Canada Impact+ Research Chair

Canada Impact+ Research Chair at the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary (UCalgary), located in the heart of Southern Alberta, acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut'ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation within Alberta (Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).

The Government of Canada has launched the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Competition to recruit world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. This program is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting such researchers.

Program Overview & Priority Areas

The University of Calgary invites applications from world-leading researchers for the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program in the following priority areas:

• Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity)
• Health, including biotechnology
• Clean technology and resource value chains
• Environment, climate resilience and the Arctic
• Food and water security
• Democratic and community resilience
• Manufacturing and advanced materials
• Defence and dual-use technologies

The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Canada Impact+ Research 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 establish significant partnerships across sectors and borders. Chairs and their research teams are expected to actively translate and mobilize research outcomes into practice, policy, and commercialization pathways that deliver measurable social and economic benefits for Canada and the world.

Recruitment and Nomination Process

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair recruitment process uses a two-staged approach. Interested applicants must first apply to this open job posting at the University. Successful applicants from this first stage will then enter a second stage, co-developing an application with the University for the federal government funding program. The University of Calgary will provide substantial institutional support in preparing this program application. Appointment to one of these positions is contingent upon the applicant being awarded an Impact+ Chair, subject to funding availability and final approval by the University Board of Governors and the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS).

Canada Impact+ Research Chair awardees are appointed for an eight-year term, with awards valued at either $1 million or $500,000 annually. There is potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year. Successful nominees will have up to 12 months to take up the award. This recruitment process may also be used to nominate individuals for the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program, or a Canada Research Chair (Tier I) position.

Eligibility and Appointment

This program provides an opportunity for international researchers, including Canadian expatriates, to lead a prestigious research program at the University of Calgary. Applicants must be full professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within one to two years of the nomination. Successful applicants must hold a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and possess a globally competitive track record of research contributions in their field.

The successful candidate will be appointed a tenured position at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor in the relevant academic department or faculty, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Appointment at Associate Professor: Requires evidence of an established academic program, with the individual being an internationally recognized scholar and senior associate professor, expected to be promoted to full professor within one to two years. A record of high-quality research and scholarship suitable to the discipline is essential.
• Appointment at Full Professor: Reserved for those whose academic achievements are recognized by peers nationally and internationally as outstanding in their community, discipline, or field.

How to Apply

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the University of Calgary Careers site using the 'Apply Now' link. Complete applications should include:

• A cover letter (maximum three pages) that identifies:
  • The priority area aligned to the applicant's research.
  • A description of the societal impact of the candidate's most significant contributions.
• Curriculum vitae including names and contact information of three referees.

For questions about this opportunity, please contact careers@ucalgary.ca.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Engagement

The University of Calgary is an equitable and inclusive employer, committed to enriching the work, learning, and research experiences of the entire campus community. We encourage members of designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The University of Calgary's Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p fosters a culturally competent campus that welcomes Indigenous Peoples and perspectives.

The University recognizes varying career paths and interruptions. Selection committees will carefully consider the impact of career interruptions when assessing research productivity.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a global and innovative intellectual hub for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and community engagement. As one of Canada's top comprehensive research universities, UCalgary boasts over 7,000 graduate students, 30,000 undergraduate students, and more than 1,800 academic staff across 14 Faculties. Recognized among Canada's top research universities, UCalgary ranked fifth in Research Infosource Inc.'s latest Top 50 Research Universities in 2025.

Our strategic plan, "Ahead of Tomorrow: UCalgary's 2023-30 Strategic Plan," shapes our journey towards 2030 with foundational commitments to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; Indigenous Engagement; Mental Health; Global Engagement; and Sustainability.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Alberta, is recognized as one of the world's cleanest and most livable cities. It offers a vibrant cultural scene, more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city, and is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains. With North America's most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network, Calgary supports a healthy lifestyle. Recently ranked the most liveable city in North America and 5th in the world (2024) by The Economist Intelligence Unit, Calgary is an ideal place to raise a family and enjoy profound natural beauty.

Key skills/competency

• Research Excellence
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Grant Writing
• Team Leadership
• Partnership Development
• Knowledge Mobilization
• Policy Translation
• Commercialization
• Strategic Planning
• Scholarly Publication