Canada Impact Research Chairs

Lakehead University; Canada; On-site; CAD 141,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university invites applications for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program. The role requires internationally-based researchers who can develop transformative research addressing critical global challenges. Candidates must have a strong record in research and hold a rank of full or associate professor. The compensation ranges for associate professors and full professors between CAD 141,099 – 191,099 and CAD 165,341 – 215,341 respectively. Applications are due by May 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Full or associate professor rank required.
• Candidates must be internationally based at application time.
• Experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop transformational research programs in Canada.
• Collaborate with other researchers at Lakehead University.
• Engage in knowledge mobilization and innovation activities.

Skills

Strong research achievements

Interest in Canada's research landscape

Leadership experience

Mentoring diverse groups

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Opportunity

Posting Date: January 23, 2026; Revised January 27, 2026

Lakeshead University invites applications from exceptional, internationally based researchers for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program. This national initiative is designed to recruit world‑leading scholars whose work addresses critical global and national challenges and who are poised to build transformational research programs in Canada.

Canada Impact+ Chairs receive long‑term funding of either $8 million or $4 million over eight years, with a possible four‑year extension at 50 percent of the original value based on demonstrated impact and sustained partnerships. Institutions may also request up to $6 million per chair in research infrastructure funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Strategic Priorities

• advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity)
• clean technology and resource value chains
• defence and dual‑use technologies
• democratic and community resilience
• environment, climate resilience and the Arctic
• food and water security
• health and biotechnology
• manufacturing and advanced materials

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Strong recent record of research achievements and a demonstrated interest in contributing to Canada’s research and innovation landscape
• Internationally based at the time of the first intake deadline (both working and residing outside Canada)
• Rank of full professor or associate professor (or equivalent for non‑academic candidates)
• If recruited from outside the academic sector, a candidate must have equivalent qualifications for appointment at that level

Compensation

• Associate Professor: $141,099 – $191,099
• Full Professor: $165,341 – $215,341

Application Process

Review of applications will begin February 26, 2026 and all positions will be filled by the internal deadline for the second intake: May 15, 2026 8:00 pm EST.

To apply, applicants are asked to provide the following three documents:

• A cover letter that identifies:
  • Alignment with one or more of the strategic priority areas
  • The applicant’s start‑up funding, infrastructure and space, and research team requirements
  • The applicant’s interest in coming to Lakehead University, including any relevant connections to the university or the regions served by the University
• A full curriculum vitae (please include details of research and teaching, scholarly record, funding, collaborations/partnerships with industry, government, not‑for‑profit, and/or community, and leadership experience)
• A Research Statement, submitted as a single PDF, including:
  • An overview of the applicant’s research proposal, including knowledge mobilization and innovation activities
  • How the proposed research embeds equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) considerations at each stage of the research process
  • Potential to collaborate with other researchers at Lakehead University, Ontario and Canada
  • Social and economic benefits for Canada that will result from the research program, including potential industry, government, not‑for‑profit, and/or community partnerships
  • Contribution and fit to the research ecosystem in Canada and internationally
  • A one‑page statement that describes the applicant’s past experience with attracting and mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees and research personnel, and establishing an equitable and inclusive research environment
• A one‑page statement (if applicable) that demonstrates how the proposed research program will value Indigenous ways of knowing, how it will extend research knowledge in the field that is significant for Indigenous Peoples and communities and contribute to decolonization

Contact: Dr. Langis Roy, Vice‑President, Research and Innovation, Lakehead University, email [e-mail].

Equity Statement

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019‑2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Candidates are encouraged to self‑identify if they are from an under‑represented group and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities is a strong asset.