CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 

CANADA IMPACT+ RESEARCH CHAIRS 
 

Posted from January 26th to March 15th 2026- External posting only

The École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) is seeking exceptional candidates who wish to lead Canada Impact+ Research Chairs in various strategic fields. This program is a one-time initiative aimed at attracting world-renowned researchers whose work focuses on critical national and global issues. The program emphasizes both excellence and the tangible impact of research. Through this unique opportunity, the holder may be awarded a grant worth a minimum of $500,000 and a maximum of $1 million per year for a period of eight years, with the possibility of an additional four-year extension at 50% of the initial annual value.

Those who meet the profile are invited to express their interest as soon as possible, and no later than March 15, 2026. At this stage, all applications will be treated as strictly confidential. Eligible candidates may be invited to submit their application for a faculty position at ÉTS, in accordance with current hiring procedures. The results of the competition will be announced in September 2026.

The proposed Chair must fall within one of the strategic priorities identified by the Government of Canada. As part of this competition, ÉTS will prioritize Impact+ Chairs in the following areas of its strategic research plan and in emerging fields* within the institution:

• Railway engineering*

• Quantum algorithms*

• Health technologies

• Sensors, networks, and connectivity

• Innovative materials and advanced manufacturing

• Intelligent and autonomous systems

• Software systems, multimedia, and cybersecurity.

This program is intended for high-level researchers who hold the position of associate professor (soon to be tenured) or full professor. If individuals are recruited from outside the academic sector, they must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed to similar positions.

Those selected will be called upon to create and develop ambitious, impactful research projects, while helping to strengthen ÉTS's position as a center of excellence in interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative research. They will also be encouraged to build world-class research teams and promote knowledge mobilization within and beyond the academic world. 

Only candidates based abroad (working and residing outside Canada) at the time of the Impact+ Research Chair award are eligible. Successful candidates must take full-time employment at the host institution within 12 months of the chair holder's acceptance.

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline. This requirement is set by the École de technologie supérieure (ETS) Montreal, not by the Impact+ Canada Research Chairs program.

• Demonstrate recent research achievements and a strong interest in research (disciplinary or interdisciplinary), innovation, and knowledge transfer.

• Be able to build and lead a diverse and highly qualified research team capable of contributing significantly to ÉTS's reputation.

• Demonstrate an ability to supervise graduate students.

• Have an interest in and aptitude for teaching, university pedagogy, and skills development.

• Demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing significantly to Canada's growth and to scientific advances at the national and international levels.

• Be proficient in spoken and written French in accordance with ÉTS's language policy or demonstrate a willingness to learn French and commit to a francization process supported by ÉTS.

• Develop fundamental or applied research activities.

• Supervise graduate students.

• Teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels

• Participate in university life.

• Contribute to community service.

Interested individuals are invited to submit their application before March 15, 2026.  The application must include the following in a single PDF document:

•  A cover letter (maximum 2.5 pages)

•  A detailed curriculum vitae

• A brief statement of current and future research plans related to the targeted field(s) (maximum 2.5 pages).

If you have any questions or require further information, please write to: DERP@etsmtl.ca

The École de technologie supérieure is a French-language university recognized for its applied expertise in engineering and technological innovation. A member of the Université du Québec network, it stands out for its close partnerships with industry and its practice-oriented approach to education. Located in Montreal—a city ranked among the best in the world for its quality of life and scientific dynamism—ÉTS offers a stimulating work environment, competitive salaries, and a full range of benefits.

ÉTS is a French-language university in Quebec. It welcomes specialists from around the world, while ensuring that professors who do not yet have a command of French when they start their positions receive personalized support in learning the language.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Impact+ Canada Research Chairs Program aims to promote excellence in research while promoting best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

ÉTS fully adheres to these principles and, through its Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP), invites women, Indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2ELGBTQIA+ community to apply.

Life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, sick leave, family care leave, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or the consequences of COVID-19) are often part of life and may affect a candidate's research results. These career interruptions are recognized as factors that can affect career paths without compromising the excellence of contributions. Applicants are encouraged to mention any relevant circumstances in their application.

Accommodation

Accommodations may be provided to individuals with disabilities based on their needs in connection with this competition, in complete confidentiality. If you require an accommodation, please contact Marion Dedeine (she/her), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor at the Office of Faculty Affairs, at edi@etsmtl.ca.