Description

Position Summary

Queen’s University invites applications from outstanding early career researchers for tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate must start their position at Queen’s University, on a full-time basis, by July 2, 2027. 

We are seeking a scholar with a demonstrated record of, or potential for, research excellence and knowledge translation and mobilization in the strategic priority area of Environment, Climate Resilience, and the Arctic. Preference will be given to applicants whose research has the potential to advance this priority area through a focus on critical minerals.

The successful candidate will have established an independent program of research or demonstrated the ability to develop one, in Geology, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline with potential for impact through collaborations with, but not limited to, Dr. Gabriel Walton, Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Slope Geohazards. Research areas of interest include but are not limited to:

Geomechanics and ground stability, geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics, in-situ recovery and geomechanics, deep mining and stability, rock-fluid-ice interactions, permafrost and cold-region geosciences and engineering, geohazards, and applications within Arctic systems; 

Sustainable and low environmental-impact mineral exploration and characterization, advanced geophysics and earth imaging, data-driven geospatial modeling, and critical minerals extraction;

Environmental stewardship, life-cycle management to mitigate environmental impacts, tailings and waste management, and environmental monitoring.

This posting is for a new position within the University through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program. Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders awards are valued at $600K over six years ($100K per year), with the possibility of a six-year funded extension at the same yearly award value. 

The Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program is part of the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a one-time $1.7 billion investment which aims to attract leading international researchers to Canada. The program emphasizes both research excellence, knowledge translation and mobilization, and tangible impact. Emerging Leaders awards facilitate the recruitment of an internationally based early career researcher in the same strategic priority area as an awarded Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada (previously Canada Impact+ Research Chair), thereby adding more global talent to the Canadian research ecosystem, bringing in fresh ideas, diverse perspectives and significant potential. 

Impact+ Emerging Leaders are expected to undertake research programs that are transformational and translational, garnering new partnerships and collaborations (e.g., with industry, government, and/or community). Queen’s encourages applications from individuals whose work advances knowledge translation and mobilization and whose careers may reflect diverse pathways, experiences, and perspectives. Where appropriate, Chairs are also expected to engage with Indigenous Peoples and communities in ways that respect Indigenous rights and knowledges. 

Extension of the Emerging Leaders award for an additional six years will be contingent on confirming the person recruited as an early career researcher has progressed in their academic career and demonstrates the research conducted since the recruitment has been transformational, translational and has garnered partners.

Requirements

Eligibility

In keeping with the eligibility requirements of the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program, the successful candidate will be an early career researcher who, on July 2, 2026, was internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) and within five years (minus eligible delays) from the date of their first research-related appointment, defined as an appointment where the individual has the autonomy to conduct research independently (postdoctoral research appointments do not qualify as independent for the purpose of determining eligibility). All eligible delays in research (e.g., maternity, parental, medical, bereavement) are credited at twice the amount of time taken. Professional leaves (e.g., training, sabbatical, administrative) are not credited as eligible leaves. Contact research@queensu.ca for more information. Expatriate Canadian citizens wishing to relocate to Canada are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Queen’s University requires candidates to have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Geology, Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline, completed by the start date of the appointment, preferably combined with postdoctoral and/or industrial experience. 

The main criteria for selection are research excellence and translation potential, which should be demonstrated by: 

• Evidence of high-quality scholarly output that demonstrates independent research, research creativity, and the development of an original research program leading to peer-assessed publications and the securing of external research funding. 
• Evidence of the potential for research leadership and the development of an international research profile, with the ability to establish and sustain an innovative research program.
• A commitment to knowledge mobilization, translation, and scholarly impact through engagement with collaborative networks, strategic partnerships, and other diverse forms of scholarship (e.g. community partnerships, industry collaborations, policy engagement, commercialization activities, etc. as appropriate to the discipline).
• Evidence of effective mentorship and trainee development, and the potential to attract and develop highly qualified personnel.
• The ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment and to build productive research teams and partnerships across sectors and disciplines.
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility (I-EDIAA), and to fostering equitable and inclusive research, training, and teaching environments. 

The diverse backgrounds of applicants and the type of scholarship appropriate to their research areas, as well as the diverse range of scholarly methodologies and ways of measuring impact will be taken into account when assessing the quality of the scholarly or creative work. Candidates will be evaluated using the principles of the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and with attention to the diverse ways excellence can be demonstrated. The successful candidate will also be expected to make contributions through service to the department, the Faculty, the University, and/or the broader community