Canada Impact+ Research Chair – Dept of Physics & Astronomy

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Canada Impact+ Research Chair – Dept of Physics & Astronomy

Position number: 37368
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Science
Posting start date: January 20, 2026
Advertised until: February 23, 2026 or until filled
Full-time: Yes
Permanent: Yes
Start date: September 1, 2026
For more information please contact: Milijana Prstojevic – [email protected]

Canada Impact+ Research Chairs in Transformative Quantum Science

Full Time, Tenured

Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba

Position #: 37368 (Chair) and 37367 (Professor)

Expected start date of appointment: Within 12 months of the award date (September 2026).

The Department of Physics & Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba invites applications for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair of Transformative Quantum Science. A Canada Impact+ Research Chair is one of the most prestigious international awards globally, providing Chairholders and their research teams with an award of up to $8 million over eight years ($1 million per year). In addition, there is potential for a four-year extension at 50% of the initial award value per year. This extension will be determined by an external review in Year 7 of the award.

Successful nominees will be expected to start their position at the University of Manitoba within 12 months of accepting the award. The successful candidate will be appointed to a full-time tenured position at the rank of Full Professor, or at the rank of Associate Professor with an opportunity to apply for promotion to Full Professor within two years of starting their appointment. Salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, in accordance with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association collective agreement. The position will be provided with a start-up package and opportunities to compete for additional equipment funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair Program

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a new initiative funded by the Government of Canada. The aim is to attract to Canadian universities world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. Impact+ chairholders must advance ambitious and transformative projects in one or more of Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Canada’s strategic priority areas are: 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 Defence and dual-use technologies. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel. Please consult the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria and application requirements.

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) at the time of the first intake application deadline (March 24, 2026) are eligible to apply. The focus of this position is in a frontier area of quantum science, with particular emphasis on foundational experimental, computational, or theoretical investigation. The Chair will be tasked with guiding initiatives in research into new frontiers of knowledge in quantum science and technology operating at the single quantum level. The ideal candidate is actively leading, or has previously led, an innovative and externally funded research program in one of these frontier areas. While this is a research-intensive position, the successful candidate will also contribute to educating and training students and early career researchers through teaching and mentorship in Department of Physics & Astronomy, and participate in academic service activities to the Department, Faculty, and University. Teaching experience in Quantum Physics, and related areas is an asset.

The successful applicant will have access to core resources within the faculty, including High Performance Computing and advanced fabrication facilities. In addition, access includes University facilities such as Manitoba Institute of Materials, and additional capabilities and expertise through the Winnipeg Institute of Theoretical Physics and programs at the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University.

The appointment is dependent on a successful Canada Impact+ Research Chair Award, and the two-stage process of this appointment is:

1. Applicants must apply to this University of Manitoba advertisement for review and endorsement, and

2. The successful candidate will then prepare the required nomination package, with the support of the Office of the Vice President (Research & International) at the University of Manitoba. Completed nomination packages will be submitted to the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) as part of the national Impact+ Program’s application process. An academic appointment at UM is dependent on a successful review by the multidisciplinary selection committee and approval by the TIPS Steering Committee.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy and University of Manitoba

The Department of Physics & Astronomy has a strong history of integrated teaching and research in areas of theoretical, computational, and experimental quantum physics, which underpins the operations of its three largest research groupings (Astronomy & Astrophysics, Subatomic Physics and Condensed Matter Physics). The expertise and capabilities of the Department’s 22 research faculty supervise approximately 90 graduate students, making it one of the largest graduate programs in the Faculty of Science. Research in the Department involves numerous national and international collaborations, including use of and contributions to large scale multi-year major facilities and in several cases, linkages to industry and generation of IP.

The University of Manitoba (UM) is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Join us in advancing the fight against cancer, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, leading global public health efforts at scale in Asia and Africa, connecting to the Arctic, opening a new maritime trade route, working alongside Indigenous partners, enhancing defence and security in the North, developing materials for green energy and the digital economy, and making Canadian agriculture more globally competitive and sustainable.

UM’s Strategic Research Themes are:

Foundations
Social Justice and Human Rights
Research by, with, and for Indigenous Peoples
Water and Food Security
Health and Well-being
Climate Action and Sustainability
Manitoba, Hudson Bay, Arctic, and the World
Please consult the Change Trough Research University of Manitoba Strategic Research Plan 2024-2024 for further information about these Research Themes.

The Application Process

Applicants must apply to this University of Manitoba advertisement through the UM Careers portal (https://viprecprod.ad.umanitoba.ca/DEFAULT.ASPX?REQ_ID=43774) for review and endorsement and clearly state the application position number in the cover letter. Applicants should upload their cover letter separately, their curriculum vitae separately, and then combine their research plan, teaching statement, personal statement and a list of three referees into a single PDF file and upload it under ‘Additional Documentation’ when applying in UM Careers. If you experience any difficulties accessing UM Careers, please contact Milijana Prstojevic, Department of Physics & Astronomy, [email protected], for assistance. Further details on the application materials are:

a concise cover letter describing suitability for the position
a curriculum vitae (including examples of significant research contributions)
a research plan (3 page maximum) outlining an independent, innovative research program, and its potential to attract funding and contribute to student training
a teaching statement (1/2 page) that documents the applicant’s experience in and/or approach to training and mentoring diverse students and the candidate’s teaching philosophy
a personal statement reflecting on the applicant’s positionality, demonstrated commitment, and approach to issues pertaining to anti-racism and social justice (including principles of equity, access, and participation) in the following areas: teaching, research, and service
the names and contact information of three referees
A review of applications will begin February 24, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Considerations

Equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded as foundational principles in Impact+ objectives, expected outcomes and reporting requirements of the competition. The three agencies expect that institutions and chairholders will demonstrate and implement the highest EDI standards for the duration of their award.

UM is committed to these principles and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at UM and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair nomination selection committee will receive equity training that includes instruction on how to recognize and combat unconscious, implicit, overt, prejudicial and other kinds of bias.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact of any such interruption(s) in their submission. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.

Live and Work where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers Meet

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

Additional information:
Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

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