"Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Educational Technology and Digital Learning"

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Athabasca University (AU) invites applications from exceptional emerging scholars with demonstrated potential for leadership and international recognition in the field of Educational Technology and Digital Learning to be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointment.

The successful candidate will receive a full-time tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor within FHSS, commencing July 1, 2026 (or as negotiated). The successful candidate will be supported by AU to prepare a nomination for the October 2026 CRC Program deadline. Tier 2 CRC appointments are tenable for five years and renewable once.

The SSHRC Canada Research Chair is centred on exploring cutting-edge advancements in gen-AI in education with the aim of transforming open, digital and distance education. With demonstrated research interests in inclusive digital pedagogies, adaptive learning systems, and AI ethics, the Chair could investigate how emerging technologies can enhance accessibility, individualization, connection and equity in education. Their research may address key challenges related to AI in education which could be pedagogical, political, sociological, ethical, technological, or in combination in nature. By partnering with educators, policymakers, and technologists, the Chair may develop innovative frameworks for responsible edtech integration, positioning Athabasca University as a global leader in the future of digital learning.

The ideal candidate’s specific area of scholarship may include one or more of the following topics: reimagining teaching and learning paradigms in an AI-augmented era, including micro-credentialing systems, human-AI collaboration models, or policies for sustainable open education. It may also include examining how emerging technologies (XR, blockchain for credentials, OER platforms) can reduce barriers for underserved learners, including Indigenous communities, rural populations, and students with disabilities. Their research may focus on critiquing digital divides and co-design inclusive solutions with equity-deserving groups.

This CRC will significantly advance AU’s strategic research priorities, by aligning with its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and digital transformation in learning. By generating high-impact scholarship, securing external funding, and collaborating across disciplines, the Chair will amplify AU’s reputation as a global leader in open and technology-enhanced education. Their work will directly support the university’s research culture while addressing pressing challenges in digital learning.

A central responsibility of the Chair will be to provide leadership in training and mentorship of graduate students and postdocs, fostering their research capacity, and cultivating the next generation of scholars in the field. The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies at AU offers graduate programs that align with a Chair in edtech and digital learning, including the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS), Doctor of Education (EdD) in Distance Education, and Master of Education (MEd) in Distance Education. These programs provide a strong foundation for attracting and training researchers in edtech, digital equity, and emerging learning technologies.

AU offers a robust ecosystem to ensure the success of the CRC in Educational Technology and Digital Learning. The Chair will leverage AU’s Centre for Research in Distance and Online Learning (CRDOL), Technology-Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute (TEKRI), and Digital Education Research Lab (DERL), which provide access to cutting-edge edtech tools, learning analytics platforms, and open educational resources (OER) repositories. Existing collaborations with UNESCO, Commonwealth of Learning, Canadian edtech firms, and Indigenous education networks will facilitate applied research and funding opportunities. The Chair will benefit from AU’s interdisciplinary faculty expertise in distance education, critical digital pedagogy, and AI ethics, fostering mentorship and co-publication opportunities. AU’s Office of Research Services will provide grant-writing assistance and other administrative supports.

CRC Eligibility Criteria

The Canada Research Chair Program seeks to attract and retain a diverse cadre of world-class researchers... (full criteria as in text)

Qualifications

• Athabasca University requires candidates to have a PhD or a Doctorate in Distance Education in the advertised area or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated potential for innovative and scholarly research and the ability to develop an externally-funded, high-quality, and internationally recognized research program.
• Demonstrated potential for outstanding teaching and supervisory contributions.
• Ability to foster and role-model a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive approach to research and supervision, including engaging in mentorship within and beyond the immediate activities of the Chair.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or neither.

This role requires residency in Alberta, Canada. The successful candidate will be required to attend face-to-face faculty meetings and AU gatherings. Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following in one single PDF file: (list as in text)

The closing date for the opportunity is May 15, 2026.

If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Lauren Wright (lwright@kbrs.ca) or Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17593395265530000008Nbg. Alternatively, applications can be emailed directly as one PDF to Lauren Wright at lwright@kbrs.ca.