CIHR Tier 1 CRC, in Musculoskeletal Health and Genomic Map of the Newfoundland & Labrador Population

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Publiée: March 13, 2026

Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Musculoskeletal Health and Genomic Map of the Newfoundland and Labrador Population
Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

Posting Date: March 12, 2026
Closing Date: April 13, 2026

The Faculty of Medicine (https://www.mun.ca/medicine/) (FoM) at Memorial University is currently undertaking an open, internal search to recruit and nominate an accomplished scholar for a CIHR Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Musculoskeletal Health and Genomic Map of the Newfoundland and Labrador Population.

This competition is open only to applicants who:

• are current employees of Memorial University, and;
• identify as representatives from one or more of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized minorities, and women, as per approval granted by Newfoundland and Labrador's Human Rights Commission, pursuant to Section 8 of the Human Rights Act.

Established in 2000, the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx) Program offers eligible Canadian degree granting institutions the opportunity to nominate a diverse cadre of outstanding researchers for professorships in areas that will further an institution's strategic research plan, enabling them to maximize their contributions as centres of research and research training. Tier 1 CRCs (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s2) are for outstanding researchers, acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their field. They are appointed for a term of 7 years, at a value of $200,000 per year, with the possibility of a renewal term for an additional 7 years.

It is expected that the successful Tier 1 CRC will be appointed with a tenured position at the rank of Full Professor or a tenured-track position of Associate Professor, with the opportunity to apply for promotion to Full Professor within one or two years of the CRC start date. The start date of the Chair will be contingent upon the timing of the successful CRC application, and the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) Collective Agreement.

Research Focus

FoM has built a nationally and internationally recognized research platform through the Newfoundland Osteoarthritis Study (NFOAS) - a population-based cohort that has generated high impact publications, major funding success, extensive highly qualified personnel (HQP) training, and collaborations with leading research groups worldwide. Using the platform, the Chairholder will drive population-based and precision medicine approaches to address pressing health challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) - leveraging NL's unique founder population to uncover genetic risk factors, enable earlier and more targeted interventions, and provide essential insights for health system planning.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD* in biomedical sciences; or an MD/PhD* with a focus on translational research;
• a demonstrated record of world-class research excellence, including productivity and innovation;
• 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 ;
• evidence of attracting outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral and research fellows, and;
• experience mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees and research personnel.

* This is a requirement of Memorial University, not the CRC Program.

How to apply

The CRC competition involves a two-stage process as outlined below. Stage 1
Applications must be emailed as a single PDF file, with the subject heading: "CRC applicant_(YOUR NAME)," to: Dr. Edward Kendall, Associate Dean, BioMedical Sciences, associatedeanbms@mun.ca. The application package must include the following information**:
• a cover letter highlighting the applicant's qualifications;
• an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• a one-page summary of research goals, and;
• names and contact details of three referees.

** Please note that Memorial's Indigenous Verification Policy came into effect on February 25, 2026. Additional information may be required from applicants, subject to the Policy and its procedural guidance. (https://www.mun.ca/policy/browse-or-search/browse-policies/university-policy/?policy=1019)

For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact Dr. Edward Kendall, Associate Dean, BioMedical Sciences, FoM, associatedeanbms@mun.ca.

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 ofresearch 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. An applicant cannot be considered as a member of an equity-deserving group(s) unless they complete an employment equity survey. All applicants will receive the employment equity survey link by email after submitting their application. If you do not see the email in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder. The survey link will remain active until 11:59 p.m. NST, April 15, 2026. If an applicant did not receive the survey or has any questions about the survey, please contact Mandy Penney, Employment Equity Officer, equity@mun.ca.

Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment (https://www.mun.ca/policy/browse-or-search/browse-policies/university-policy/?policy=287) . Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement to ensure their full participation in the application process, can contact Mandy Penney, equity@mun.ca, to make appropriate accommodations.

Stage 2

Working with FoM and Memorials' Research & Initiatives (RIS), the successful candidate will complete the CRC application. Once completed, the application will be submitted to the CRC Program. Please note that nominees only become Chairholders once the submitted application has been successfully awarded by the CRC Program.

Memorial University

As Newfoundland and Labrador's only university, Memorial University (https://www.mun.ca/) plays an integral role in the education and cultural life of the province; 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 a puffin colony, whales, and icebergs, St. John's is steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, mild temperatures, and access to a wide range of outdoor activities in all seasons.

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 the Prov