purpose and ownership which will facilitate scientific research aimed at finding solutions for global challenges in agriculture, health, advanced materials, and the environment.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D, in a relevant scientific discipline, combined with extensive leadership and management experience in a large complex science-based operational research facility with multifaceted enterprises and infrastructure, including sound budget and enterprise risk management skills. The ideal candidate will have knowledge and understanding of the Canadian science and innovation ecosystem.  They will bring proven experience identifying and securing revenue sources with the ability to communicate and interact with stakeholders at all levels, including funding agencies, industry leaders and government regulators. With an authentic and demonstrated commitment to, equity, diversity, inclusion, and indigeneity, this leader will exhibit the ability to inspire and drive growth and change.

Canadian Light Source Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications.

Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Canadian Light Source Inc. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence to CLSICEO@jssearch.ca