Assistant Professor

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Canada Research Chair NSERC Tier 2 Opportunity and

Assistant Professor / Associate Professor Tenure-Track Appointment in Quantum Technologies

Posting Date: April 2, 2026

Deadline: Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026

Reference #: SES-2027-28-02

The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead University invites applications for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Technologies. The ideal candidate is one who can contribute to our broad understanding of these technologies, but researchers with interests in quantum materials or quantum sensing are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful applicant will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of Physics with rank commensurate with experience, with an anticipated starting date of January 1, 2027.

The successful candidate, upon formally accepting the offer of a full-time faculty position, will be nominated for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Quantum Technologies; the CRC Tier 2 position is for five (5) years and renewable once, and subject to approval by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs (TIPs) Secretariat. Tier 2 CRCs are intended for outstanding and innovative emerging researchers whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their fields and are recognized as leaders in their fields. The Chair will increase the research capacity and training opportunities at Lakehead University and will also add to the continuing development of research excellence in the Department of Physics within the University.

Candidates for the academic appointment and the CRC Tier 2 are also expected to demonstrate a strong record of service to the research community (e.g., service on peer review committees, advisory committees), a demonstrated record of working with and mentoring students, trainees, and research personnel. Evidence of excellence in teaching will be assessed through teaching accomplishments, a teaching dossier that can be submitted as part of the application (with required materials outlined below), as well as strong letters of reference. Nominees to the CRC Program will develop and implement a plan for establishing and maintaining a diverse team and an inclusive research and training environment that promotes co-creation with partners from all sectors (academic, public, private, not-for-profit and philanthropic), in order to increase research knowledge mobilization and translation for the benefit of all Canadians.

In addition, Lakehead University requires that applicants must have earned a PhD degree in Physics, or a related area. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing research strengths.

Compensation

The expected compensation range for this position is:

- Associate Professor: $120,496 – $170,496

Salary will be determined in accordance with the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) Collective Agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Tier 2 CRCs are for exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. Candidates for Tier 2 Chair positions must meet all the requirements for Tier 2 CRCs and be eligible for assistant or associate professor positions. Tier 2 CRCs normally are not more than 10 years from commencing their first independent academic research-related appointment at the time of submitting the nomination to the CRC Secretariat. However, Lakehead University may nominate a professor or a researcher who is more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment if the candidate has experienced career interruptions based on the categories outlined here . Lakehead University will seek CRC eligibility approval for shortlisted candidates only.

• be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated research creativity;
• have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years;
• as chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students, and future researchers; and
• be proposing an original, innovative research program in quantum technologies that is of the highest quality.

CRCs at Lakehead University are appointed and governed by the provisions of the Lakehead University Faculty Association Collective Agreement . For the duration of the CRC, the CRC will be given a reduced teaching load in order to dedicate the majority of their time to research, be provided with a start-up grant, CFI-JELF Infrastructure Grant, an annual research grant, and research space appropriate for the proposed CRC’s program of r