Canada Impact+ Research Chair
USask invites applications from world-leading researchers for consideration for the prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair competition. The Canada Impact+ Research Chair program is intended to attract internationally leading researchers in establishing ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. Chairholders are appointed for eight years, with the possibility of a four-year partially funded extension, with award values of either $4 million or $8 million.
The Canada Impact+ Research Chair program uses a two-stage process, where applicants must first apply to the job posting at USask. The successful applicant from the first stage will then proceed to the second stage and co-develop an application with USask for the Canada Impact+ Research Chair competition. USask will provide substantial institutional support for the development of the application to the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program. Universities will submit applications through two intakes.
TIMELINES
USask will begin reviewing applications for each intake following the deadlines below.
First Intake
USask’s first submission deadline: January 19, 2026
Government of Canada’s deadline for USask nominee registration: March 10, 2026
Government of Canada’s deadline for USask to submit a full application: March 24, 2026
Second Intake
USask’s second submission deadline: April 20, 2026
Government of Canada’s deadline for USask nominee registration: June 15, 2026
Government of Canada’s deadline for USask to submit a full application: June 29, 2026
RESEARCH ALIGNMENT
USask welcomes applications from outstanding international renowned researchers in one or more of the following strategic priority areas:
advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity);
health, including biotechnology;
clean technology and resource value chains;
environment, climate resilience and the Arctic;
food and water security;
democratic and community resilience;
manufacturing and advanced materials; and/or
defence and dual-use technologies.
ELIGIBILITY
The nominees must hold a full professor rank or be an associate professor expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, the nominee must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. As per USask requirements, the successful candidate will have a doctoral degree (or equivalent).
The nominees must have a recent track record of research accomplishments and significant interest in making new contributions to Canada. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the first intake application deadline are eligible to apply. Expatriate Canadians wishing to relocate to Canada are encouraged to apply.
Successful nominees will have the primary responsibility for directing the research program and all related activities, leading a team of personnel, and coordinating governance and administration with the host institution.
The successful nominee will have up to 12 months to take up their appointment as chairholder at the host institution after the Notice of Award has been accepted by the nominating institution and the nominee.
Life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or COVID 19 impacts) are an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a nominee’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions. These impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
USask encourages applications from individuals from all underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations, including racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
ABOUT USASK
USask is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive university. USask’s main campus is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The university has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 26,000.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, applicants should provide the following:
A cover letter that outlines
the applicant’s alignment with the advertised position
the applicant’s research agenda
the alignment of the applicant’s research with a Canada Impact+ Research Chair strategic priority area(s)
the applicant’s proposed USask academic unit
A detailed curriculum vitae
An outline of the proposed research program, including how the applicant will advance one or more of the eight strategic priority areas (one page maximum)
Names and contact information for three referees willing to provide reference letters
Additional information as requested by the search committee
Applications must be submitted through USask’s online application system. Click on the “Apply Now” button (top left of page). Visit here for tips on applying and instructions on how to apply. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey.
Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on January 19, 2026 for intake one and April 20, 2026 for intake two.
This posting may be used to identify Canada Research Chair nominees.
Nominations will be subject to the Government of Canada’s Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC), which applies to this funding opportunity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is contingent upon the nominee being awarded a Canada Impact+ Research Chair through the program’s peer review process. The Canada Impact+ Research Chair is tenable for eight years, subject to the chairholder fulfilling their reporting and mid-term evaluation requirements and may be eligible for a four-year partially funded extension. Full program details can be found on the program’s website https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs/program-details/competition/2026/apply.html.
USask is committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. Accommodations are available for all applicants who require them throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact Bonnie Hughes (bonnie.hughes@usask.ca).
The University of Saskatchewan offers immigration and relocation support for selected candidates.
General inquiries regarding this posting can be directed to rasi.support@usask.ca.
Department: Research Acceleration & Strategic Initiatives
Posted Date: 12/22/2025
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
