Canada Research Chair Positions

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) invites applications from current FoMD faculty members for two Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) and one Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC).

The University of Alberta is committed to working for equity, diversity, inclusion, and access and to deepening and living out commitments to Indigenization and decolonization. The University of Alberta thus strives to remove barriers that some people in Canadian society and in postsecondary environments continue to experience and to build an accessible, equitable, and inclusive culture in support of the full participation of its diverse workforce. The CRC Program has identified four designated groups (FDGs): women and gender minorities; Indigenous Peoples; members of racialized minorities; and persons with disabilities. Additional information about the specific actions set out by the University of Alberta for the CRC Program can be found in the University of Alberta CRC EDI Action Plan. To support its commitments:

For the Tier 1 CRCs, the FoMD welcomes applications from all faculty members, however at least one of the Tier 1 CRC positions will be restricted to qualified persons who self-identify as a member of the following group: women and gender minorities.

For the Tier 2 CRC the FoMD welcomes applications from all qualified persons who self-identify as a member of the following group: women and gender minorities.

These CRCs are open to researchers working in all areas of health research across Pillars 1 to 4 (Biomedical Research; Clinical Research; Health Services Research; and/or Social, Cultural, Environmental and Population Health Research). Applications are particularly encouraged from faculty members working in areas aligned with one or more research centres and institutes that are based in FoMD. This will help to ensure alignment with FoMD research priorities.

Responsibilities

Tier 1 CRCs

Applicants for the Tier 1 CRCs will be outstanding and innovative world-class researchers whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their fields; be recognized internationally as leaders in their fields; have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (taking into account different practices in the relevant field or discipline) and; have a strong history of attracting research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research or other prominent organizations; and be proposing an original, innovative research program of the highest quality.

Tier 2 CRC

The Tier 2 CRC will be an exceptional emerging health researcher who is, or has the potential to be, a national/international expert in their field. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an innovative and productive research program supported by peer-reviewed funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research or other prominent organizations (or with the potential for such support in the near future).

Successful candidates will hold a PhD, MD, MD/MSc, MD/PhD, or equivalent in health research.

Qualifications

Tier 1 CRCs

Nominees for Tier 1 Chair positions must be full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination.

Tier 2 CRC

Tier 2 CRCs are intended for exceptional emerging researchers (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are no more than 10 years from their first independent academic research appointment (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program's Tier 2 justification process. Please consult the University of Alberta CRC Coordinator, Glen Thomas (crcadmin@ualberta.ca) for more information. Full program information, including details on eligibility criteria and acceptable leaves, can be found on the Canada Research Chairs website.

The University of Alberta recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate's record of research achievement and that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Successful applicants will be nominated for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, as applicable. Nominations are reviewed by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a Canada Research Chair is conditional upon their approval.

To Apply:

• All applicants to this job posting are required to self-identify. Applicants will receive a questionnaire link from equity@ualberta.ca within 2-3 weeks of submitting their job applications. The survey will be sent to the email address that is listed on the application. Please be sure to check the spam box. Please do not forward the link as it is unique to the email address. For any questions or concerns, please contact equity@ualberta.ca.
• NB: The University of Alberta must collect self-identification data from all applicants as part of its participation in the CRC Program.
• Submit a current and comprehensive CV and a two-page description of your recent, current and anticipated research activities for the next five years by clicking the “Apply Online” button below by July 15, 2026.

Questions about this competition should be sent electronically to vdradmin@ualberta.ca

Questions about the CRC Program can be directed to Glen Thomas, CRC Coordinator and Advisor, crcadmin@ualberta.ca.

Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement for their application, interview, and/or subsequent recruitment meetings can contact vdradmin@ualberta.ca to arrange appropriate accommodations.

About the Team

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

About University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.

Tagged as: Life Sciences