Up to 3 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Tenured/Tenure-Track Research Leaders)

UPEI is recruiting up to 3 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, tenured/tenure-track Research Leaders currently based outside of Canada.

The Government of Canada is investing $1.7B in a Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative. As part of this initiative, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is seeking internationally renowned scholars ready to launch bold, high-impact research programs and collaborations. UPEI is inviting top-tier researchers to apply for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair in one of these broad categories:

• advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum, and cybersecurity)
• Health, including health-related biotechnology
• Clean technology and resource value chains, including biofuels and/or clean biotech and/or building science and/or advanced battery systems
• environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic food and water security
• democratic and community resilience, particularly in Island ecosystems
• manufacturing and advanced materials, including off-site housing construction; and/or defense and dual-use technologies.

The Impact+ Research Chair award is valued at $4 million ($500,000 per year) or $8 million ($1 million per year), depending on the research program’s scope and nominee’s profile, over a period of 8 years, with a possibility for a four-year funded extension, at 50% of the original award value.

Eligibility: Internationally renowned scholars and scientists in areas of strategic importance to Canada, with a recent track record of research accomplishments. Full Professors or Associate Professors (or equivalent), internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake’s application deadline. UPEI seeks candidates with a doctoral degree, led a world-class research program, strong collaborations, recent accomplishments, supervising HQP and teaching record.

Successful candidates will be faculty members with salary, benefits, and rights under the Faculty Collective Agreement.

Application Instructions: Application packages should include: A cover letter indicating the priority area; Research program proposal (max 2 pages); Curriculum vitae, including past teaching experience; Infrastructure needs (max 1 page); and Names and contacts of three referees. Applications must be sent as one PDF file to the UPEI Office of Research Services, to the attention of Maria Steele (mlsteele@upei.ca).

Review of applicants will begin on Monday, February 2, 2026. First intake closing date is March 1, 2026. Second intake closing date is May 15, 2026.