"Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) positions"

Posted: 21 January 2026

Deadline to apply: 21 February 2026

Located in downtown Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) invites applications from internationally renowned scholars and researchers for nomination for a total of two (2) Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) positions across the Institution in the following areas related to the Government of Canada’s strategic priorities:

• Advanced digital technologies (including 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; and,
• Defence and dual-use technologies.

Specifically, the University welcomes applications from candidates in the following areas of scholarly research and/or creative activities:

• Advanced Aerospace Manufacturing or Space Systems
• Advanced Digital Transformation
• Biological and Chemical Interactions of the Environment and/or Human Health
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Disinformation, AI, and Public Trust
• Governance and Design of Data-Driven Urban Systems
• Health Services Management
• International Business and Democratic Resilience
• Law
• Mental Health
• Physical Artificial Intelligence
• Secure Clean Energy Systems for Net-Zero and National Resilience
• Socio-Ecological Resilience and Resource Sovereignty

Conditional upon a successful nomination and subject to final budgetary approval, the successful candidates will be appointed to tenured positions at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor, with an anticipated start date between September 2026 and July 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair positions are tenured faculty positions with no required teaching duties. At the conclusion of these appointments, the successful candidates will continue in their tenured position with regular duties of a faculty member.

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs is a one-time program designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers to address critical national and global challenges, emphasizing both research excellence and tangible impact. In collaboration with TMU, the successful candidate will develop the Impact+ Chairs application for the June 29, 2026 deadline. Impact+ Chairs are tenable for eight-years, with a possibility for a four-year funded extension at 50% of the original award value, with maximum award values of $1 million or $500,000 per year, and institutional supports to advance transformative projects, build exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. All nominations are subject to review and final approval by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat.

For more details on eligibility requirements, visit the Government of Canada’s Program Information page.

Expatriate Canadians wishing to relocate to Canada are encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates will be exceptional scholars whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their fields (as appropriately based on career stage). TMU requires that candidates have a PhD in a relevant discipline by the time of appointment, or an equivalent terminal degree. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, applicants must have the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these ranks.

Applicants must be able to provide strong evidence of:

• an innovative externally funded research program of an internationally competitive caliber, using appropriate metrics of research productivity and impact;
• a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as it pertains to service, teaching and scholarly research or creative activities, including a demonstrated ability to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse student population; and
• an ability and willingness to contribute to the life of the University through collegial service.

TMU recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to apply for the positions by visiting https://hr.cf.torontomu.ca/ams/faculty/ and selecting the appropriate posting. Applications can be submitted by clicking on “Start Application Process”. Applications, consisting of the following, must be received by February 21, 2026:

• a letter of application identifying your interest in the position, alignment with the federal priorities and what makes you a strong candidate as a researcher, educator, and community leader. The letter should include your proposed innovative and transformative research program, your ability to build capacity and attract external resources, as well as your equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (up to 5 pages). Please indicate in your letter of application whether at the time of this application, you hold tenure at your current institution;
• a full curriculum vitae (including details of research and teaching, scholarly record, funding, collaborations/partnerships and leadership experience); and,
• names and contact information (including email) for three referees.

Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt.