"Canada Impact+ Research Chair (CIRC) in AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions (AI-MIRAR)"

Closing Date: March 27, 2026, or until filled
Expected Start Date of Appointment: September 2026

The Department of Civil Engineering at Memorial University invites applications for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (CIRC) competition targeting AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions (AI-MIRAR). CIRCs will be appointed for a period of eight years in values of either $8 million ($1 million per year) or $4 million ($500,000 per year), with the possibility of a 4-year extension at 50% of the original award value, determined by an external review in Year 7 of the award. The awardee may also request an additional $100,000 per year over six years to recruit an Early Career Researcher (ECR) and to apply for research infrastructure funding.

The CIRC program is a one-time-only initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, designed to recruit top-tier international researchers with expertise in key areas addressing critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. The eight CIRC-identified strategic priority areas include: Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum 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; and Defense and dual-use technologies. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the application deadline are eligible to apply.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s geographic position as a gateway to the Arctic presents Memorial University with a unique opportunity to lead research on Arctic maritime infrastructure. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Department of Civil Engineering have established expertise and facilities in ocean technology, offshore engineering, and sustainable infrastructure, combined with emerging capabilities in advanced digital technologies, creating an ideal environment for the successful candidate to develop the AI-MIRAR research program. The successful CIRC candidate will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor, with the opportunity to apply for promotion to Full Professor within 2 years of the appointment’s start date. The salary for the position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) Collective Agreement.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an established, internationally recognized research leader whose scholarship has made a significant impact in the field. They will have primary responsibility for directing the research program and all related activities, and will be expected to develop and implement a plan for an inclusive research environment that fosters equity, accessibility and diverse participation at all levels.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD^* in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline;
• A demonstrated record of world-class research excellence in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in structural mechanics, computational methods for modelling damage, fracture and fatigue, wave forces and fluid-structure interaction, advanced materials, which can advance the knowledge on offshore and harsh environment infrastructure integrity and resilience in Arctic regions, or related areas;
• Evidence of sustained high-impact contributions, publications in leading journals, and success in securing external research funding;
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism (EDI-AR) in research, teaching, and mentorship;
• Experience mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees, and research personnel; and
• A record of service to the academic and professional communities through leadership and engagement.

^*This is a requirement of Memorial University, not the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program.

How to Apply
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition involves a two-stage process as outlined below.

Stage 1

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file, with the subject heading: CIRC applicant_NAME, and quoting the reference number: F99716-2026-12. The application should include the following information, and be provided in the order listed below:

1. A cover letter, including a vision for the CIRC on AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions
2. An up-to-date Curriculum vitae;
3. A statement of research interests and a proposed research plan/program (maximum three pages);
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and experience (maximum one page); and
5. Names and contact information of three referees who can provide letters of reference if short-listed.

Application packages should be submitted through this portal: (CLICK HERE TO APPLY ), as soon as possible but no later than (March 27, 2026). The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.