Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader in Molecular and Integrative Physiology

The Department of Kinesiology invites applications from exceptional internationally-based emerging scholars for the position of Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader in Molecular and Integrative Physiology . We welcome innovators across the breadth of physiology, from molecular and cellular through to integrative and whole-body approaches, who work to decode and optimize the interplay between exercise, nutrition, age, and disease with the goal of improving healthspan. Candidates who combine complementary approaches, or who bridge scales from the molecule to the whole organism, are especially encouraged to apply.  

The successful candidate will be expected to have an independent program of research, with potential for impact through collaborations within their home department or across other departments as applicable. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (with tenure) depending on qualifications and experience.

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders is a $120 million investment by the Government of Canada to help institutions recruit more internationally based early career researchers in areas of strategic priority . Emerging Leaders are expected to have an independent program of research, with potential for impact through collaborations with, but not limited to, Canada Impact+ Research Chairs .

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader candidates will:

• hold a PhD or equivalent (a requirement of McMaster University, not the Impact+ program) in a relevant discipline
• be internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) as of July 5, 2026;
• be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated research creativity;
• have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years;
• have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers;
• be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality; and
• be willing and able to start the position, on a full-time basis, by June 1, 2027.

About the University:

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

McMaster's main campus, located in the Westdale neighbourhood of Hamilton, Ontario, is comprised of 300 acres of scenic property at the western end of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Niagara Falls. Our 30-acre central core is designated for pedestrians and bicyclists. Nearby attractions include Cootes Paradise, the Bruce Trail, the Waterfront Trail, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Niagara Escarpment - a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Founded in 1887, McMaster University is ranked among the top 100 public universities in the world ( Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2025). Home to 70 research centres and institutes, the University is comprised of six faculties: the DeGroote School of Business, and the Faculties of Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences. Ranked second in the Canada for faculty research intensity ( Research Infosource, 2025), we are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment where innovation and creativity thrive. With a diverse student population of more than 37,000, McMaster aims to serve the social, cultural and economic needs of our community and society at large by inspiring critical thinking, personal growth, and a passion for lifelong learning.

McMaster has a vision to use our collective skills, knowledge, and understanding to improve the world and to make an impact in addressing the big issues we face. In committing to that vision, we are also focused on the promotion of inclusive excellence, recognizing the critical role that diversity of identity, background and perspective play in harnessing creativity and innovation, and the importance of building inclusive and collegial teams within our community.

In keeping with its  Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose , McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations, including racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Progressive policies are in place to assist faculty members in achieving a work-life balance. 

About the Faculty of Science and the Department of Kinesiology:

The  Faculty of Science works to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge and promoting greater understanding. Our innovative, interdisciplinary approach generates new methods and insights, results, and lasting change. Our focus on collaboratively exchanging ideas and approaches makes us uniquely positioned to pioneer ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems leading to a Brighter World.

The Department of Kinesiology is committed to the interdisciplinary study of human movement, taking a cell-to-society approach to understanding how physical activity shapes health across the lifespan. Its research spans three connected themes: human integrative physiology, mechanics and control of movement, and neuroscience and behaviour. The Department brings together leading Canadian and international scholars who study human movement through both laboratory and field-based approaches, and its undergraduate program has been ranked among the top three in Canada and the top 25 worldwide. The Department anchors the McCall MacBain Kinesiology and Healthspan Institute, a joint initiative with the Faculty of Health Sciences established through a transformational $50-million endowed gift, the largest ever made to a kinesiology department in Canadian university history. It is also home to the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE), a living-lab facility for exercise research with older adults and people living with chronic disease or disability, and it works closely with the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA). Together, these programs create an exceptional setting for an emerging molecular physiologist whose work connects mechanism to healthspan.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• a letter of interest (maximum 3 pages) describing your qualifications in research, teaching and service, and summarizing your research plans for the position;
• your letter of interest should include a brief statement describing the contributions you have made or plan to make to inclusive excellence in teaching, research, or service in academic, professional or community contexts;
• a full curriculum vitae;
• contact information for 3 referees (who will be contacted only for short-listed applicants)

Review of complete applications will begin  October 16, 2026 , although applications submitted after this deadline will be reviewed until the position is filled.  All applicants will receive an online, system-generated confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.  Please be advised that any full-time, permanent faculty member in the Department may request confidential access to the application materials, including reference letters. 

Submit all materials to the University’s electronic application portal on the McMaster Careers page (Mosaic Job posting ID 77876) by October 16, 2026, to ensure full consideration. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Complete applications are to be made to the attention of:  Dr. Stuart Phillips, Professor & Chair, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University

The Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program requires institutions to collect self-identification data from all applicants, in accordance with best practices. As part of McMaster’s efforts to fulfill our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity, all applicants will be required to submit a brief diversity, via the online application system, as part of the application process. While completion and submission of the survey is mandatory, applicants may decline to answer any of the questions. Applicant self-identification information is confidential and access is limited and restricted to designated individuals. For more information, please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection . Should you have any further questions about the survey, please contact View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org .

McMaster University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or COVID 19 impacts) are often an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage candidates to explain in their applications the impact that career interruptions or other issues may have had, as described under “Career Interruptions” in the CRC program’s Guidelines for ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment and nomination process. Further detail may be found under Guidelines for Assessing the Productivity of Nominees . These impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

As noted in our Accessibility Policy , McMaster University is committed to fostering a culture of accessibility, eliminating barriers, and providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunities and access for individuals with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the selection process are encouraged to contact Ms. Jennifer Graci, Department of Kinesiology, View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org ; View phone number on jobs.sciencecareers.org and/or the Human Resources Service Centre at View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org or View phone number on jobs.sciencecareers.org-HR (22247) to communicate accommodation needs.

Please note, a research security review of candidates being considered for the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader position will be undertaken by McMaster University. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Government of Canada’s  safeguarding your research website for further information on the identification and mitigation of security risks.