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Associate/Full Professor and Canada Impact+ Research Chair

January 16, 2026

Time to read: 14 minutes

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About the Position

Carleton University invites applications from outstanding researchers for Canada Impact+ Research Chairs at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs will advance ambitious and transformative projects, 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. Awarded Chairs are valued at either $500,000 or $1 million CAD per year for a period of 8 years, including salaries and benefits for the Chairholder and their personnel. There is a potential for approved renewals for an additional 4 years at 50% of the award value. Appointment is conditional on the approval of the nomination for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair through a separate application process, and results are expected in June 2026 or September 2026. Chairholders must advance one or more of the following strategic priority areas identified by the Government of Canada:

Carleton University is open to applications in any of the above areas; however, Carleton University is particularly interested in applications in the following sub-areas:

Advanced Digital Technologies for the Climate Adaption of the Built Environment and Cultural Heritage (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Engineering and Design): The accelerating impacts of climate change are placing unprecedented pressure on the built environment, particularly cultural heritage sites. Advances in digital technologies offer innovative pathways to safeguard these irreplaceable assets that have cultural and socio-economical value. This critical context provides an opportunity to develop next-generation research on climate science, heritage engineering, AI and digital twins, encompassing data assessment, monitoring, modeling, simulation, and management, is at the forefront ensuring the conservation of the built environment. The outcomes of this research area have the capacity to provide decision-makers with robust, risk-informed and evidence-based data to identify optimal interventions that reduce climate impacts while preserving the significance, authenticity, and integrity of heritage places.

Climate Resilience and Knowledge Systems for Sustainable Futures (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences): Climate change is transforming landscapes, cultures and governance, especially in regions where environmental and social systems intersect most acutely—such as the Arctic, Indigenous territories, and resource-dependent communities. We seek applicants whose research examines resilience through intersectional knowledge systems, governance, and/or justice. Potential subfields include Indigenous and community-led monitoring and adaptation, climate-resilient food systems, data sovereignty and knowledge co-production, livelihood security, infrastructure and resource politics, critical approaches to technology and remote sensing, and cultural continuity in changing environments. Candidates may employ diverse methods, from participatory research and policy analysis to digital mapping and critical remote sensing.

Community Archiving and Democratic Resilience (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences): The rise of populism, authoritarianism, hate, and democratic backsliding challenges minority infrastructures and visibility, posing immediate threats to democratic societies. We are seeking an internationally recognized researcher to explore how minoritized individuals and groups create livable lives under adverse conditions. Through partnerships, the successful candidate will build community resilience and strengthen societies by boosting the role of culture, history, and community archiving and storytelling to safeguard cultural heritage, well-being, the social economy, and democratic institutions. With stakeholders, they will develop policy and practices in support of the cultural and creative economy, producing evidence-based and community-driven policies, policy recommendations and institutional frameworks that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement, gender equality, pluralism, and inclusiveness.

Critical Mineral Resource Value Chains (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Science): Securing clean, sustainable sources of metals and materials necessary for industrial society (e.g., Critical Minerals, concrete) is a precondition for the continued prosperity of Canada. We will seek a world leader in the identification and quantification of global supplies and supply chain security of Critical Minerals from ore deposits and from legacy mine waste materials. A successful candidates will complement existing research programs at Carleton including linking tectonics to global metallogeny, support the Government of Canada in refining its Critical Minerals strategy, define low-grade “backstop” Critical Minerals sources in the face of geopolitical supply chain constraints, find sustainable supplies of cementitious materials, and seek to reclaim Critical Minerals from legacy mine waste materials including red mud from alumina processing. 

Cybersecurity for National Resilience and Digital Sovereignty (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Science): Cybersecurity underpins Canada’s economy, democracy, and national security. As reliance on cloud platforms, AI systems, connected devices, and large-scale data grows, new vulnerabilities emerge that cannot be solved with reactive or purely technical fixes. This area advances next-generation approaches combining advanced digital technologies with human-centred design, system measurement, and responsible deployment. We seek an internationally recognized researcher to explore incident detection and investigation, privacy-preserving system design, secure software and infrastructure, quantum security, post-quantum security, and the integration of AI into security operations in ways that are transparent, trustworthy, and resilient to misuse. A successful candidate will propose a program that moves beyond theoretical models toward cybersecurity solutions that work at scale in real organizations, protect everyday users, and inform policy and standards.

