Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Muscle Mechanics

including eligibility criteria.

Applicants must have a PhD in Kinesiology (or a related area). The successful candidate will be an emerging world-class researcher with an original and innovative program of high-quality research, supported by a strong record of external funding (including Tri-Council funding or equivalent), with a focus on muscle mechanics. Muscle mechanics includes research related to striated (skeletal and cardiac) muscle properties, mechanisms of contraction, and striated muscle injury and disease. Ideally, the successful candidate will also have expertise in one or more of the following: Single myofibril and sarcomere preparations, antibody labeling of structural proteins inside living muscle preparations, and a variety of imaging procedures, including high resolution cryo-electron tomography and small angle x-ray diffraction.

Alignment with the transdisciplinary focus of UCalgary is required, including alignment with the Health & Life focus area of the Institutes of Transdisciplinary Scholarship, the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, and strategic initiatives such as One Child, Every Child and One Health. Furthermore, we anticipate the successful candidate will become affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Kinesiology or related area.
• Research specialization in muscle mechanics is required, which includes research related to striated (skeletal and cardiac) muscle properties, mechanisms of contraction, and striated muscle injury and disease.
• Expertise in one or more of the following is preferred: Single myofibril and sarcomere preparations, antibody labeling of structural proteins inside living muscle preparations, and a variety of imaging procedures, including high resolution cryo-electron tomography and small angle x-ray diffraction.
• A strong record of external research funding, including Tri-Council funding (or equivalent) as a Principal/co-Principal investigator.
• An exemplary record of research achievements reflecting status as an emerging world-class researcher, with the potential to achieve international recognition in their field over the next five to ten years.
• Potential to attract, develop, and retain excellent trainees, students, and future researchers.
• Alignment with the Joan Snyder Fund for Excellence in Kinesiology Research (https://ucalgary.ca/news/30m-legacy-gift-elevate-north-americas-no-1-school-sport-science-research).
• Alignment with the University of Calgary's strategic plan (Ahead of Tomorrow (https://www.ucalgary.ca/about/ahead-of-tomorrow)) and the Faculty of Kinesiology's strategic plan (Together, Stronger: A Framework for Excellence Through Collaboration (https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/Faculty of Kinesiology Strategic Plan 2024-29.pdf)).

In accordance with the Canada Research Chairs program, Tier II Chairs are intended for exceptional scholars who are within 10 years of holding their first independent academic research-related appointment. An independent academic research-related appointment is a university faculty appointment that engages in research that is not under the direction of another individual and authorizes the researcher to supervise or co-supervise students and/or postdoctoral fellows.

Candidates who exceed the 10-year eligibility window but have experienced eligible career interruptions, including maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, or other recognized delays, may have their eligibility assessed through the program's Tier 2 justification process. Research interruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as laboratory or institutional closures, are recognized as eligible delays and may be credited at twice the amount of time beginning March 1, 2020. For further information, contact crc@ucalgary.ca or consult the Canada Research Chairs Program (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx) website.

The University of Calgary adheres to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and strives to evaluate research impact responsibly and inclusively by explicitly considering discipline-appropriate methods for demonstrating the quality, significance, and societal impact of a broad range of research contributions.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the 'Apply Now' link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

• Cover letter, including the name and contact information of three referees, and curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (up to 2 pages)
• Statement of teaching and trainee supervision philosophy (up to 2 pages).
• Statement of EDIA experience, contribution, and leadership plan (up to 2 pages)

Application Closing Date: November 6, 2026

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of, career interruptions when assessing the candidate's research productivity.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy (https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous-strategy/) ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (https://www.ucalgary.ca/provost/strategic-initiatives/office-institutional-commitments https://www.ucalgary.ca/equity-diversity-inclusion oicteam@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

The terms and conditions of this appointment, including salary, are governed by the collective agreement between the Faculty Association of the University of Calgary and the Governors of the University of Calgary. Detailed information is available here (https://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/work-compensation/collective-agreements-and-handbooks/tucfa-collective-agreement).

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website (http://careers.ucalgary.ca/pages/academic-careers). For more information about the Faculty of Kinesiology, click here (https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/).

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups (https://ucalgary.ca/news/ucalgary-top-startup-creator-amongst-research-institutions-canada). Start something (https://www.ucalgary.ca/startsomething) today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.

Posting Date: October 1, 2026
Date: November 6, 2026