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Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program - Associate or Full Professor

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McGill University

845 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada

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Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program - Associate or Full Professor

Associate or Full Professor

June 15, 2026

Location

Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada

McGill University

Type

Tenure-track

Salary

$4M or $8M over 8 years (Impact+ award)

Visa Sponsorship

Teaching Load

Undergraduate and graduate courses

Required Qualifications

PhD required
Internationally based outside Canada
Outstanding research track record
International leadership
Full/Associate Professor level equivalent

Research Areas

Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
Health including biotechnology
Clean technology and resource value chains
Environment climate resilience Arctic
Food and water security
Democratic and community resilience
Manufacturing and advanced materials
Defence and dual-use technologies
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Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program - Associate or Full Professor

Program Description

McGill University invites applications for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program, open to the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) Program is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Research Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel in the following priority areas:

  • Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, 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
  • Defence and dual-use technologies.

The Impact+ award is valued at $4 million or $8 million, over a period of 8 years, with a possibility for a four-year funded extension, at 50% of the original award value. The two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aim to be inclusive of all areas of research.

Impact+ candidates must have a recent track record of research accomplishments and significant interest in making new contributions to Canada. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the time of the first Impact+ Program intake application deadline are eligible to apply. Successful Impact+ candidates will be appointed to a tenure-track position at the rank of Full Professor, or as an Associate Professor with a promotion to Full Professor within two years of starting their appointment in the academic unit(s) that best fits their area of academic interest and expertise. This may include an appointment at McGill-affiliated health centres. Successful candidates will be expected to start their position within 12 months of accepting the award.


Job Duties

Successful candidates will be responsible for leading an innovative, transformative and world-leading research program within their selected strategic priority area; creating and maintaining an inclusive, collaborative environment; recruiting, teaching, and mentoring a diverse team of researchers and trainees; overseeing all aspects of the research program, including team leadership, governance, and administration; elaborating and delivering a knowledge mobilization plan, and actively contributing to service within the academic community. The candidate’s research should align with the objectives of the Impact+ Program.

Successful candidates are expected to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, develop courses at all levels in their areas of specialization, supervise and mentor graduate students, and contribute to the intellectual life of the University. This role requires both visionary research leadership and a commitment to fostering excellence and diversity in academic settings.


Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the Impact+ Program application deadline for each intake are eligible.
  • Candidates should demonstrate a recent track record of outstanding research and recognized international leadership in their discipline.
  • Candidates must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels.
  • Candidates will be appointed to a tenure-track position at the rank of Full Professor, or as an Associate Professor with a promotion to Full Professor within two years of starting their appointment.
  • A PhD is required by McGill University for appointment to a tenure-track position; however, this is not a requirement of the Impact+ Program itself.


Candidates should review the eligibility and selection criteria for the Impact+ Program prior to applying.

Canadians living abroad wishing to relocate to Canada are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Workday, McGill’s HR management, using the links below.

If a candidate's research spans multiple strategic priority areas, they are encouraged to submit a single application and clearly articulate how their work aligns within the various relevant areas.

Use a personal email address when creating an account in Workday. Refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.


Apply Now

  1. Advanced Digital Technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity)
  2. Health, including biotechnology
  3. Clean technology and resource value chains
  4. Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic
  5. Food and water security
  6. Democratic and community resilience
  7. Manufacturing and advanced materials
  8. Defence and dual-use technologies


Required Documents

The application package should include the following documents and must be merged into one single .pdf file not exceeding 5 MB.

  • Cover letter indicating the strategic priority area(s) and the preferred Faculty/Department
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Statement of research (current, future, alignment with the chosen priority area, and potential for knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results) (max. 2 pages)
  • Research infrastructure needs: laboratory space, equipment (max. 1 page)
  • Teaching statement and dossier (max. 1 page)
  • Contact information for three references


Job Details

  • Job Type: Tenure-track
  • Rank: Associate Professor or Full Professor
  • Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  • Posting Period
  • Review of applications will begin on Monday, January 26th, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries from potential candidates are welcome and will be treated in strict confidence. Correspondence can be directed to Heather Purdie (heather.purdie@mcgill.ca). 

More information about the Impact+ Program

Commitment to Equity and Diversity

Please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located. McGill University offers immigration and relocation support for selected candidates.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, Catherine Roy accessibilityrequest.hr [at] mcgill.ca.

