Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences

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Advancing human and societal health and well-being.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally and home to over 65 research institutes with more than 37,000 students, McMaster University (https://www.mcmaster.ca/) prides itself as a hub for innovation, discovery, and growth. McMaster is focused on advancing human and societal health and well-being – in its community and around the world.

As one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities, faculty work across disciplines to discover creative solutions to complex problems, help to improve people’s lives and build a Brighter World (https://news.mcmaster.ca/) for all. The University encompasses a vast range of disciplines and is a welcoming and inclusive community that values collaboration and interdisciplinarity while supporting and respecting its members and their contributions to the University’s shared mission and goals.

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at McMaster University is recognized as the birthplace of problem-based learning and evidence-based medicine, one of the most transformative innovations in medical education and practice over the past 150 years. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative learning, taught by world-renowned faculty, FHS fosters a culture of inquiry and innovation. Its globally recognized research, spanning high-impact studies and cross-disciplinary collaborations, positions McMaster at the forefront of advancing health worldwide. Drawing from the strengths in the schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Rehabilitation Sciences, as well as its Midwifery, Physician’s Assistant and Bachelor of Health Sciences programs, FHS is committed to educational excellence and to driving cutting-edge research that improves health care outcomes across communities and around the globe.

The Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences (VPD) holds a dual role as a Vice-President of the University, and as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. As Vice-President, the VPD is a member of the President’s Executive and works in close collaboration with the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Vice-President (Research), Vice-President (Operations and Finance), and the Vice-President (University Advancement) to support the President in strategic decision-making, and in advancing the strategic direction and priorities of the University, ensuring that the direction and operations of the Faculty of Health Sciences are aligned with the broader institution.

As Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the VPD is responsible to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) for the operation, strategy, and management of FHS. The role provides academic leadership, oversees financial management, and builds partnerships with government, granting councils, hospitals, and community organizations. Key priorities include advancing education and research, promoting McMaster’s national and international reputation in health sciences, supporting innovation and commercialization, and fostering an environment where students, researchers, and clinicians can thrive.

As the next Vice-President and Dean, you are a distinguished scholar and have an internationally recognized record of interdisciplinary health sciences research, peer-reviewed publications, and research funding success. Preferably, you are a MD clinician-researcher, that is dually appointed to McMaster University and one of McMaster’s clinical partners and are licensed to practice (or eligible for licensure) in the Province of Ontario.

You bring extensive experience leading large, complex academic and clinical portfolios, with strong financial acumen and the ability to strategically allocate resources in challenging funding environments. You have an understanding of the Canadian (and preferably the Ontario) healthcare and academic systems and a proven ability to strengthen university–hospital partnerships and build collaborations with government, donors, and industry. As an academic leader, you are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical care. You have successfully recruited and retained top talent, created pathways for early-career faculty, and fostered long-term institutional loyalty. You are deeply committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDI-I), and to creating equitable, supportive environments for learners, faculty, and staff. You are described as visible, approachable, and a collaborative leader – respected by students, faculty, staff, and external partners. Known for your humility, empathy, and integrity, you foster trust while driving a culture of innovation, courage, and academic excellence. You are a strong communicator and thoughtful decision-maker who integrates diverse perspectives to shape the Faculty’s future with vision and impact.

If you are interested in leading a world renowned Faculty of Health Sciences, please contact Kathy Rahme (krahme@boyden.com) and Nick Chambers (nchambers@boyden.com) for more information. To apply, please visit: https://boyden.thriveapp.ly/job/3005

The Vice-President and Dean’s Selection Committee will begin reviewing applications in December 2025 with an anticipated start for the position of July 1, 2026.
McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

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