Canadian Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Human Immunology

The American Association of Immunologists; Quebec; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association of Immunologists offers a prestigious position as Canadian Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Human Immunology at McGill University. The role requires an internationally renowned scientist to lead innovative research and foster collaborations, teaching, and mentoring while embracing equity and diversity in academia. This opportunity emphasizes not just research excellence but also the impactful design and leadership of research programs that benefit marginalized communities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Potential for tenure-stream position

Support for research funding

Qualifications

• Strong record of publications in recognized scientific journals.
• Experience in obtaining public and private funding.
• Skills to promote a shared vision among diverse collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Directing a new program in Human Immunology.
• Building a multidisciplinary research team.
• Contributing to teaching and mentoring graduate students.

Skills

Scientific expertise in human immunology

Leadership in interdisciplinary projects

Championing equity, diversity, and inclusion

Collaboration with various stakeholders

Education

PhD and/or MD degree

Job description

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of McGill University invites

applications for the position of :

Canadian Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Human Immunology

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University is seeking to recruit an

internationally recognized scientist with a strong track record in innovation and research

leadership to direct a new program in Human Immunology that is supported by a prestigious

CERC award. The CERC program supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on

Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program

supports world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research

programs at Canadian universities. These awards are among the most prestigious and

generous available globally.

Following a highly competitive and rigorous selection process involving peer review, CERCs

are appointed for a period of eight years in values of $8 million or $4 million (over the entire

award period). These awards are not renewable. The two award values recognize the

varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aims to be inclusive of all

areas of research.

The CERC Chairholder will be mandated to build a multidisciplinary research team

encompassing a diversity of lived experiences, identities, and career stages, with expertise

in clinical research, immunology, and ‘omics approaches to uncover novel disease

associations. The goal of the CERC research program is to bridge clinical observations with

fundamental discovery in the fields of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. The chair holder will be expected to create links with industrial partners, as well as governmental and

non-governmental organizations, to accelerate translation of research results into improved

health outcomes, ensuring equitable access to the knowledge produced and to the social

and health benefits that will flow from that knowledge.

The CERC Chairholder will be based at the Research institute of the McGill University Health

Centre or the downtown campus of McGill University. The program will benefit from a

dynamic environment that involves strong collaborative links between current investigators

working in epidemiology, clinical trials, genomics, bioinformatics, and subspecialty medicine

and related areas from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science,

several McGill Research Centers and technology platforms, and other McGill-affiliated

hospitals.

• The successful candidate is expected to :

Possess a PhD and / or MD degree in accordance with University’s requirements.

• Be qualified to hold an academic position at the rank of Full Professor or be an
• Associate Professor who is expected to be promoted to Full Professor within one or

two years of the nomination.

• Have scientific expertise in human immunology, as demonstrated by a strong record

of publications in internationally recognized scientific journals, success in obtaining

funding from public and private sources, and prior leadership roles within large,

interdisciplinary projects.

• Understand and personally champion equity, diversity and inclusion through the

development of research relevant to marginalized communities, and the creation and

coordination of teams in which members are from different backgrounds and areas

of expertise.

• Have the skills to promote a shared vision that will engage and motivate diverse

collaborators and stakeholders in support of the program.

• Demonstrate the ability to work well with internal and external partners and potential

stakeholders, such as funding agencies, charities, patient advocacy groups, private

companies, and the public.

• Participate in all aspects of McGill’s academic mission, including teaching,

supervision of graduate students, and service

A further important role of the CERC Chairholder will be to contribute to a strong and

innovative training program in human immunology and experimental medicine at McGill.

Candidates will be expected to possess the skills needed to recruit, teach, and mentor a

diverse group of researchers and trainees, reflecting McGill’s commitments to equity and

diversity as set out in core institutional documents including McGill’s Equity, Diversity &

Inclusion Strategic Plan, Taskforce on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, Action

Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism, and McGill Accessibility Strategy.

All McGill faculty members are expected to contribute to service activities within their units,

the University, and the wider scholarly community.

The appointment will be at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor. The

successful applicant will be eligible for a tenure stream position. Salary will be

commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CERC guidelines state that researchers who are currently at another Canadian institution

are eligible as candidates only if there is demonstrable net benefit to the country in moving

the researcher from one Canadian institution to another.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted on-line at : Careers

The following supporting documents are required :

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests
• Names and contact information of three referees

Please submit your application within 30 days of the publication date (June 4, 2025). Closing

date : July 4, 2025.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research

activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication

both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and

values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications

from racialized persons / visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons

with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and

gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and

knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and

modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are

invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic

disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care

or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns.

Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that

may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to

ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of

designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable

treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the

implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the

University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the

application process may contact, in confidence, Heather Purdie