Canada Impact+ Research Chair in AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions

Closing Date: March 27, 2026, or until filled
Expected Start Date of Appointment: September 2026

The Department of Civil Engineering at Memorial University invites applications for the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (CIRC) competition targeting AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions (AI-MIRAR). CIRCs will be appointed for a period of eight years in values of either $8 million ($1 million per year) or $4 million ($500,000 per year), with the possibility of a 4-year extension at 50% of the original award value, determined by an external review in Year 7 of the award. The awardee may also request an additional $100,000 per year over six years to recruit an Early Career Researcher (ECR) and to apply for research infrastructure funding.

The CIRC program is a one-time-only initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, designed to recruit top-tier international researchers with expertise in key areas addressing critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. The eight CIRC-identified strategic priority areas include: 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 Defense and dual-use technologies. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the application deadline are eligible to apply.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s geographic position as a gateway to the Arctic presents Memorial University with a unique opportunity to lead research on Arctic maritime infrastructure. The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Department of Civil Engineering have established expertise and facilities in ocean technology, offshore engineering, and sustainable infrastructure, combined with emerging capabilities in advanced digital technologies, creating an ideal environment for the successful candidate to develop the AI-MIRAR research program. The successful CIRC candidate will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor, with the opportunity to apply for promotion to Full Professor within 2 years of the appointment’s start date. The salary for the position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) Collective Agreement.

Memorial also has an all-Indigenous Committee on Engaging Research Involving Indigenous Groups to ensure that research, including classroom research, meets high ethical and responsible standards. The focus is on research with, by, and for Indigenous Peoples that emphasizes engagement grounded in understanding and respect. More information can be found here.

Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an established, internationally recognized research leader whose scholarship has made a significant impact in the field. They will have primary responsibility for directing the research program and all related activities, and will be expected to develop and implement a plan for an inclusive research environment that fosters equity, accessibility and diverse participation at all levels.

The successful candidate will have:

• A PhD* in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline;
• A demonstrated record of world-class research excellence in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in structural mechanics, computational methods for modelling damage, fracture and fatigue, wave forces and fluid-structure interaction, advanced materials, which can advance the knowledge on offshore and harsh environment infrastructure integrity and resilience in Arctic regions, or related areas;
• Evidence of sustained high-impact contributions, publications in leading journals, and success in securing external research funding;
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism (EDI-AR) in research, teaching, and mentorship;
• Experience mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees, and research personnel; and
• A record of service to the academic and professional communities through leadership and engagement.

*This is a requirement of Memorial University, not the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program.

How to Apply
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs competition involves a two-stage process as outlined below.

Stage 1

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file, with the subject heading: CIRC applicant_NAME, and quoting the reference number: F99716-2026-12. The application should include the following information, and be provided in the order listed below:

1. A cover letter, including a vision for the CIRC on AI-Driven Maritime Infrastructure Resilience in Arctic Regions
2. An up-to-date Curriculum vitae;
3. A statement of research interests and a proposed research plan/program (maximum three pages);
4. A statement of teaching philosophy and experience (maximum one page); and
5. Names and contact information of three referees who can provide letters of reference if short-listed.

Application packages should be submitted through this portal: (CLICK HERE TO APPLY ), as soon as possible but no later than (March 27, 2026). The application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Memorial acknowledges that career paths can be diverse and that life circumstances, such as illness, disability, and family and community responsibilities, are often an expected part of life and are likely to affect a nominee’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to explain in their cover letter any life circumstances that may have resulted in career interruptions, if applicable. These impacts will be carefully considered during the assessment process.

Memorial is committed to employment equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including: women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous Peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities. All applicants are invited to identify themselves as a member of an equity-deserving group(s) as appropriate. Please note that applicants cannot be considered as a member of an equity-deserving group(s) unless they complete Memorial’s employment equity (EE) survey. EE surveys will be emailed to all applicants within 7 days of their application package being submitted to Memorial. If an applicant does not receive a survey or has any questions, please contact [email protected].

Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment. Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement to ensure their full participation in the application process, can  contact [email protected] to make appropriate accommodations.

Stage 2

The successful candidate will be registered with the CIRC program as Memorial’s nominee and will complete the CIRC application with support from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Memorial’s Research Initiatives & Services (RIS). The completed nomination package will be submitted electronically by the CIRC’s application deadline.

Memorial University
As Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university, Memorial University plays an integral role in the province's education and cultural life, offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 17,000 students from over 120 countries. Memorial’s St. John’s campus provides a distinctive and stimulating environment for learning in the capital city. Home to many natural wonders, including puffin colonies, whales, and icebergs, St. John’s is steps from the Atlantic Ocean, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, mild temperatures, and access to a wide range of year-round outdoor activities.

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.