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The University of Lethbridge invites applications from outstanding established researchers for the CERC 2026 Competition. This program aims to enhance Canada’s ability to attract top researchers and position Canada as a premier destination for research and technology development.
This program is an opportunity for international researchers, including Canadian expatriates wishing to return to Canada, to lead a prestigious research program at the University of Lethbridge. Applicants must be full Professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of the nomination. Applicants from outside academia must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed to these levels.
The University of Lethbridge is seeking CERC candidates in the following priority areas that build on the unique strengths of the University of Lethbridge and southern Alberta landscapes, infrastructure, and research facilities.
Rural and Regional Maternal and Child Health
Research topics of interest will be aligned with the One Child Every Child CFREF program in which the University of Lethbridge is a key partner. These may include but are not limited to the following: community-based interventions aimed at improving prenatal, maternal, child and youth health; Indigenous, land-based, and holistic wellness sciences; brain health and socio-demographic interventions; genomics for personalized medicine; recruitment and retention of health care providers; and innovative health and medical education.
Agriculture and Global Change
Research topics of interest include but are not limited to the following: improved knowledge and outcomes relating to food security and food sovereignty, ecosystems health, natural resource management, the politics of global change across borders, integrated supply chains, species at risk and ecological disruptions like wildfire, drought and flood, and agriculture technology.
It is anticipated that up to 2 candidates will be selected to be nominated for CERC positions.
CERC recruitment uses a two-stage application process where interested applicants must first apply to an open job posting at the university. The successful applicant will enter the second stage, for which they will develop an application to the CERC program. The University of Lethbridge will provide substantial support in the preparation and development of the program application including budget planning, proposal development and editing. Running in parallel is appointment to an academic appointment per the process set out in the University of Lethbridge Academic Staff Collective Agreement.
Awarded Chairs are valued at either $500,000 or $1 million per year for a period of 8 years, including salaries and benefits for the Chairholder. The two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aims to be inclusive of all areas of research. Final decisions on the award value will be made upon selection of the candidate(s) invited to prepare a CERC nomination package. These awards are non-renewable. Awardees will have up to 12 months to take up the award after the notice of award and acceptance has been signed by all parties.
Interested applicants are invited for view the full program details: https://www.cerc.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx.
Applicants must be full professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within one to two years of the nomination. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the field of research. This is a requirement of the University of Lethbridge, not the CERC program. They must be engaged in a program of research and have a globally competitive track record of research contributions in their field. In addition to demonstrated leadership and a track record of attracting and mentoring a diverse group of students and research personnel, candidates should have a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain an equitable and inclusive research environment.
Successful candidates will be appointed as a faculty member, to an appropriate Department, School, or Faculty as early as spring 2027. Duties will include research, teaching and service. The appointment will be conditional upon the successful award of the CERC to the candidate.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must include the following:
- A cover letter of application that identifies:
o the theme the applicant’s research aligns with, and
o The start-up funding, infrastructure, and space requirements.
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- A comprehensive CERC vision statement and research plan no longer than 5 pages, that includes:
o An overview of the applicant’s proposed research program including knowledge mobilization and any innovation activities;
o Details on how they intend to develop externally funded research projects;
o How their research aligns with the University of Lethbridge’s existing or emerging areas of research strength;
o Potential to collaborate with other researchers at the University of Lethbridge, within Alberta, and across Canada;
o Social and economic benefits for Canada that will result from the research program; and
o Contribution and fit to the research ecosystem in Canada and internationally.
- A statement no longer than 3 pages emphasizing their research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their experiences in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization within their practices, as well as a plan for establishing and maintaining a diverse core team and research environment that is safe and inclusive.
- The names and email addresses of five potential arm’s length referees who are prepared to submit a letter of recommendation.
The position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications beginning on June 1, 2025. To meet CERC Program timelines, the University of Lethbridge must select and confirm the nominee(s) in advance of the registration deadline of January 21, 2026, with a full nomination packaged submitted to the Program by March 18, 2026.
Any general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to [email protected].
Internal Selection Process
Chairholders are selected through a highly competitive and rigorous two-stage application process. Each application will first be evaluated by a committee responsible for identifying candidates who satisfy the selection criteria of University of Lethbridge and the CERC program. All applications in this stage will be kept confidential. Shortlisted candidates must be recommended for appointment by a validly constituted search committee including additional academic reference confirmations, as this position is also subject to university approval. The successful candidate will be invited to submit a full application package to the Canada Excellence Research Chair Program. The results of the CERC application are expected in spring 2027.
Employment Equity Statement
The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University encourages applications from qualified individuals from all underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations, including racialized individuals, indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
The University of Lethbridge recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and our community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The University embraces equity as a core value to be truly inclusive of the communities of which we are a part, and this requires ongoing intentional and systemic action. Through recruitment and support of individuals who further enhance our commitment to inclusion and diversity, the University strives to create a community where students, and employees feel welcome, are treated equitably, and can thrive.
The University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities may have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record so that it may be considered in the hiring process.
The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.
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