Associate or Full Professor - Canada Impact+ Research Chair in RNA Biology (Cancer Progression and Age-Related Cellular Aging)

Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the world’s leading French-language medical faculties. In both teaching and research, its mission is to actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge and mastery of skills needed to improve healthcare.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Université de Montréal stands out for its cutting-edge programs on a wide range of topics in biochemistry, structural biology and bioinformatics. With 32 faculty members and over 200 graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, research programs are conducted around five major themes focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of life in health and disease.

Several research centres and institutes (IRIC, Institut Courtois d’innovation biomédicale, and IRCM) in the greater Montreal area are affiliated with or associated with the Faculty of Medicine at the Université de Montréal. As a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, you will be expected to develop your research program within one of these centres.

As part of the 2026 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program competition, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is recruiting a professor at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to advance research and teaching in RNA biology, focused on cancer progression and age-related cellular aging processes.

The program awards Chairs of two award values: $8 million over eight years ($1 million per year); or $4 million over eight years ($500,000 per year). The chair offered under this call will have a value of $1 million per year for a duration of eight years. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate in preparing the application, leading up to its submission in June 2026.

Day-to-day responsibilities
Through your undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and your research activities, you will contribute to the faculty’s pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, you will promote your discipline and actively participate in the daily activities of a renowned institution. As a Professor and holder of an Impact+ Canada Research Chair, you will:

• Leverage your world-class leadership in the field of cancer molecular biology in alignment with the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities, with the potential to generate positive social, economic and health benefits for Canadians;
• Develop an independent, innovative, and internationally competitive research program in molecular oncology, focused on RNA regulation in cancer and cellular processes related to aging. Priority will be given to research programs using models such as patient-derived organoids and xenografts in genetically modified mice, and exploring RNA-based precision medicine approaches;
• Actively foster co-creation of research projects and initiatives with partners from all sectors (academic, public, private, and non-profit) to enhance the translation and application of research outcomes in cancer and other diseases for the benefit of society at large. The successful candidate will also facilitate the mobilization and deployment of the Chair’s research results through diverse mechanisms to promote the health of Canadians and stimulate economic growth and social innovation;
• Have the opportunity to apply for infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI);
• Teach at all levels of study in biochemistry, RNA biology and cancer biology;
• Contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to the training and mentoring of Master’s and Doctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows in the completion of theses and dissertations;
• Actively participate in promoting the discipline through conferences, publications, and scientific activities related to your area of expertise;
• Lead major interdepartmental and interfaculty research initiatives with national and international scope;
• Contribute to the functioning of the institution through active participation in Departmental, Faculty, and/or University committees, as well as committees within your research centre;
• Contribute actively to the academic and scientific life of the Department, the Faculty and your research centre.

Qualifications

• Be eligible for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program and apply to the 2026 competition;
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., biochemistry or molecular biology). This requirement is set by the Université de Montréal; not by the Canada impact+ Research Chairs program;
• Have proven expertise and a strong track record in the field of RNA biology and alternative splicing, particularly in the use of molecular tools such as CRISPR or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to modulate RNA isoforms, as well as experience with relevant experimental models such as 3D cell cultures and patient-derived xenografts;
• Demonstrate leading expertise and international recognition in the fields of RNA biology and its implications in cancer and aging, particularly through the identification of pathogenic isoforms to support the development of RNA-targeted precision medicine approaches;
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to collaborative research with experts in bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, and with clinicians across the network of hospitals affiliated with the Université de Montréal;
• Have an international profile in the field and show strong leadership in major international networks;
• Be able to lead ambitious, productive research teams;
• Possess the qualities required to conduct research that mobilizes and applies knowledge to deliver positive health, social and economic benefits for Canada and beyond;
• Have experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Have experience supervising undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral trainees as well as research associates and other highly qualified personnel;
• Demonstrate excellent research productivity and a strong track record of research funding from recognized organizations;
• Demonstrate interest and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team (e.g., biochemists, cancer biologists, bioinformaticians and clinicians);
• Have adequate proficiency of the French language or be committed to learning it once hired, through the Université de Montréal’s French language support program, in accordance with the Université de Montréal language policy.

Additional information about the position

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits;
• Expected start date: November 1st, 2026;
• Located at the Montreal campus.

Link to submit your application: https://www.umontreal.ca/carrieres/professeurs/

PDF Posting

How to submit your application
The application file presented must include the following documents, to be submitted during the posting period, from March 26, 2026 to April 25, 2026, inclusively:

• A cover letter;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Copies of, or links to, three recent publications or research papers;
• A statement outlining your teaching and mentoring experience and approach;
• A research program proposal;
• Contact details of three referees who will be solicited for a letter of recommendation;
• Important: the research program proposal should cover 8 years (suggested length: 4 pages).

Contact information
Pascale Legault, Chair
Faculty of Medicine/Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
direction@bcm.umontreal.ca