Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Brain-Heart Data Analytics and Predictive Modelling

The University of Ottawa invites applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Brain-Heart Analytics and Predictive Modelling. The successful candidate will hold a non-tenure track position with the Faculty of Medicine in the School of Epidemiology & Public Health, as well as a Scientific appointment at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI).

Located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of the nation`s capital and in close proximity to multiple national agencies, the University of Ottawa is one of Canada's top ten research-intensive universities. It is recognised as the first and largest bilingual university in North America and offers strong connections to organisational, government and policy interest holders.

We are interested in attracting an internationally recognized leader in cutting-edge convergence approaches to data analytics and predictive modelling to drive a transformation in brain-heart research and health outcomes. Recognized for building scientific collaborations and knowledge mobilization across disciplines, sectors and countries, the candidate will bring exceptional creativity and demonstrated contributions to the evidence base, matched by a track record of impact on health practices, systems or policy. Their research program may include but is not limited to:

• Multidisciplinary methodologies that integrate large-scale data sources such as population, clinical, ‘omics and administration databases and cohorts; biobanks and research datasets (biological, biomarkers, imaging).
• Integrating novel analytics tools and methods, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Precision risk phenotyping to characterize trajectories and interactions between brain and heart conditions and/ or co-morbidities across the lifespan.
• Developing novel markers and tools for risk detection or early diagnosis of brain-heart risk.
• Developing personalized prognostic models, and prevention, surveillance and treatment strategies.
• Investigating intersectional factors of brain and heart health risk to create models and precision tools that prioritize the most vulnerable populations.

The successful candidate will become an integral part of our dynamic and research-intensive environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong support from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and University of Ottawa, where brain-heart research has been identified as a strategic priority within our 'Health' research mandate. This environment encompasses the Faculty of Medicine’s clinical departments (e.g., Department of Medicine), as well as departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology (BMI), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM), School of Epidemiology and Public Heath (SEPH), and the Department of Innovation in Medical Education (DIME).

The candidate will be a member of the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI). The BHI is a ground-breaking interdisciplinary research program aimed at accelerating prevention, detection, treatment and care of interconnected brain and heart disorders through research co-produced with patients and other knowledge users.

Tier 1 Chairs:

Tier 1 Chairs, tenable for seven years and renewable once, are for outstanding researchers, acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their field. For each Tier 1 Chair, the institution receives $200,000 annually for seven years. 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. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. New CRC nominees are also eligible for infrastructure support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to help acquire state-of-the-art equipment essential to their work.

Preferential Hiring: 
The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from skilled and experienced members of the four designated groups such as Indigenous peoples, individuals who are racialized, persons with disabilities, women and gender minorities as defined in the CRC Program method for establishing equity targets and the Employment Equity Act, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively implement equity measures that ensure and retain diverse teams and promote inclusive practices for research team members. As part of this preferential hiring process, applications from members of the four designated groups will be prioritized and assessed first for the vacancy. The purpose of this measure is to increase the representation and contribution of members of the four designated groups in the allocation of Canada Research Chair positions. All candidates are asked to complete the confidential self-identification questionnaire during the application process online.

Skills requirements:

• Education : PhD or MD/PhD in a field related to the position.
• Required Qualifications: superior research achievements in the CRC’s identified area(s) and proof of interdisciplinary collaborations, a solid record with respect to publication record, teaching and training of students at the graduate level, the ability to obtain external research funds, excellent communication skills in either English or French. Passive knowledge of the other Official Language in Canada is an asset.

Rank and salary:
Non-tenure track academic appointment in the Faculty of Medicine in the School of Epidemiology & Public Health. Additional Scientific appointment within the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Academic rank will be at the Associate or Full Professor level and commensurate with the career stage and track record of the successful candidate.

Location of work: University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7

Application package:

• A cover letter;
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (Please include any personal circumstances and/or career interruptions such as parental or sick leaves that may have impacted your research trajectory. These will be taken into consideration in the selection process);
• A research plan (2 to 3 pages);
• A statement of relevance to the BHI and commitment to a research co-production approach in collaboration with community, patients, health professionals, policy makers and other knowledge users (1 page);
• A statement of teaching interests (1 to 2 pages);
• A statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion philosophy and concrete practices (1 page);
• The names of three people who may be contacted by the University for letters of reference which will follow the Canada Research Chairs guidelines (e. Tier1: all must be arm’s length and one must be from a referee not residing in the country where the nominee is currently working); and
• Self-identification: Complete the confidential Employment equity questionnaire on the web portal during the application process. The Canada Research Chairs Program requires institutions to collect self-identification data from all applicants, following the program’s best practices.

Deadline: May 7, 2025

More information regarding Academic Careers can be found online. Apply online through the University of Ottawa Careers portal.

The selection process will begin immediately after the closing date and will continue until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please address your cover letter to the following person:

Dr. Julie St-Pierre, Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation
University of Ottawa
550 Cumberland St., room 246
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 CANADA

For questions, please email: [email protected]

Ad posted on April 7, 2025

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff and faculty. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minority members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women and all qualified applicants with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Applicants who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups should complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire when they apply.

In accordance with government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by emailing the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, at [email protected]. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its more than 175-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides second-language training to staff members and their spouses.