Associate Director, AI and Advanced Analytics

This position is for a one year term with the possibility of extension

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Job Summary

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is the research arm of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and a close partner of the University of British Columbia (UBC). It is the home of nationally and internationally recognized research centres and programs conducting cutting edge research that aims to improve health outcomes. VCHRI is also known for its breadth and depth of science from bench side to bedside, technology transfer, incubating spinoff companies, and is a central hub for research training, recruitment and retention of future leaders.

The Associate Director, AI and Advanced Analytics, is a visionary leader who will establish and direct our artificial intelligence (AI) research program, positioning VCHRI as a national leader in healthcare AI innovation. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to build a world-class AI research organization from the ground up, defining its strategic direction and assembling an elite team of engineers to support researchers at VCHRI. The Associate Director will lead the strategic development and implementation of AI and advanced analytics initiatives at VCHRI and will oversee the development of innovative AI solutions that enhance patient care, optimize clinical outcomes, and improve operational efficiencies. Possessing a deep technical background in AI and data analytics, combined with substantial leadership experience in the healthcare sector and an exemplary track record in research and development, the incumbent will build and oversee a new technology team within the VCHRI AI Hub and ensure alignment of Hub activities with overall organizational objectives. The Associate Director is a proven leader with a strong understanding of health system needs, extensive AI/ML expertise, deep knowledge of hospital data and systems architecture, and is a passionate, creative thinker, keen to innovate and reshape our healthcare system.

Organizational Status

The Associate Director, AI and Advanced Analytics reports to the Executive Director, VCHRI and works closely with the VCHRI leadership team, including the Director, Special Initiatives and the Associate Director, Fundamental Science and Preclinical Models, and the VCHRI Institute Senior Leadership Team. The position also has very close linkages the Director of Advanced Research Computing (ARC) at UBC and the Associate Director, Research & Digital Technology, UBC Faculty of Medicine. This role is accountable to the Deputy CIO Medicine (DCIO-M) or their Delegate for compliance with Institutional and Faculty Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Governance Policies, Standards, and Processes. The Associate Director is a key representative for VCHRI in AI and data analytics. The individual will work closely with VCHRI’s strategic partners (including, but not limited to UBC and other Universities, Provincial Health Authorities and Research Institutes, the BC Ministry of Health (MOH), granting agencies, industry and collaborative research partners). The Associate Director works with broad latitude to develop and execute strategic goals.

Work Performed

• Overall accountability and representation for VCHRI AI activities, enabling leading edge research and development of AI solutions for healthcare that positions VCHRI on the world stage, attracting and retaining world class researchers and clinicians, and transforming patient care.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic vision for AI research in healthcare, identifying high-impact areas where AI can transform patient care, clinical operations, and health research at VCHRI.
• Builds and leads an industry-leading team of AI researchers, data scientists, and healthcare professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and ethical AI development.
• Establishes strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, technology companies, and healthcare organizations to accelerate research initiatives and expand our influence in the field.
• Works with VCHRI and UBC researchers to secure substantial external funding through grants, partnerships, and collaborative research programs to support the growth and sustainability of the AI research program.
• Drives the development of novel AI applications in areas such as medical imaging, clinical decision support, predictive analytics, and precision medicine.
• Ensures responsible AI development by establishing robust governance frameworks and ethical guidelines for AI research and implementation.
• Serves as VCHRI’s thought leader and spokesperson for AI, representing us at major conferences and in scientific publications.
• Works collaboratively with stakeholders in the BC AI ecosystem, both internal to VCH and UBC, and external at the regional, provincial, national and international levels.
• Works collaboratively with VCH Data and Analytics, collaborates with IMITS, and MOH to ensure interoperability and scalability of AI solutions within the broader BC health data ecosystem.
• Develops and maintains strong ties with academic partners to stay abreast of cutting-edge research and technology and leverage computational capacity across sectors and institutions.
• Maintains a leading-edge knowledge of technology developments related to healthcare AI.
• Provides leadership for innovation initiatives that explore new AI methodologies and their applications in healthcare.
• Advises VCHRI researchers pursuing projects involving AI through the AI Hub.
• Communicates effectively and simplifies complex technical information for a broad audience in support of VCHRI strategic objectives.
• Works closely with research scientists, clinical teams, IT, regulatory bodies, and external partners to ensure AI solutions can be successfully integrated and adopted in health care organizations.
• Develops and monitors the capital and operating budget for the VCHRI AI Hub, strategically allocating resources to maximize innovation and effectiveness.
• Accountable for ensuring all VCHRI AI activities and applications adhere to ethical standards.
• Ensures policies, standards and controls related to AI activities are aligned with institutional, Ministry of Health, Health Authority standards and Freedom of information & protection of privacy act as applicable.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This is a senior leadership position that is critical to the success of the VCHRI AI Hub. Strategic planning, decisions, and actions directly impact the academic and research success of the Hub. The incumbent is accountable for the quality and integrity of the work undertaken, as well as the efficient management of VCHRI AI Hub deliverables. The role requires innovation, adaptability, strategic planning, and strong management skills.

Incorrect decisions or actions could significantly damage the reputation of VCHRI, its partner institutions, and affiliated organizations.

Supervision Received

Works at senior administrative level under executive direction; Work is reviewed in terms of optimization of resource allocation and achievement of broad strategic goals.

Supervision Given

Manages staff and consultants directly and indirectly through multiple levels of subordinate managers.

Minimum Qualifications

Post-graduate degree. Minimum of eleven years of related experience including at least five years of managerial experience plus four years of specialized experience in the design and implementation of major computer systems, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

– Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

– Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred post-graduate university degree in a relevant discipline (PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning).
• Preferred 12 years of experience, 10 years relevant experience leading and developing career and professional-level employees or the equivalent combination of education and experience including ten to fifteen years of progressive leadership experience in AI research with significant exposure to healthcare applications.
• Extensive experience in AI/ML in either an academic or industry setting, knowledge of natural language processing and computer vision.
• Track record in developing and implementing AI technologies in complex environments, preferably in the health care sector.
• Ability to identify emerging opportunities in AI and healthcare, developing long-term strategies that position the institution for success.
• Strong publication record in top-tier AI conferences and journals, with emphasis on healthcare applications.
  Track record of fostering breakthrough research and translating scientific advances into practical applications.
• Deep understanding of health sector data architecture and systems.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, manage and inspire a team.
• Exceptional ability to build collaborative partnerships and align diverse stakeholders, senior leaders, and decision makers in both the public and private sectors around a common vision.
• Deep knowledge of the health data and analytics landscape in British Columbia and Canada.
• Strong understanding of relevant standards, provincial legislation, health statutes and regulations, and ethical considerations as related to AI.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the creation of an organizational vision and leading programs and teams both operationally and strategically.
• Experience leading organizational transformation and building new capabilities from the ground up.
• Understanding of healthcare economics and ability to develop sustainable research programs.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Established relationships with industry leaders in the discipline of healthcare AI.