Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) - Various Positions

Queen's University; Canada; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Queen's University invites applications for the prestigious 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs program, which will fund world-class researchers in areas like Artificial Intelligence and Astroparticle Physics. Successful candidates will access significant funding and support to develop ambitious research programs in a leading research environment. Numerous opportunities exist for those committed to advancing diverse and inclusive research initiatives.

Benefits

Access to $8 million or $4 million funding over 8 years for research projects.

Substantial institutional support for application preparation.

Opportunity to work in a leading research environment.

Engagement in diverse and inclusive research community.

Qualifications

• World-renowned researcher status and substantial experience in leading research programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Materials Chemistry, or Astroparticle Physics.
• Commitment to inclusivity and equity in research.

Responsibilities

• Lead ambitious research programs aligned with Canadian ST&I priority areas.
• Expand research programs to advance global frontiers of knowledge.
• Collaborate with institutional partners for proposal development.

Skills

Research Excellence

Team Leadership

Collaboration

Innovation

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Job description

Queen’s University invites applications from globally leading researchers to be nominated for the 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) competition, one of the most prestigious and well-funded academic research programs in the world.Queen's is ranked in the global top 200 in the QS World University Rankings (2025).Queen's is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities.

The CERC program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams $8 million or $4 million over 8 years to lead ambitious research programs in areas that align with the Government of Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) priority areas. Canada Excellence Research Chairs are among the most prestigious research positions available globally, offering chairholders the opportunity to grow their impact by launching ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. The CERC program stands at the centre of a national strategy to attract the world’s top researchers, building a critical mass of expertise to further Canada’s growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. Successful nominees will build upon a core of research excellence at Queen’s University, expanding their research program to advance the frontiers of research on a global scale.

CERC recruitment is a multi-stage process, where applicants first apply to a nomination posting at the institution. Select nominees will work in partnership with Queen’s to apply to the 2026 CERC competition. Interested applicants are invited to review the full program details. In addition, Queen’s University will provide substantial institutional support in the co-preparation and codevelopment of the program application.

Queen’s will nominate up to two candidates in the following strategic areas:

• Artificial Intelligence and Exascale Computing: Including Agentic AI, Generative AI, Reinforcement Learning, Robotics, and Human-Machine Interaction.
• Precision Materials Chemistry: Focused on advanced materials, nanomedicine, energy storage, and corrosion protection.
• Astroparticle Physics: Including dark matter, neutrino properties, and multi-messenger astronomy, aligned with SNOLAB and the McDonald Institute.

For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please visitour website.

CERC positions will be posted for a minimum of 30 days. Review of applications will begin in June 2025 and will continue until the nominations are filled.

----

About Queen’s University

Queen's University(Kingston, ON, Canada) has a long history of scholarship, discovery, and innovation that shapes our collective knowledge and helps address some of the world’s most pressing concerns. Home to more than 25,000 students, Queen’s offers a comprehensive research-intensive environment. Diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience enrich our students and faculty while a core part of our mission is to engage in international learning and research. In 2024, for the fourth year in a row, Queen’s University has ranked in top 10 globally of theTimes Higher Education Impact Rankings, securing the position of 8th worldwide and 2nd in North America. The rankings measured over 2,100 post-secondary institutions from 125 countries on their work to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Queen's is ranked in the global top 200 in the QS World University Rankings (2025).

Research at Queen’s

From Nobel Prize-winning research exploring the building blocks of the universe to cancer care and treatment to sustainable technologies, our university is tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges.

A member of theU15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, Queen’s is home to a vibrant research community that includes48 Canada Research Chairsand over20 research centres and instituteswho work in partnership with communities, governments, and industry to advance research and innovation, making a measured impact on Canada and the world.

An inclusive and equitable research community

Queen’s University is committed to excellence in research and research training for the benefit of Canadians and to achieving a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise. The research community at Queen's is committed to and recognizes that building a culture of diversity is a socially responsible approach that actively removes discrimination and barriers to inclusion to provide benefits that reach beyond Queen's University. At Queen’s, we recognize that diversity advances research for the greater good by valuing alternate perspectives, thereby unlocking creative potential, and stimulating novel collaborations. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minority and Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please visit our website.