Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC)

Posting start date: April 28, 2025

External posting only

The École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) is looking for exceptional candidates to lead Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) in a variety of strategic areas. The CERC program, the most prestigious research program in the country, aims to attract the best and brightest researchers from around the world. This unique opportunity offers a grant of up to $1 million per year, for up to eight years.

Applicants are invited to express their interest as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2025. At this stage, all applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Eligible candidates may be invited to apply for a faculty position at ÉTS, in accordance with current hiring procedures. The results of the national competition will be announced in January 2027, for a position to be filled within 12 months.

Targeted research areas

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 CERCs in the following areas of its strategic research plan:

•       Aeronautics and aerospace

• Infrastructures and built environments

• Sustainable development, circular economy and environmental issues

This prioritization does not preclude the submission of exceptional proposals in the other sectors of ÉTS's strategic plan:
 

• Health technologies

• Innovative materials and advanced manufacturing

• Intelligent and autonomous systems

• Quantum engineering

• Sensors, networks and connectivity

• Software systems, multimedia and cybersecurity
   

Profile sought

This program is aimed at high-level researchers holding an associate (soon to be tenured) or full professor position, whether from academia or industry.

Those selected will be called upon to create and develop ambitious, high-impact 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 foster the mobilization of knowledge within and beyond the academic world.

Submission of a notice of interest

Interested parties are invited to send their application via the online application management system before September 30, 2025.

The application must include in a single pdf document:
A letter of interest (maximum 2.5 pages)

• A detailed curriculum vitae

• A short statement of current and future research program, related to the targeted field(s) (maximum 2.5 pages)

Additional information

For any questions or requests for information, please write to : DERP@etsmtl.ca  

About École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)

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 hands-on approach to teaching. 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 all over the world, while ensuring that professors who are not yet fluent in French at the time they take up their duties benefit from language-learning support.

Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

The CERC program aims to promote excellence in research while fostering best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion. ÉTS is fully committed to these principles and, through its Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP), invites applications from women, Aboriginal people, visible and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

We recognize that career breaks can affect career paths without compromising the excellence of contributions. Candidates are encouraged to mention any relevant circumstances in their application.

Accommodation

Persons with disabilities may be provided with confidential accommodation based on their needs in this competition. If you require accommodation, we invite you to contact Alissa Lauriault (elle/she), Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor in the Office of Academic Affairs, at edi@etsmtl.ca