Director, AI Research and Innovation Programs
What's the opportunity?
We’re looking for a Director, AI Research and Innovation Programs to lead our AI research and innovation initiatives that drive RBC Borealis’ leadership in AI for financial services. This strategic role focuses on three key areas: R&D program management, external AI community partnerships, and AI reputation building.
At RBC Borealis, you’ll be joining a team that works directly with leading researchers in machine learning, has access to rich and massive datasets, and offers the computational resources to support ongoing development in areas such as reinforcement learning, unsupervised learning and computer vision. You can find out more about our research areas at rbcborealis.com.
Your responsibilities include:
Lead a portfolio of AI programs including research paper publication processes, patent development, technology incubation, and internship programs
Manage and develop a team of professionals including program managers responsible for individual initiatives within the portfolio
Execute strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, research organizations, and industry consortiums
Represent RBC Borealis at premier AI conferences and industry forums to establish thought leadership
Develop and execute strategies to position RBC Borealis as the premier destination for AI research talent
Oversee publication strategy for high-impact research and thought leadership content
Allocate research budgets and establish success metrics across program verticals
Partner with RBC stakeholders to ensure research alignment with strategic priorities and market opportunities
You're our ideal candidate if you have:
Master's or PhD degree with extensive experience leading and managing research programs in academic or industry settings
8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in research program management, technology innovation, or strategic partnerships
Proven track record managing complex, multi-year research programs
Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies with ability to assess technical merit and commercial potential
Demonstrated success in negotiating strategic partnerships with academic institutions and industry organizations
Outstanding communication skills with experience presenting to C-suite executives and external audiences
Experience building and leading high-performing teams in fast-paced, innovative environments
Financial services or fintech experience preferred
What's in it for you?
Become part of a team that thinks progressively and works collaboratively. We care about seeing each other reach full potential;
A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits, competitive compensation, commissions, and stock options where applicable;
Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities;
Ability to make a difference and lasting impact from a local-to-global scale.
About RBC Borealis
RBC Borealis is the driving force behind Royal Bank of Canada’s AI and data innovation. As part of Canada’s largest financial institution, we bring together a team of architects, engineers, scientists, and product experts on a mission to revolutionize finance through world-class research, solutions, and a resilient data platform. With locations across Toronto, Waterloo, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver, we’re at the forefront of AI research and platform development. With a focus on cutting-edge research in areas like time series forecasting, causal machine learning, and responsible AI, we are seamlessly integrating AI research and data engineering, to solve critical challenges in the financial industry. We are building intelligent, and scalable, data-driven solutions that will help communities thrive and drive innovation for our customers across the bank.
Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment
RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally-protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.
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Job Skills
Coaching Others, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Industry Knowledge, Machine Learning (ML), Results-Oriented
Additional Job Details
401 GEORGIA ST W:VANCOUVER
Vancouver
Canada
37.5
Full time
TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS
Regular
Salaried
2026-05-12
2026-06-05
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above
Our Employment Opportunities
At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.
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RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.
