Canada Impact+ Research Chair – Professor positions

The Université de Sherbrooke stands out among Canada’s leading research universities. Known for groundbreaking research achievements, it has remained true to its core values over the years: sustainable development; equity, diversity and inclusion; and ongoing collaboration with its community and partners.

We are inviting applications from the international scientific community with the goal of offering, through this process, between 7 and 14 faculty positions for professors who will have the opportunity to hold one of the prestigious Impact+ Research Chairs.

The Chairs are valued at $500,000 or $1,000,000 per year for 8 years, with the possibility of a 4-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year.

The following faculties are participating in this call for proposals: Faculty of Law; Business School; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Faculty of Science; Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences.

Regular, full-time position

• Salary: $1 million or $500,000 per year for 8 years for a Chairholder’s salary and research program
• Field of Specialization: Multiple
• Workplace: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
• Closing date: February 10, 2026
• Interviews: No later than February 17, 2026
• Anticipated start date: to be determined (no later than spring 2027)
• Learn more: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/en/udes/canada-impact-plus-research-chairs
• Contact for more information: chaires@USherbrooke.ca
• Apply online (in French): https://www.usherbrooke.ca/emplois/offre/no/07908
• Apply by email: dotation-rh@USherbrooke.ca

RESEARCH ALIGNMENT

These positions align with the following strategic priority areas identified by the Government of Canada:

• Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and cybersecurity);
• Health, including biotechnology;
• Clean technologies and resource value chains;
• Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic;
• Food and water security;
• Democratic and community resilience;
• Advanced manufacturing and materials;
• Defence and dual-use technologies.

DESIRED PROFILE

Only candidates who are internationally based (working and residing outside Canada) at the time of the cohort application deadline (March 24, 2026) are eligible.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priorities, build and support exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and countries. They should foster the transformation of discoveries into tangible applications and marketable products that benefit Canada and the world socially and economically, while training the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

Candidates should have a strong interest in working in a multidisciplinary environment and be able to develop research partnerships with public and private sector actors in a priority area.

Selection will be based on the objectives of the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program and the following criteria:

• Attract a world-leading researchers to strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and innovation leadership;
• Transform bold discoveries into innovative products, ideas, policies and solutions that benefit Canadians and the world;
• Help Canada grow and sustain a critical mass of expertise in priority areas identified by the Government of Canada through the development of high-impact research teams;
• Incentivize strategic partnerships across sectors, such as industry, health systems, government and not-for-profit organizations, to accelerate translation of research into practice and enhance long-term adoption and impact.

The competition may be used to award a Canada Research Chair or a Canada Excellence Research Chair, if applicable.

CAREER INTERRUPTIONS

In line with equity and diversity objectives, career interruptions due to parental, medical, or family leave, or the pandemic, will be considered during evaluation. Candidates are strongly encouraged to clearly identify such periods in their CV or cover letter.

DUTIES

• Teach in undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Supervise graduate students.
• Develop fundamental or applied research activities.
• Take part in university life.
• Contribute to community service.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Hold a doctorate in a discipline deemed relevant or education and experience deemed equivalent (institutional requirement, not program requirement).
• Comply with the requirements of the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program.
• Have a strong publication record in internationally peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities, initiative and excellent abilities to communicate and interact effectively and smoothly with internal and external partners.
• Possess experience in interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary research as well as knowledge transfer.
• Demonstrate the ability to supervise graduate students.
• Have a strong interest and aptitude for teaching, university pedagogy, as well as research, development and innovation.
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain good interpersonal relationships, a sense of collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Possess experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Have the ability to teach in French or achieve this ability within two years.
• Candidates must be tenured professors or associate professors who will obtain tenure within one or two years of nomination. Candidates from outside academia must have qualifications for similar positions.
• Be able to comply with the requirements related to responsible conduct in research.
• In the case of candidates wishing their affiliation to the Faculty of Engineering: Be a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) or have the required qualifications to become a member as soon as possible.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Check our website then submit your application online (see offer 07908) or send it by email to dotation-rh@USherbrooke.ca.

Please attach the following documents (in English or French):

1. Your curriculum vitae
2. A cover letter indicating the targeted faculty
3. A research program proposal (3 pages) outlining its contribution in accessible language for an interdisciplinary committee, including:
   1. Alignment with global cutting-edge research in a priority area
   2. Contribution to Government of Canada priorities for the Canada Impact Chairs Program
   3. Knowledge mobilization and application for societal benefit (business, government, academia, non-profits, etc.)
   4. Integration with existing expertise at Université de Sherbrooke or in Canada
   5. Integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in team management, research environment, and project design
   6. If applicable, approach to co-creating and co-leading research “by and with” First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
4. A one-page summary of your five most significant research contributions and their impact
5. Copies of recent relevant scientific articles

The nomination process involves two stages: 1) University evaluation of applications in response to this call. 2) Co-development of the application with the University for submission to the government granting agency. The University provides substantial support during this stage.

Awarding a Canada Impact Chair is conditional on a positive decision by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat following peer review.

Important information: Candidates must be available no later than February 17, 2026, for a potential interview.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The university will prioritize applications that strengthen its strategic commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

The UdeS values diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in employment within its community. It is committed to prioritizing these values as strategic drivers of excellence, recognizing that diverse perspectives foster innovation and creativity. This commitment is outlined in both its Strategic Plan and its Summary for the EDI action plan for research (2023-2026).

Also affirming its will to contribute to reconciliation and healing, the UdeS deploys joint initiatives with members of the First Peoples, to better understand and promote their realities and their cultural heritage.

The merit of Indigenous research is assessed with respect for its specificity and in accordance with the Guidelines for the Merit Review of Indigenous Research that apply to all Indigenous research regardless of the funding agency considered.

The UdeS invites all qualified individuals to apply, in particular, women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities under the Programme d’accès à l’égalité en emploi (PAEE). As such, the selection tools can be adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities who request them, in complete confidentiality. Contact: Élaine Huot (Elaine.Huot@USherbrooke.ca).

The UdeS also encourages individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities to apply. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.