Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Neuromorphic Systems

The Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, invite applications for a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Neuromorphic Systems, at the Associate Professor with Tenure, or Professor with Tenure level. This position guarantees 75% protected time for research. The selected candidate will be nominated for a Tier I Canada Research Chair (CRC) (website). The CRC is tenable for seven years and renewable once.

The human brain is a hyper-efficient computer, capable of rapidly performing the operations necessary for movement, interaction and memory by using biological networks of neurons and other neural cells. Human performance requires that complex computations are done nearly instantaneously using relatively little power. Inspired by biological systems, neuromorphic computational solutions are poised to dramatically increase the types of computational problems we can answer using energy-efficient approaches. Neuromorphic systems consist of a range of new technologies that mimic brain cells and brain function in their design and implementation of computing hardware, software and algorithms. Distinct from current computing approaches, which are powered by discretized mathematical operations running on digital transistor-based solutions, neuromorphic computing promises leaps forward in both computing power and energy efficiency. The Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Neuromorphic Computing Systems will develop and refine biologically inspired hardware, software, and algorithmic solutions that harness the efficiencies of brain-inspired computing to solve complex problems that would otherwise require prohibitive amounts of classical computing power.

Qualifications required include a PhD or equivalent, and post-PhD research experience. The selected applicant will be a recognized leader with an established research program in neuromorphic systems, which can include chip and/or device design, algorithms and sensors. The program will be complementary and collaborative with current strengths in computational neuroscience and neuromorphic computing. This position offers excellent opportunities for collaboration with experimental neuroscience, experimental and theoretical physics and biomedical and electrical engineering. The applicant will have evidence of effectiveness in teaching and trainee mentorship at the University level or equivalent. The applicant must also meet the criteria for a Canada Research Chair at the Tier I level. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Government of Canada's CRC website.

Applicants at the level of Associate Professor will have evidence of leading a research program as demonstrated by external peer-reviewed national/international grant funding, national/international presentations, and peer-reviewed research publications that have influenced an area of research in their field.

Applicants at the level of Professor will have evidence of leading a well-established research program as demonstrated by sustained external peer-reviewed national/international grant funding with evidence of collaboration, national/international presentations, and peer-reviewed research publications that have established and influenced an area of research in their field.

The selected applicant will join the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and become an active member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The Department and Institute have a well-recognized multi-disciplinary research environment that will support the chosen applicant's ability to direct a collaborative research program. The Department and Institute prioritize trans-disciplinary research initiatives, and the selected applicant's ability to build connections with investigators across the University of Calgary in such initiatives will position them to be successful.

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. Start something 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.

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.

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.

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.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via University of Calgary Careers webpage using the 'Apply Now' link.

Please be aware that the application process allows for a maximum of four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (you are encouraged to merge documents to reduce the number of attachments):

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research interest statement (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Leadership statement including equity, diversity and inclusion considerations (not to exceed 2 pages)
• The names and contact information for three (3) referees. Reference letters will not be required unless the applicant is short-listed for a visit/interview.

Questions about this position may be directed to:

Dr. Alex Lohman at alex.lohman@ucalgary.ca

Application deadline: November 9, 2026

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (http://careers.ucalgary.ca/). For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca)

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' aa'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.

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 equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 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 (oicteam@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodation can be sent to the People & Culture Team (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.