The Canada Impact+ Research Chair Program
The University of Manitoba welcomes world-leading researchers to apply for one of several prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair positions. This page summarizes all current opportunities that are available at the University of Manitoba to apply for Canada Impact+ Research Chair positions.
The Canada Impact+ Research Chair Program
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a new initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.
Canada’s strategic priority areas are:
- 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.
The competition budget is approximately $1 billion. 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 two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aim to be inclusive of all areas of research.
In addition, there is potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year. This extension will be determined by an external review in Year 7 of the award.
The University of Manitoba
-
The University of Manitoba (UM) is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.
Join us in advancing the fight against cancer, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, leading global public health efforts at scale in Asia and Africa, connecting to the Arctic, opening a new maritime trade route, working alongside Indigenous partners, enhancing defence and security in the North, developing materials for green energy and the digital economy, and making Canadian agriculture more globally competitive and sustainable.
UM’s Strategic Research Themes
- Foundations
- Social Justice and Human Rights
- Research by, with, and for Indigenous Peoples
- Water and Food Security
- Health and Well-being
- Climate Action and Sustainability
- Manitoba, Hudson bay, Arctic, and the World
Program Qualifications & Eligibility
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.
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.
Nominees must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. Once a successful nominee takes up their chairholder appointment, the host institution will be expected to appoint them as a full professor, or where applicable, as an associate professor with an opportunity to apply for promotion to full professor within two years of starting their appointment.
Successful nominees will be expected to start their position at their Canadian host institution within 12 months of accepting the award. Chairholders will be required to take up their appointment on a full-time basis.
The Application Process
-
Detailed information about the Impact+ Research Chairs opportunities available at the University of Manitoba are provided below. The application process is open for any of the position titles that show a hyper link. Please click on the position title that you are applying for, and you will be redirected to a specific advertisement that provides details on how to proceed with your application. For position titles that do not have a hyperlink, please revisit this website daily as specific details will become available shortly.
For any further information about the Faculties listed below, please click here.Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and submitted up to the maximum dollar value that the University of Manitoba can apply. In most cases, applications must include:
- a concise cover letter describing suitability for the position
- a curriculum vitae (including examples of significant research contributions)
- a research plan (3 page maximum) outlining an independent, innovative research program, and its potential to attract funding and contribute to student training
- a teaching statement (1/2 page) that documents the applicant's experience in and/or approach to training and mentoring diverse students and the candidate's teaching philosophy
- a personal statement reflecting on the applicant's positionality, demonstrated commitment, and approach to issues pertaining to anti-racism and social justice (including principles of equity, access, and participation) in the following areas: teaching, research, and service
- the names and contact information of three referees
-
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.
The successful candidate will then prepare the required nomination package, with the support of the Office of the Vice President Research & International. Completed nomination packages will be submitted to the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) as part of the national Impact+ Program’s application process. An academic appointment at UM is dependent on a successful review by the multidisciplinary selection committee and approval by the TIPS Steering Committee.
The Program will have two intakes in 2026 with applications due on March 10, (first intake) and June 29 (second intake). Award start dates are September 2026 and November 2026, respectively.
Please consult the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria and application requirements.
Salary and rank will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience, in accordance with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association collective agreement.
The successful candidate will have up to 12 months from the mutual acceptance of the Notice of Award to start their appointment. The position includes a research start-up package and the opportunities to compete for additional equipment funding locally and via the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The successful applicant will also have access to core resources within the faculty they are appointed to.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Considerations
Equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded as foundational principles in Impact+ objectives, expected outcomes and reporting requirements of the competition. The three agencies expect that institutions and chairholders will demonstrate and implement the highest EDI standards for the duration of their award.
UM is committed to these principles and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at UM and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).
The Canada Impact+ Research Chair nomination selection committee will receive equity training that includes instruction on how to recognize and combat unconscious, implicit, overt, prejudicial and other kinds of bias.
If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.
The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant's record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact of any such interruption(s) in their submission. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.