Defence Economics (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs): Defence economists examine how resources can be optimally allocated for military versus other needs, what aspects of the military should be prioritized, along with considerations of a country’s defence industrial base. This includes analysing defence budgets, how defence investments contribute to industrial and technological objectives, military procurement, addressing national security challenges and examining linkages between the military and industry, including those that involve dual-use technologies. We are seeking a world class defence economist with an active research program capable of contributing to scholarly, policy and public debates on these and related issues as the Canadian government ramps up defence spending in the coming years and outlines an ambitious defence industrial strategy.

Digital Market Governance, Sovereignty and Public Trust (for consideration for appointment in the Sprott School of Business): Canada leads in advanced digital technologies but struggles to turn innovation into trusted, widely adopted systems that deliver social and economic benefits. Concerns around digital sovereignty, including control over data, platforms, standards, and critical infrastructure, combined with regulatory uncertainty, fragmented governance, misaligned incentives, and low public trust constrain adoption. We are seeking a research leader in digital market governance and public trust to examine how advanced digital systems are designed, governed, regulated, and scaled, with particular attention to sovereignty, safety critical industries, and dual use applications. Engaging with industry, government, and community partners, the successful candidates will develop a program focused on business models, competitive dynamics, institutional arrangements, and policy frameworks shaping technology adoption and resilience, translating research into actionable management practices, policy guidance, and implementation pathways that support accountable, trusted digital markets.

Environment, Climate Resilience and Arctic Policy (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs): The transformation of the Arctic and its socio-ecological environment is creating tensions between sovereign nations, challenges for communities that depend on local food resources, while providing opportunities for economic development in various resource-based sectors and tourism. We seek an internationally recognized scholar conducting interdisciplinary research on the socioecological, cultural and economic implications of environmental change, climate change adaptation, and sustainable Arctic economic developments in the Canadian and pan-Arctic context. The successful candidate will directly engage with Northern partners, Indigenous leaders and governments, Northern and federal economic agencies, NGOs and the private sector to identify strategic policies and directions to support climate resilience, environmental protection and Arctic investments that are supported by local communities.

Future Networks and Advanced Connectivity Technologies (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Engineering and Design): Future networks encompassing terrestrial, aerial, near-space, and space segments, with advanced enabling paradigms (including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning, digital twins, novel signal processing, networking, transceiver, and antenna technologies) will facilitate ultra-connectivity for a broad range of functionalities including sensing, navigation, positioning, localization, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in addition to very-high-speed communications. We are seeking an internationally recognized researcher to lead a program to develop next-generation information & communications technologies, focusing on the capacity to provide ubiquitous high-speed connectivity over diverse geographical locations for various applications from healthcare, communications and security. This research will produce outcomes that will support Canada’s economy and quality of life as it addresses sustainability, supports digital transformation, and prepares for a knowledge-based economy.

Integrated Environmental Systems, Climate Resilience and the Arctic (for consideration in the Faculty of Science): Rapid environmental change driven by climate warming, resource development, and global connectivity is reshaping Arctic and climate-sensitive regions, with profound implications for ecosystems, communities, infrastructure, sovereignty, and governance. We seek an internationally recognized researcher focused on advance understanding of climate risks and resilience in northern and Arctic regions through understanding and responding to environmental change through an integrated systems lens. Research programs should align with one or more of the following areas: physical, environmental and atmospheric chemistry; biogeochemistry; geoscience; ecology; and/or biodiversity. The successful candidate will develop or apply tools for environmental monitoring, remote sensing, AI, and community engagement alongside governments, Indigenous communities, industry, and society, strengthening Canada’s ability to anticipate change, reduce risk, and support sustainable futures in climate-vulnerable areas.

Large Language Models in High-Stakes Human Contexts (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences): Large language models (LLMs) are a rapidly advancing class of digital technologies that have the potential to shape human learning, reasoning, and well-being in high-stakes contexts such as education and mental health. As LLMs become increasingly embedded in everyday contexts, there is an urgent need for rigorous, human-centered research that examines both their potential risks as well as benefits. Bringing together expertise in artificial intelligence, cognition, and human–AI interaction, we are seeking an internationally recognized researcher to lead an interdisciplinary program to study how people engage with LLM-based tools and how these technologies influence human learning, affect, and other relevant outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute research that informs the evaluation, deployment, and future development of these technologies, and will foster collaboration across disciplines and sectors concerned with the societal implications of AI-enabled systems.

Public Trust and Information Integrity (for consideration for appointment in the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs): Unprecedented challenges to the global information environment have strained the foundations of national sovereignty, political inclusion, and societal cohesion.  We seek an internationally recognized scholar with an expansive program of research in the areas of mis/disinformation, information integrity, and democratic resilience. The successful candidate will advance research capacity in the following areas: Impacts of mis/disinformation and networks of persuasion on public life, including election campaigns; Digital systems for building/safeguarding information integrity and enhancing democratic and community resilience; Opportunities and challenges of AI and advanced digital technologies for public institutions and citizenship, including news media and journalism; and Communication to improve information integrity regarding climate change and adaptability to its impacts. Their work will promote collaboration across government, industry, and civil society to address the circulation of mis- and disinformation, foreign interference in domestic elections, and the erosion of public trust in institutions and expertise.

Resilient, sustainable and equitable built environments and communities (for consideration for appointment to the Faculty of Engineering and Design): The way cities, infrastructure, and communities are designed and operated is increasingly challenged by growing complexity, uncertainty, and interconnected risks. Extreme weather, resource disruptions, and evolving expectations for sustainability, health, safety, equity and performance are reshaping the built environment. These challenges demand systems-based solutions that balance high performance, sustainability, and resilience to hazards like wildland–urban interface fires. We seek an internationally recognized researcher to address these issues through systems-based approaches that link building performance, sustainability objectives, and extreme hazard response, while fostering sustainable and equitable communities. The successful candidate will lead impactful research engaging areas such as building engineering, architecture, infrastructure, renewable energy, and building policy, standards, and codes.

Candidates wishing to be considered for nomination by Carleton University for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair in intake one should submit their application by January 29, 2026. Candidates selected for intake one will be required to complete and submit a registration and application to the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program in March 2026.

All appointments are conditional on the approval of the application by the Canada Impact+ Research Chair Program.

For more details, please see the Canada Impact+ Research Chair Program at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs.html and the Office of the Vice-President (Research, Innovation and International) at https://research.carleton.ca/. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations.

About the Academic Unit

The appointments will be made to the most appropriate academic unit depending on the expertise and qualifications of the successful candidates.

Qualifications

Applications for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair at Carleton will be evaluated, regardless of award value and/or the career stage of the nominee, building on the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program selection criteria (https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs/program-details/competition/2026/apply.html#9). The evaluation criteria are as follows:

In addition, Carleton University requires applicants to:

For more information and any questions, please contact: canadaimpact@cunet.carleton.ca.

Application Instructions

Applications must be sent electronically to canadaimpact@cunet.carleton.ca in one single PDF file, which includes the following:

In Canada, both the Government of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities have introduced research security policies and guidelines to protect Canada’s world-class research. To ensure candidates can meet the federal and provincial research security requirements for external research funding, research security will be considered as part of the adjudication process. Carleton University encourages all applicants to review the federal Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern, the federal National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships and the provincial Research Security Guidelines for Ontario Research Funding Programs.

To help us develop our equity programs, a confidential equity and diversity self-identification survey will be sent to all applicants separately.

Carleton University recognizes that life circumstances related to health (and/or disability), administrative, family, cultural or community responsibilities, socio-economic context, COVID-19, the introduction of research security measures or other factors are often part of life, are likely to have an impact on an applicant’s record of research achievement, and these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process;. We invite all applicants to provide an optional Career Interruption Statement outlining any career interruptions https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/?p=1784. Successful candidates will be required to work with the Carleton Office for Research Initiatives and Services to submit a registration and prepare the full nomination package for submission to the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program in accordance with the program’s deadlines: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs/program-details/competition/2026/apply.html

About Carleton University

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative teaching and research institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study.

We are strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the nomination and appointment process.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or gender expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu-files/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact Kyla Reid (Assistant Director – Research Development) at kyla.reid@carleton.ca as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All positions are subject to budgetary approval.

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