Canada Impact+ Research Chairs

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 2, 2026
Vacancy: 1
Salary Range: $99 758 - $154 429

Saint Paul University (SPU) is a bilingual, human-scaled institution steeped in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

SPU is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin Nation. We honour the Anishinabek who are the caretakers of the lands and waters of the Kitchi Sibi (Ottawa River Valley) since time immemorial. We acknowledge that the site of the City of Ottawa serves as the home of the Anishinabek, as a place for spiritual ceremonies, cultural gatherings, and exchanges among Indigenous people across Turtle Island.

Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, Saint Paul University (est. 1848) is the founding college of the University of Ottawa, with which it has been federated since 1965. Proud of its rich heritage, including its bilingualism, over the years Saint Paul University has evolved into a research and higher education institution whose primary focus is on the multiple facets of the human experience. Schools and programs are fundamentally interdisciplinary. Not surprisingly, those priorities are reflected in our current academic programs and research streams: in addition to our founding disciplines — Canon Law, Philosophy, and Theology — we offer courses and produce research in the areas of Social Communication, Social Innovation, Leadership, Ecology & Equity, Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Spirituality, Ethics and Public Affairs, and Conflict Studies.

Position Description
Saint Paul University is seeking internationally renowned scholars, including Canadian expatriates, and researchers to apply to be nominated for the newly created one-time tri-agency Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program. Applicants must already be full professors or associate professors in institutions outside of Canada or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, they must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels.

Chairholders are expected to translate discoveries into real-world applications, commercialization, and social and economic benefits for Canada and beyond, while also training the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

Given its size and Humanities-centered approach, SPU is particularly interested in finding researchers who can bring out the humanistic aspect in one or more of the following federal research priorities, namely:

• the ethics and applications of advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity);
• environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic;
• democratic and community resilience;
• food and water security;
• defence and dual-use technologies, including expertise in the identification and countering radicalization leading to violent extremism.

The nomination process has two stages. Applicants first apply through this job posting; those selected will then work with SPU to submit a formal nomination to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition, with institutional support provided throughout the application development. The candidate will propose an innovative program of high-quality research relating to one or more of the priority areas listed above that will attract external funding and excellent graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. A successful record of research funding is required. Ability and desire to partner with SPU’s relevant academic units in closely related fields and externally, is expected. Our schools tend to be interdisciplinary in nature, which will facilitate the inclusion of selected candidates.

Duties include research, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level, service to the unit, and the supervision of graduate students. Appointed Research Chairs will be hired as tenure-track professors – tenure may be granted after two years.

Successful nominees for this program will be expected to start their position, on a full-time basis, within 12 months of the acceptance by the chairholder. For more details on eligibility requirements, see the Government of Canada’s Program Information page, as well as general guidance applicable for the Impact+ program at Canada Excellence Research Chairs and Canada 150 Research Chairs Administration Guide.

How to Apply 
To apply, applicants should submit a single PDF that includes:

• A maximum three-page cover letter which identifies the strategic priority area(s) the applicant’s research aligns with.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (including details of research and teaching, scholarly record, funding, collaborations/partnerships and leadership experience).
• A maximum five-page research plan describing the research vision and its alignment with relevant strategic priority area(s), including how the work will move beyond discovery to generate social, economic, and/or policy impacts through collaboration with partners.
• A maximum three-page document that highlights the applicant’s most significant contributions to their field.
• A maximum two-page teaching statement and mentoring philosophy.
• A maximum one-page equity, diversity, inclusion statement.
• The names and contact information of 3 (three) referees who are prepared to submit a letter of recommendation.

Candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals (such as the decision to have a family, eldercare, illness, and so forth) in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process. Please note that SPU is a bilingual institution of higher learning, and proficiency in both English and French is required.

Saint Paul University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. SPU regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically undervalued and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

SPU has an Indigenous Verification Process to ensure that claims of Indigenous identity are made with integrity and respect. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to engage in this process in accordance with SPU’s guidelines.

All applications should be submitted to:

Dr. Iva Apostolova
Associate Vice-Rector Research and Innovation
Saint Paul University
223 Main St., Ottawa, ON, K1S 1C4
[email protected]

The application review process will begin on February 3, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.