Shape the Future. Create Global Impact. Lead from Canada.
The University of Alberta invites applications from outstanding, internationally based researchers for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Competition — a landmark national initiative designed to attract world‑leading talent whose work addresses critical global and societal challenges.
Through this competition, the University of Alberta seeks visionary research leaders to join one of Canada’s most research‑intensive universities and help drive discoveries that translate into real‑world solutions, economic growth, and societal benefit.
As published, the University has a maximum annual Impact+ allocation of $15 million, supporting multiple Chairs, depending on award value.
Strategic Priority Areas
We welcome applications in disciplinary or interdisciplinary research programs aligned with one or more of the following strategic priority areas:
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Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity)
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Health, including biotechnology
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Clean technology and resource value chains
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Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic
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Food and water security
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Democratic and community resilience
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Manufacturing and advanced materials
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Defence and dual‑use technologies
About the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is one of the largest and most research productive universities in Canada. With more than 40,000 students from 146 countries, the U of A regularly ranks in the top 5 universities in the country and in the top 100 universities in the world according to QSWorldwide university rankings. The university offers highly competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. The University’s Forward with Purpose strategic plan for research and innovation can be found here. The University of Alberta’s Strategic Research Plan for CFI/CRC/CERC can be found here.
These Impact+ Chairs are consistent with the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program’s Best Practices and are aligned with the University of Alberta's strategic goals of Access, Community, and Belonging, its recently adopted Changing the Story: An Integrated Action Plan, and the University’s CRC EDI Action Plan which commit the University to intentionally pursuing and implementing system-wide equity initiatives to reduce barriers and increase belonging in all university structures, programs, policies, and practices. Continued funding during the term of the award will be subject to the publication of a formal, comprehensive EDI action plan on the chairholder’s webpage.
About the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.
The key objectives of the Impact+ program are:
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Attract a world-leading researchers to strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and innovation leadership
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Transform bold discoveries into innovative products, ideas, policies and solutions that benefit Canadians and the world
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Help Canada grow and sustain a critical mass of expertise in priority areas identified by the Government of Canada through the development of high-impact research teams
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Incentivize strategic partnerships across sectors, such as industry, health systems, government and not-for-profit organizations, to accelerate translation of research into practice and enhance long-term adoption and impact
Following a highly competitive and rigorous selection process involving peer review, Impact+ Chairs are appointed for a period of eight years in values of $8 million or $4 million (over the entire award period). In addition, while not renewable, there is potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year. This extension will be determined by an external review in Year 7 of the award. The two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aims to be inclusive of all areas of research.
Impact+ Program Eligibility and Appointment
Applicants must be:
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Internationally based (working and residing outside Canada) at the time the Impact+ Chair is accepted
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A Full Professor or Associate Professor, or possesses qualifications equivalent to appointment at these ranks if recruited from outside academia
Successful nominees will be appointed at the University of Alberta as:
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Full Professor, or
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Associate Professor with tenure, with a promotion to full professor within 2 years of starting their appointment
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Successful nominees will be expected to start their position within 12 months of accepting the award
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Chairholders will be required to take up their appointment on a full-time basis
The University of Alberta recognizes the legitimate impact that life circumstances (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, COVID-19 impacts, etc.) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and that these circumstances will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process. Please consult the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Qualifications
In addition to Impact+ program requirements, the University of Alberta requires that the successful candidate will:
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Hold a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
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Demonstrate a world‑class, innovative research program with the potential for interdisciplinary impact
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Show a strong record of research leadership, influence, and excellence
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Demonstrate a commitment to equitable, inclusive, and responsible research and training practices
Role and Expectations
Impact+ Chairholders at the University of Alberta are expected to:
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Lead an ambitious and impactful research program aligned with national and global priorities
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Translate research outcomes into meaningful economic, social, environmental, or health benefits
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Build and mentor diverse, high‑performing research teams
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Contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University through leadership, collaboration, and service
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Engage with partners across academia, industry, government, and the not‑for‑profit sector
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
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A current curriculum vitae
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A one‑page description of the proposed research program for the Impact+ Chair. Please clearly identify the STRATEGIC PRIORITY AREA and FACULTY (or DISCIPLINE) to which your research applies
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The Canada Impact + Research Chairs program requires institutions to collect self-identification information from all candidates. Please complete the University’s self‑identification questionnaire, accessible through the online application system. Questions or concerns may be directed to [email protected]
Due to the volume of required application materials, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply directly through the University of Alberta Careers website. Applications submitted through third-party job boards (including LinkedIn) may limit multiple document uploads.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Fatima Mirza at [email protected]. Please include “Impact+” in the subject line of your email to help ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
Additional Information
Successful applicants to this job posting will be nominated for Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+). Nominations are subject to review by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS), and appointment as a Canada Impact+ Research Chair is conditional upon their approval.
Successful nominees to the Impact+ Program (i.e., appointed as an Impact+ Chair by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS)) will be appointed at the Full Professor or Associate Professor level at the University of Alberta with tenure and the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Questions?
We welcome inquiries of all kinds about the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) competition. Candidates who have questions are encouraged to contact [email protected].
Please include “Impact+” in the subject line of your email to help ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately. A member of the relevant faculty will follow up with you to provide support and respond to your questions.
The selection process will be governed by the Impact+ recruitment requirements as well as requirements for recruitment and nomination process of the Canada Research Chairs Program.
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program supports institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work will help build a stronger, more resilient Canada. The Government of Canada announced $1.7 billion to launch the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a suite of programs that will attract leading international researchers to Canada, as outlined in Budget 2025. The Government of Canada will invest up to $1.7 billion over 12 years to attract and support more than 1,000 leading international and expatriate researchers, including Francophone researchers. Recruitment will target individuals who are advancing world-leading research in critical fields that will deliver direct economic, societal and health benefits for Canadians. This initiative represents one of the largest recruitment programs of its kind globally, uniquely designed for exceptional speed and flexibility in securing top research talent. These features will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of scientific innovation.
To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and is safeguarded as necessary, the Government of Canada has introduced the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy) and the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP). For more information about research security at the federal research funding agencies, see the Tri-agency Guidance on Research Security.
The academic appointment is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
