Canada Impact+ Research Chairs

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

- Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, 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

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 QS Worldwide 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 and the University of Alberta’s Strategic Research Plan for CFI/CRC/CERC are available online.

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. 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:

- Attract world‑leading researchers to strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and innovation leadership

- Transform bold discoveries into innovative products, ideas, policies and solutions that benefit Canadians and the world

- 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

- 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

Impact+ Chairs are appointed for a period of eight years, with values of $8 million or $4 million over the entire award period. While not renewable, a four‑year extension at 50 % of the initial award value per year is possible, determined by an external review in Year 7.

Impact+ Program Eligibility and Appointment

Applicants must be:

- Internationally based (working and residing outside Canada) at the time the Impact+ Chair is accepted

- Full Professor or Associate Professor, or possess qualifications equivalent to appointment at these ranks if recruited from outside academia

Successful nominees will be appointed at the University of Alberta as:

- Full Professor, or

- Associate Professor with tenure, with a promotion to full professor within 2 years of starting their appointment

- Chairholders are expected to start their position within 12 months of accepting the award

- Chairholders will be required to take up their appointment on a full‑time basis

The University recognizes that life circumstances can impact a candidate’s record of research achievement and will consider these during the assessment process. For full program information, including detailed eligibility criteria and application requirements, see the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs website.

Qualifications

In addition to Impact+ program requirements, the University of Alberta requires that the successful candidate will:

- Hold a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline

- Demonstrate a world‑class, innovative research program with the potential for interdisciplinary impact

- Show a strong record of research leadership, influence, and excellence

- 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:

- Lead an ambitious and impactful research program aligned with national and global priorities

- Translate research outcomes into meaningful economic, social, environmental, or health benefits

- Build and mentor diverse, high‑performing research teams

- Contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University through leadership, collaboration, and service

- Engage with partners across academia, industry, government, and the not‑for‑profit sector

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

- A current curriculum vitae

- A one‑page description of the proposed research program for the Impact+ Chair, clearly identifying the Strategic Priority Area and Faculty (or Discipline) to which your research applies

- Completion of the University’s self‑identification questionnaire, as required by the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program. Questions or concerns may be directed to crcadmin@ualberta.ca

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 may limit multiple document uploads.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Fatima Mirza at uacareer@ualberta.ca. Include “Impact+” in the subject line of your email to ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately.

Additional Information

Successful applicants to this posting will be nominated for Canada Impact+ Research Chairs. 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 will be appointed at the Full Professor or Associate Professor level, with tenure and a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Questions?

We welcome inquiries of all kinds about the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition. Candidates who have questions are encouraged to contact uacareer@ualberta.ca. Include “Impact+” in the subject line of your email to help ensure your inquiry is directed appropriately.

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