Posting date: Friday, December 19th, 2025

Closing date: Monday, June 15th, 2026

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McGill University Seeks World-Leading Researchers for Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program

Strategic Opportunities in Canada's Premier Research Initiative

Discovering the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program represents a bold step by the Government of Canada to bolster the nation's research ecosystem. Launched as a one-time, $1.7 billion initiative, it aims to recruit approximately 100 world-leading researchers from around the globe to Canadian universities. Unlike traditional funding streams, this program emphasizes transformative projects with tangible economic, societal, and health benefits. Institutions like McGill University are at the forefront, actively seeking top talent to fill these prestigious positions at the associate or full professor level.

This effort addresses a critical need in higher education: attracting international expertise amid global competition for research leaders. By providing substantial long-term funding—either $4 million or $8 million over eight years—the program enables chairholders to build large-scale teams, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and drive innovations that align with Canada's strategic priorities. For aspiring researchers outside Canada, this opens doors to unparalleled support and resources in one of the world's most vibrant academic environments.

McGill University's Ambitious Recruitment Drive

McGill University, renowned for its research excellence and Montreal's dynamic academic scene, is leveraging the Impact+ program to secure chairs across eight key areas. As a top-tier institution, McGill offers not just funding but also tenure-track appointments, relocation assistance, and integration into cutting-edge facilities, including affiliated health centers. Applications are open to internationally based candidates, including Canadians living abroad, with reviews beginning January 26, 2026, and continuing until positions are filled or June 15, 2026.

The process starts with direct inquiries to Heather Purdie at heather.purdie@mcgill.ca, followed by formal submissions via McGill's Workday system. Successful nominees will be appointed as full professors or associate professors with a fast-track promotion to full within two years. This structure ensures stability while encouraging bold research agendas.

Researchers collaborating in a modern lab at McGill University

Strategic Priority Areas: A Roadmap for Impact

The program's strength lies in its focus on eight interconnected strategic priority areas, designed to tackle pressing global challenges. McGill is recruiting for all of them, allowing researchers to propose projects that span disciplines. Here's a breakdown:

  • Advanced Digital Technologies (AI, Quantum, Cybersecurity): Pioneering secure AI systems and quantum computing applications to safeguard data and accelerate computation.
  • Health, Including Biotechnology: Developing next-generation therapies and biotech solutions for pandemics and chronic diseases.
  • Clean Technology and Resource Value Chains: Innovating sustainable extraction and processing methods to reduce environmental footprints.
  • Environment, Climate Resilience, and the Arctic: Engineering resilient ecosystems and adaptation strategies for changing climates.
  • Food and Water Security: Creating resilient agriculture and purification technologies to feed growing populations.
  • Democratic and Community Resilience: Strengthening social fabrics through policy-informed research on inclusion and governance.
  • Manufacturing and Advanced Materials: Revolutionizing production with smart materials and automation.
  • Defence and Dual-Use Technologies: Advancing secure communications and protective innovations with civilian applications.

These areas reflect Canada's Pan-Canadian Innovation Agenda, prioritizing real-world translation over pure theory.

Funding and Support: Building for the Long Term

Each Impact+ Chair receives either $500,000 or $1 million annually for eight years, covering salaries, team hires, equipment, and partnerships. A potential four-year renewal at 50% value ensures sustained momentum. Institutions match this with infrastructure via the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. For McGill applicants, this means access to state-of-the-art labs and cross-sector networks, amplifying research reach.

Award TierFunding Over 8 YearsAnnual AmountRenewal Option
Tier 1$8 million$1 million4 years at $500k/year
Tier 2$4 million$500,0004 years at $250k/year

This generous package positions Impact+ Chairs above standard Canada Research Chairs, which offer $200,000 annually for seven years.

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Eligibility and What Makes a Strong Candidate

Candidates must reside and work outside Canada at application, holding associate or full professor rank—or equivalent industry/government experience. A PhD is required for McGill's tenure-track roles. Selection hinges on proven international leadership, high-impact publications, patents, and evidence of translating research into applications, such as startups or policy changes.

Step-by-step application:

  1. Initial Contact: Email Heather Purdie with CV, research vision, and priority area fit.
  2. Nomination Prep: Develop a proposal outlining transformative potential and Canadian benefits.
  3. Formal Submission: Via Workday, including references and impact metrics.
  4. Review and Nomination: McGill nominates to federal agencies; multidisciplinary committee evaluates.
  5. Start-Up: Within 12 months, with full institutional onboarding.

