"Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Extended Reality (XR)"

The Faculty of Computer Science and Technology at Algoma University invites applications for nomination to the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) Program under the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priority area of Extended Reality (XR). This prestigious appointment will advance Canada’s global leadership in immersive technologies, focusing on transformative research in XR that integrates cutting-edge hardware, software, and human-centered design and leverage the advancements in AI. The Faculty of Computer Science and Technology (FCST) is a rapidly expanding unit recognized for its strengths in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Software Engineering, and Extended Reality (XR). The faculty, together with Algoma National Centre of Excellence in Immersive Technologies, supports interdisciplinary research and industrial partnerships in immersive media, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, and human-computer interaction.

The CERC program offers eligible Canadian, degree-granting institutions an opportunity to establish research chairs with award values of $1 million per year or $500 thousand per year for eight years in areas that align with the priority areas to support world renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities, with the goal to support groundbreaking research programs, build critical mass in strategic science and technology areas, and deliver lasting social and economic benefits for Canadians.

CERC nominations are only available to individuals who are not currently appointed as Algoma University Faculty. Successful nominees must be eligible for appointment as full professors. Associate professors may be appointed with the expectation that they will be promoted to full professors within one to two years of the nomination. Candidates not currently in academic positions must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these ranks.

Researchers who hold a full-time academic appointment at a Canadian institution are eligible to be nominated; however, they may not be nominated by the institution at which they currently hold their appointment. If an institution nominates a researcher who is currently at a Canadian institution, the institution must demonstrate the net benefit to the country in moving the researcher from one Canadian institution to another. Please consult the Canada Excellence Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria.

Algoma University CERC Research Focus: Extended Reality (XR)
We seek to hire a renowned expert in Extended Reality (XR). The successful candidate will lead a world-class research program in XR, contribute to building research capacity within the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration across Algoma and its industry and academic partners. The Chair will also play a key role in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, attracting research funding, and enhancing Algoma’s global research profile in immersive technologies.

The successful candidate will develop a world-leading research program in Extended Reality (XR), with an emphasis on at least one of the following:

• Extended, Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (XR/VR/AR/MR) – development of novel immersive systems, environments, and applications.
• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Immersive User Experience Design – investigating human perception, interaction, and engagement within immersive spaces.
• Immersive Learning, Simulation, and Training Environments – designing XR solutions for education, skills development, and workforce training.
• XR for Health, Education, and Cultural Heritage – applying immersive technologies to support healthcare delivery, cultural preservation, and inclusive learning.
• XR Content Creation and Real-Time 3D Rendering – advancing tools, engines, and pipelines for generating dynamic and realistic immersive content.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for XR – enabling adaptive, intelligent, and context-aware XR experiences.
• Next-Generation XR Infrastructure and Devices – innovating in hardware design, networking, and distributed XR architectures.

This Chair will collaborate closely with Algoma University’s National Centre of Excellence in Immersive Technologies, fostering interdisciplinary research and partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to advance Canada’s leadership in XR innovation and application.

Qualifications

• Hold a Phd in Computer Science or closely related discipline (This is a requirement of the OPSEU Local 685 Full-time Faculty Collective Agreement at Algoma University. )
• Be an established full professor, or an associate professor expected to advance to full professor within 1–2 years.
• Demonstrate a record of outstanding research contributions, including high-impact publications, mentorship, and external research funding.
• Show a proven ability to lead large interdisciplinary teams and foster collaborations with academia, industry, and government.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in research, mentorship, and recruitment.

Application Process:The CERC recruitment process consists of two stages. First, candidates apply to an open job posting at Algoma University. The successful candidate will then work with Algoma University to co-develop an application for the federal funding program. Appointment to a CERC university position is contingent upon receiving a CERC award. CERC awardees must begin their appointment within 12 months of accepting the award. The term is for eight years, after which other funding sources may be leveraged to facilitate a permanent position within our faculty.

Application Packages shall contain the following:

1. Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and alignment with the CERC position in the priority area of Extended Reality (XR).(2 pages)
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) if applicable, we encourage applicants to explain any career interruptions that might have affected research productivity
3. Research and Training Vision Statement that details the short (1-2 years) and long-term (5+ years) research vision for elevating Algoma’s existing strengths, and for pioneering new directions in Extended Reality via the CERC position. The statement should highlight why the applicant is competitive for this position based on the profile criteria mentioned above. (3 pages)
4. Teaching statement, outlining the candidate’s teaching philosophy, approach and methods, and how they will apply as a CERC at Algoma. (2 pages)
5. Indigenization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (I-EDI) Statement- that describes the applicant’s philosophy and strategies for incorporating I-EDI considerations into research design, team building, teaching, and mentorship activities. It should explain how the applicant provides equitable opportunities for collaborators and students from diverse backgrounds and how they foster a welcoming and inclusive environment and aligns with Algoma’s Special Mission. (2-3 pages)
6. Sample research publications
7. Full Contact information of three referees, who are established authorities in the field, who are not in a conflict of interest.

Note: Application materials should be submitted as a single combined PDF file, with a file name that identifies the applicant.

The Canada Excellence Research Chair program requires institutions to collect self-identification data from all applicants, in accordance with best practices. As part of Algoma’s efforts to fulfill our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity, all applicants will be required to submit a brief online survey as part of the application process. While completion and submission of the survey is mandatory, applicants may decline to answer any of the questions. Applicant self-identification information is confidential, and access is limited and restricted to designated individuals.

Candidates shall address their application to: Dr. Simon Xu, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology. All applications must be submitted electronically through this link.

Applications received by 4:00 pm EST January 30, 2026 will be assured of consideration, though the posting remains open until the position is filled. Any questions may be sent to faculty.relations@algomau.ca