Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine - Full Professor (Biological Chemistry)

Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Medicine is one of the world’s leading French-language medical faculties. In both teaching and research, its mission is to actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge and mastery of skills needed to improve healthcare

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Université de Montréal stands out for its cutting-edge programs on a wide range of topics in biochemistry, structural biology and bioinformatics. With 32 faculty members and over 200 graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, research programs are conducted around five major themes focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of life in health and disease.

The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) stands out for its unique model in Canada that combines under one roof fundamental research activities, a university-level training program, and a research maturation team. This structure creates optimal conditions to accelerate the advancement of knowledge and the discovery of new, more effective, cancer therapies.

As part of the 2026 Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program competition, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine is recruiting a professor at the rank of Full Professor to advance research and teaching on the molecular basis of membrane protein signaling and structural biology.

This position is contingent on the candidate’s success in obtaining a Canada Impact+ Research chair in this competition.

The program awards Chairs of two award values: $8 million over eight years ($1 million per year); or $4 million over eight years ($500,000 per year). The chair offered under this call will have a value of $1 million per year for a duration of eight years. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate in preparing the application, leading up to its submission in March 2026.

Day-to-day responsibilities
Through your undergraduate and graduate-level teaching, and your research activities, you will contribute to the faculty’s pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, you will promote your discipline and actively participate in the daily activities of a renowned institution. As a Professor and holder of an Impact+ Canada Research Chair, you will:

• Leverage your world-class leadership in membrane protein signaling and structural biology in alignment with the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities, with the potential to generate positive social, economic and health benefits for Canadians;
• Develop an independent, innovative, world-class research program in membrane protein signal transduction and structural biology. Priority will be given to research programs on G protein-coupled receptors and other proteins that regulate neurotransmission and metabolic homeostasis in health and disease, notably in cancer;
• Actively foster co-creation of research projects and initiatives with partners from all sectors (academic, public, private, and non-profit) to enhance the translation and application of research outcomes in cancer and other diseases for the benefit of society at large. The successful candidate will also facilitate the mobilization and deployment of the Chair’s research results through diverse mechanisms to promote the health of Canadians and stimulate economic growth and social innovation;
• Have the opportunity to apply for infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI);
• Teach at all levels of study in biochemistry and structural biology;
• Contribute to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and to the training and mentoring of Master’s and Doctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows in the completion of theses and dissertations;
• Lead major interdepartmental and interfaculty research initiatives with national and international scope;
• Actively participate in promoting the discipline through conferences, publications, and scientific activities related to your area of expertise;
• Contribute to the functioning of the institution through active participation in Departmental, Faculty, and/or University committees, as well as IRIC committees;
• Contribute actively to the academic and scientific life of the Department, the Faculty and the IRIC.

Qualifications

• Be eligible for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program and apply to the 2026 competition;
• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., biochemistry or structural biology) and have significant experience as an established researcher in the areas of interest listed above. This requirement is set by the Université de Montréal; not by the Canada impact+ Research Chairs program;
• The successful candidate is expected to have proven expertise and a strong track record in G protein-coupled receptor biology, protein engineering, structural biology, and pharmacology, as well as a clear commitment to collaborative research with bioinformatics experts, chemists, and clinicians within the Université de Montréal network of affiliated hospitals;
• Demonstrate outstanding expertise and international recognition as a leader in transmembrane protein signaling and structural biology, notably in the field of G protein-coupled receptors and cancer;
• Have an international profile in the field and show strong leadership in major international networks;
• Be able to lead ambitious, productive research teams;
• Possess the qualities required to conduct research that mobilizes and applies knowledge to deliver positive health, social and economic benefits for Canada and beyond;
• Have experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Have experience supervising undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral trainees as well as research associates and other highly qualified personnel;
• Demonstrate excellent research productivity and a strong track record of research funding from recognized organizations;
• Demonstrate interest and ability to work within a multidisciplinary team (e.g., biochemists, chemists, cancer biologists, bioinformaticians and clinicians;
• Have adequate proficiency of the French language or be committed to learning it once hired, through the Université de Montréal’s French language support program, in accordance with the Université de Montréal language policy.

Additional information about the position

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive range of benefits;
• Expected start date: September 1^st, 2026;
• Located at the Montreal campus.

Link to submit your application: https://www.umontreal.ca/public/www/documents/offres_emploi_profs/MED_Impact__01-26_13_biochimie_ENG_vf.pdf

How to submit your application
The application file presented must include the following documents, to be submitted during the posting period, from, January 20, 2026, to February 18, 2026, inclusively:

• A cover letter;
• A curriculum vitae;
• Copies of, or links to, three recent publications or research papers;
• A statement outlining your teaching and mentoring experience and approach;
• A research program proposal;
• Contact details of three referees who will be solicited for a letter of recommendation;
• Important: the research program proposal should cover 8 years (suggested length: 4 pages maximum).

Contact information

Pascale Legault, Directrice
Department of biochemistry and molecular medicine
Faculty of Medicine
[email protected]

We encourage you to complete the self-identification questionnaire. More information is available in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion section at the end of this document.

Candidates who have already applied for a 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) position at the University of Montreal might be considered for this Impact+ Canada Research Chair position.

As per UdeM’s appointment procedures, members of the Assembly of Professors may consult all submitted application files. If you wish your application to remain confidential until the shortlist is established, please mention it in your application.

HEALTH AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS

• Medical, paramedical, dental and travel insurance
• Employee and Family Assistance Program along with an Institutional Health and Wellness Program
• Defined benefit pension plan with indexed pension payments upon retirement (rrum.umontreal.ca)
• Life insurance and disability income insurance

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• Up to two years of parental leave
• Reduced workload upon return from parental leave, until the child turns two
• Two on-campus childcare centres
• Summer camps and spring break camps at UdeM’s Sports and Fitness Centre
• Compassionate leave

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Research and study leave
• Research start-up funding
• French language training program
• University-level teaching skills development activities
• Professional development and sabbatical leave allowance program
• Tuition waiver program for you, your spouse, and dependent children

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Université de Montréal (UdeM) places equity, diversity and inclusion at the core of its mission. It adopts a broad and inclusive definition of diversity that goes beyond applicable laws, and encourages all qualified individuals, regardless of their characteristics, to apply. Women, Indigenous Peoples, members of visible or ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities are invited to apply and to complete the selfidentification form. This process directly supports employment equity objectives and helps strengthen the representation of members of these groups within our community.

Completing the self-identification questionnaire is strongly encouraged when submitting your online application.

This voluntary initiative aims to foster a diverse and equitable environment. The information provided is essential to improving UdeM’s practices and fulfilling its legal obligations. It is collected and used in strict compliance with applicable federal and provincial laws, remains strictly confidential, and will never be disclosed without your consent. It is used to advance employment equity, recognize the expertise of members of designated groups, and enhance their representation within the UdeM community.

During recruitment, selection tools may also be adapted, on a confidential basis, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation are invited to contact, Marie-Lou Lalime at the Bureau du personnel enseignant (Faculty Office) in complete confidentiality by email ([email protected]) or by phone at 514 343-6111 ext. 5472.

In accordance with current Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

UdeM also recognizes that parental, medical, caregiver or COVID-19 related leaves can lead to career interruptions or slowdowns. Applicants are encouraged to indicate any such circumstances that may have affected their career path. This information will be fully taken into account in the evaluation of applications.