"Associate or Full Professor in Microbial Diversity and Functions"

Vibrant, multidisciplinary and innovative, the Faculty of Arts and Science is one of Université de Montréal’s largest faculties. Through its 28 departments, schools, centres and one institute, it offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, some of which are unique in Quebec. It is also home to some 30 interdisciplinary research centres and groups. Every day, its 650 faculty members are helping shape a better tomorrow by advancing knowledge and encouraging the convergence of perspectives.

The Department of Biological Sciences is composed of experts working in a multidisciplinary context to understand all facets of life, whether animal, plant, or microbial, from molecules to ecosystems, and to promote a sustainable environment for future generations.

As part of the 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) Program competition, the Department of Biological Sciences is recruiting a professor at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to advance research and teaching in microbial diversity and functions. This position is contingent on the candidate’s success in obtaining a CERC chair in this competition.

The CERC program supports two chair categories, with maximum values of either $1,000,000 or $500,000 per year. The chair offered under this call will have a value of $500,000 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 March 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 a Canada Excellence Research Chair, you will:

• Leverage your world-class leadership in microbial diversity in alignment with the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities, with the potential to generate positive social and economic benefits for Canadians;
• Actively foster co-creation of research projects and initiatives with partners from all sectors (academic, public, private, and non-profit) to increase the application of research outcomes in microbial diversity and functions, for the benefit of society at large. You will also facilitate the mobilization and application of the Chair’s research results in diverse ways to 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;
• Supervise master’s and doctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows in the completion of theses and dissertations;
• Lead major interfaculty projects with national and international reach;
• Contribute actively to the academic and scientific life of the Department and the Faculty.

Qualifications

• Be eligible for the CERC Program and apply to the 2026 CERC competition;
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, microbiology, microbial genetics). This requirement is set by the Université de Montréal; not by the CERC program;
• Demonstrate outstanding expertise and international recognition as a leader in microbial diversity and functions;
• 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 social and economic benefits for Canada and beyond;
• Demonstrate the ability to provide interdisciplinary teaching;
• Have the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary context, in complementarity with faculty members;
• 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: as of June 1, 2026
• Located at the MIL Campus

How to submit your application

Submit your application through our online recruitment system during the posting period, from October 10 to November 15, 2025, inclusively. Your application must include the following documents:

• 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 information for three referees who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation;
• Important: the research program proposal should cover 8 years (suggested length: 4 pages).

Contact information

Annie Angers, Chair

Department of Biological Sciences, FAS

direction@biol.umontreal.ca

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