"Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Social Change (Professor or Associate Professor, Tenured)"

The Department of Digital Humanities in the Faculty of Humanities welcomes applications from world-leading scholars and scientists in Artificial Intelligence and Social Change for consideration as nominees to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) competition.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program represents a $1 billion investment over 12 years from the federal government to support institutions in attracting internationally renowned researchers currently living and residing outside Canada. Impact+ Chairs are awarded in strategic priority areas established by the Government of Canada to address pressing global and domestic challenges, strengthen Canada’s contribution to international research and innovation, and generate lasting social and economic benefits for Canada and the world. A core expectation is that Chairs and their research teams will build significant new partnerships and actively mobilize research outcomes into practice, policy, and commercialization pathways. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects while actively developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

Valued at either $8 million or $4 million over eight years, depending on the nature and costs of the proposed research program, the Impact+ program funds salaries, benefits, and research activities for Chairholders and their teams. A four-year funded extension, at 50% of the original award value, may be possible following an external review in Year 7 of the award. An additional investment of $400 million is allocated toward the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund to establish a complementary stream of research infrastructure support to ensure Chairholders have the world-class facilities they need to achieve their research goals.

The Impact+ Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Social Change is aligned with the federal strategic priority areas, which include responsible AI, democratic and community resilience, and humanities centred design. The research program will advance a global understanding of how AI technologies are designed, deployed, governed, and experienced in real-world social contexts. This research program may consider democratic institutions, public decision-making, civic participation, bias, accountability, surveillance and data sovereignty to contribute to the development of more inclusive and equitable AI practices.

The Impact+ recruitment process is multi-staged. Interested applicants must first apply to this institutional posting. The selected candidate will work closely with Brock University to co-develop and submit a full nomination package to the Impact+ competition along with an infrastructure request of up to $6M to the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program website.

Impact+ nominations are subject to review and final approval through the Impact+ program. Appointment to a tenured faculty position at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor is contingent upon the outcome of the Impact+ nomination.

About the Department
The Department of Digital Humanities (DDH) is home to scholarly approaches at the intersection of digital technology and the humanities. The DDH is home to two undergraduate degree programs. Interactive Arts and Digital Media (IADM) is a multi-disciplinary degree that prepares students to be developers, user interface developers, project managers, and content creators in the Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry. GAME is an award-winning, dual stream degree shared between the Department of Computer Science (COSC) and Niagara College. Students can pursue a BA in Game Design or a BSc in Game Programming, preparing our students to enter the game industry in large or small studios, while some graduates go on to open indie studios and other game related businesses. The DDH is also home to Canada’s only MA in Game Studies, preparing the next generation of industry leaders and shaping the future of the largest sector of the media industry.

The DDH is planning to launch one of Canada’s first undergraduate BA programs in Artificial Intelligence in the 2027 recruitment year.

Qualifications
We seek a dynamic researcher and educator who will significantly expand Brock’s disciplinary expertise and research capacity in the social and humanist implications of AI. The successful candidate will have an established record of research excellence, international recognition, and a proven ability to translate research findings into impactful solutions that address challenges related to AI and social change. As such, their work will bridge both the technical and social dimensions of AI, bringing well-rounded perspectives to the study of AI. With a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, creative applications of AI, and interdisciplinary research, the successful candidate will help position Brock University as a leader in AI Studies. Additionally, their expertise will enhance our ability to collaborate across departments, contributing to the growth of AI-related initiatives throughout the university.

Ideal applicants will be recognized international leaders in AI ethics, governance, and the cultural impact of AI in society, bringing a body of coherent research and associated methodologies to the Department of Digital Humanities and Brock University. While we place special emphasis on applied and collaborative research, we welcome a diverse range of methodological approaches and perspectives. In addition to traditional scholarly outputs such as peer-review publications, applicants are invited to demonstrate research excellence and impact through a track record of technology transfer and industry uptake for research outputs, and non-peer reviewed industry-focused publications.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate successful mentoring or a continuous commitment to mentoring and training undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and research technicians. The selected candidate must be eligible for appointment as Professor or to be promoted from Associate Professor to Professor within two years. Applicants from outside the academic sector must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. At Brock University, such appointments typically require a completed Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Only individuals working and residing outside Canada are eligible to apply.

What We Offer
Brock University offers competitive salary and benefits and ample support for research and sabbaticals. Research resources include conference support, start-up funding, subscriptions to major databases, and access to various research funding vehicles. Benefits associated with Impact+ Chair appointments include partial teaching release and start-up research funds. Relocation expenses will be administered according to the Faculty Association Collective Agreement.

The target hiring range for this position is between $140,000 and $175,000. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.

Application Process and Timeline
Interested applicants must first apply electronically through the Brock Careers website using the “Apply” button. A single PDF document containing all application elements is preferred. (Note: File maximum of 5MB per attachment upload.) If needed, supplemental application information beyond the 5 MB limit can be sent to Michèle Black, mblack@brocku.ca.

Application elements include:
1. A letter of interest (suggested 2 pages) outlining: your qualifications for a successful Impact+ nomination; alignment of your profile and expertise with this Impact+ position; and definition that you hold for research excellence.
2. A description of your program of research (suggested 3 pages), including: your short- and long-term vision for your future research program as an Impact+ Research Chair at Brock; novel opportunities for training students and scholars across research contexts; alignment with the Impact+ strategic priorities; the novelty and significance of the proposed work; prospective partners; and the potential for the Chair to enhance your scholarly leadership.
3. An updated curriculum vitae.
4. A statement of mentorship philosophy, teaching philosophy, interests related to departmental programs, and strategies to support diverse students (suggested 2 pages).
5. A statement of strengths and experiences in supporting equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous engagement (suggested 2 pages).
6. The names and contact information of three referees.

The closing date for the position is March 26, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The last business day to apply is March 25, 2026.

For questions about Brock’s Impact+ process, please contact Samantha MacLean (smaclean@brocku.ca).

Inquiries should be directed to the Chair of the Department of Digital Humanities. Please contact Dr. Aaron Mauro at amauro@brocku.ca.