McGill emphasizes team-building prowess and cross-sector engagement, ideal for researchers with global collaborations.

McGill's Research Ecosystem: A Perfect Fit

McGill's strengths align seamlessly with Impact+ goals. Ranked among the world's top 30 universities, it boasts over $600 million in annual research funding, interdisciplinary hubs like the McGill AI Institute, and proximity to Montreal's innovation corridor. Chairholders join a community driving breakthroughs in biomedicine, sustainability, and digital ethics. For instance, McGill's ARCTIC research initiative previews climate resilience work.

The university's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion ensures diverse teams, enhancing innovation. Relocation support eases the transition for international hires.

Infographic of Canada's strategic research priority areas

Broad Impacts on Canadian Higher Education

Beyond individual chairs, the program revitalizes Canada's talent pool. By targeting abroad-based experts, it counters brain drain and injects fresh perspectives. Early buzz on platforms like X highlights strong interest, with institutions reporting hundreds of inquiries. For higher education, this means elevated global rankings, increased grant success, and economic spillovers—each chair could generate millions in follow-on funding and spin-offs.

Stakeholder views vary: Universities praise the scale, while critics note the one-time nature risks short-termism. Yet, precedents like Canada Research Chairs show lasting legacies, with alumni leading national labs.

Explore full details on the McGill Impact+ page or the official government site.

Comparing to Existing Programs

The Impact+ initiative builds on the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program but amps up ambition. CRC Tier 1/2 provide $200k/$100k yearly for 7/5 years, focusing on excellence. Impact+ prioritizes impact and scale, with higher funding and international focus. No early-career track here—it's for established leaders. This differentiation fills a gap, positioning Canada competitively against U.S. endowments or European ERC grants.

Related image

Application Tips from Experts

To stand out:

  • Tailor visions to multiple priorities for broader appeal.
  • Quantify past impacts: citations, funding secured, industry partners.
  • Highlight team leadership and Canadian synergies.
  • Prepare for virtual interviews emphasizing knowledge mobilization.

With deadlines approaching, proactive outreach to McGill is key. Recent X trends show excitement around AI and climate chairs.

Future Outlook: Transforming Canadian Research

As Intake 1 closes in March 2026, expect announcements by mid-year, sparking a wave of relocations. Long-term, Impact+ could catalyze clusters in Montreal, Vancouver, and beyond, boosting GDP through tech transfers. For higher education, it reaffirms Canada's appeal, drawing talent amid geopolitical shifts. Researchers eyeing associate or full professor roles should view this as a career pinnacle with national significance.

Check the original posting for more: AcademicJobs.com listing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🔬What is the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program?

A $1.7B Government of Canada initiative to recruit 100 world-leading researchers from abroad, funding transformative projects in strategic areas with $4M or $8M over 8 years.

📋Which areas is McGill recruiting for?

Eight priorities: advanced digital tech (AI/quantum), health/biotech, clean tech, environment/Arctic, food/water security, democratic resilience, manufacturing materials, defence tech. See McGill's site.

Who qualifies for McGill's Impact+ Chairs?

Internationally based associate/full professors or equivalents, with proven leadership and impact. Canadians abroad welcome. PhD required.

📧How to apply to McGill positions?

Contact Heather Purdie first, then submit via Workday. Reviews from Jan 26, 2026.

💰What funding and benefits are offered?

$500k-$1M/year for 8 years, renewal possible. Tenure-track, relocation support, McGill ecosystem access.

⚖️How does Impact+ differ from Canada Research Chairs?

Higher funding, international focus, impact emphasis, one-time program vs. ongoing CRC.

What is the timeline for 2026 competition?

Intake 1 registration March 10, apps March 24. McGill closes June 15. Starts within 12 months.

🔗Can projects span multiple areas?

Yes, proposals aligning with several priorities are encouraged for broader impact.

🏛️What support does McGill provide?

Labs, teams, partnerships, EDI commitment, Montreal's innovation hub.

🌟Why choose McGill for Impact+ research?

Top global ranking, $600M+ research funding, interdisciplinary strength matching priorities.

🏗️Are there infrastructure funds too?

Yes, via CFI's Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund for recruited chairs.