The University of British Columbia is inviting expressions of interest from top-tier, internationally based researchers as the first step in applying to join the thriving research community on our Vancouver and Okanagan campuses through the Government of Canada’s new Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program.
These chairs have maximum award values of either $1 million per year or $500,000 per year for eight years. The program provides for the possibility of a four-year renewal, funded at 50% of the original value. Chairs will be appointed as full-time full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of starting their chairholder appointment.
UBC expects to hire multiple chairs across the university.
This program will support new chairs to advance transformative research projects that build upon their demonstrated strengths and that have strong potential to support the growth of the Canadian economy in the strategic priority areas identified by the Government of Canada. Applicants 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) are eligible to apply. Expatriate Canadian citizens wishing to relocate to Canada are welcome to apply.
UBC is a leading global research university where bold thinking, curiosity and initiative are changing the world. Our researchers and scholars are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in an amazing breadth of disciplines. The complex challenges facing society are also inspiring exciting new ways of thinking and collaborating. Coming together across disciplines and building partnerships with universities, industry, government and communities worldwide, researchers at our two campuses and affiliated teaching hospitals are generating ideas, discoveries and innovations that are improving lives in British Columbia, Canada and beyond.
Canada Impact+ Research Chair 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.
Join us at UBC
With comprehensive support — from immigration and housing, to childcare and community integration — UBC is a place where your professional ambitions and personal aspirations can truly thrive.
Current UBC Postings
| Job Title | Posting Date |
|---|---|
| Canada Impact+ Research Chairs | December 15, 2025 |
Process and Timelines for Applicants
An expression of interest (EOI) must be submitted as a first step in applying for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair at UBC. Universities will submit nominations to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program through two intakes. We strongly encourage applicants to submit an EOI in time for the first intake.
Timelines
First Intake
The majority of UBC submissions to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program will be made through the first intake.
- UBC's EOI Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026.
- Government of Canada’s deadline for UBC to register nominees: March 10, 2026
- Government of Canada’s deadline for UBC to submit full applications : March 24, 2026
Second Intake
UBC will consider all EOI submissions received by April 15, 2026 for the second intake.
- Government of Canada’s deadline for UBC to register nominees: June 15, 2026
- Government of Canada’s deadline for UBC to submit full applications: June 29, 2026
How to Submit Your Expression of Interest
To submit your EOI, please download the Word document template and complete all of the fields outlined below. Completed forms and your CV should be submitted as a single PDF or Word document (PDF preferred) to impact.chairs@ubc.ca with the subject line: [Last Name] Expression of Interest.
- Personal information: Include your name, current professorial rank, the name and location of your current institution, and email address.
- Reviewers: Provide the names, institutional affiliations and email contact information for five (5) international experts who could serve as reviewers for your application.
- Key words: Provide a list of up to ten (10) key words that best describe your field of research.
- UBC academic unit of interest (optional): If known, provide the name(s) of the UBC Department/Institute/School and/or Faculty across our two campuses you are interested in being considered for. UBC Vancouver | UBC Okanagan
- Strategic priority areas: Indicate one or more of the Canada Impact+ Research Chair strategic priority area(s) with which your research aligns.
- Research description: Provide a brief description of your area of research and how it advances the relevant strategic priority area(s) [150 words maximum].
Opportunities to join UBC through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program will be posted at a later date. You can request to be notified once details are available.
Information is available on doctoral award and postdoctoral fellowship opportunities at UBC through the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards.