Canadian Excellence Research Chair in Human Immunology (Full or Associate Professor)

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University is seeking to recruit an internationally recognized scientist with a strong track record in innovation and research leadership to direct a new program in Human Immunology that is supported by a prestigious CERC award. The CERC program supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program supports world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. These awards are among the most prestigious and generous available globally.

Following a highly competitive and rigorous selection process involving peer review, CERCs are appointed for a period of eight years in values of $8 million or $4 million (over the entire award period). These awards are not renewable. The two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aims to be inclusive of all areas of research.

The CERC Chairholder will be mandated to build a multidisciplinary research team encompassing a diversity of lived experiences, identities, and career stages, with expertise in clinical research, immunology, and ‘omics approaches to uncover novel disease associations.  The goal of the CERC research program is to bridge clinical observations with fundamental discovery in the fields of infectious and immune-mediated diseases. The chair-holder will be expected to create links with industrial partners, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, to accelerate translation of research results into improved health outcomes, ensuring equitable access to the knowledge produced and to the social and health benefits that will flow from that knowledge.

The CERC Chairholder will be based at the Research institute of the McGill University Health Centre or the downtown campus of McGill University. The program will benefit from a dynamic environment that involves strong collaborative links between current investigators working in epidemiology, clinical trials, genomics, bioinformatics, and subspecialty medicine and related areas from the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science, several McGill Research Centres and technology platforms, and other McGill-affiliated hospitals.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Possess a PhD and/or MD degree in accordance with University’s requirements.
• Be qualified to hold an academic position at the rank of Full Professor or be an Associate Professor who is expected to be promoted to Full Professor within one or two years of the nomination.
• Have scientific expertise in human immunology, as demonstrated by a strong record of publications in internationally recognised scientific journals, success in obtaining funding from public and private sources, and prior leadership roles within large, interdisciplinary projects.
• Understand and personally champion equity, diversity and inclusion through the development of research relevant to marginalized communities, and the creation and coordination of teams in which members are from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Have the skills to promote a shared vision that will engage and motivate diverse collaborators and stakeholders in support of the program.
• Demonstrate the ability to work well with internal and external partners and potential stakeholders, such as funding agencies, charities, patient advocacy groups, private companies, and the public.
• Participate in all aspects of McGill’s academic mission, including teaching, supervision of graduate students, and service.

A further important role of the CERC Chairholder will be to contribute to a strong and innovative training program in human immunology and experimental medicine at McGill. Candidates will be expected to possess the skills needed to recruit, teach, and mentor a diverse group of researchers and trainees, reflecting McGill’s commitments to equity and diversity as set out in core institutional documents including McGill’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan, Taskforce on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education, Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism, and  McGill Accessibility Strategy.

All McGill faculty members are expected to contribute to service activities within their units, the University, and the wider scholarly community.

The appointment will be at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor. The successful applicant will be eligible for a tenure stream position. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CERC guidelines state that researchers who are currently at another Canadian institution are eligible as candidates only if there is demonstrable net benefit to the country in moving the researcher from one Canadian institution to another.

Application Process
Applications must be submitted on-line at: Careers

The following supporting documents are required:

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae
• Statement of research interests
• Names and contact information of three referees

Please submit your application within 30 days of the publication date (June 4, 2025). Closing date: July 4, 2025.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

L’Université McGill est une institution de langue anglaise dans laquelle la majorité des activités d’enseignement et de recherche s’effectuent en langue anglaise, rendant essentielle l’utilisation de l’anglais pour la communication orale et écrite.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, Heather Purdie (heather.purdie@mcgill.ca).