Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences & Development

The Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University, a world leader in medical isotope and radiochemical research, invites applications from exceptional emerging scholars for the position of Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader in radiopharmaceutical sciences and development.

This position builds on McMaster’s uniquely integrated research environment in radiopharmaceutical research, with outstanding staff and infrastructure, including a dedicated high-level radiation research facility, a nuclear reactor, a cyclotron, licensed radiochemistry laboratories, advanced analytical radiochemistry instrumentation, and preclinical imaging facilities. New investments are also planned to expand small-animal imaging capabilities and to support a high-energy cyclotron and clinical translation.  McMaster University has a highly successful track record of moving radiopharmaceuticals from the bench to the bedside and creating new spinout companies, such as Fusion Pharmaceuticals and RadioSyn . Overall, McMaster University has identified Nuclear, including all work involving medical isotopes, as a priority area to be supported by collaborations across the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Health Sciences.

The successful applicant will join an existing core of four radiochemistry faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology to lead an independent, extramurally funded research program that complements and expands McMaster’s strengths in radionuclide production, radiochemistry, radiopharmaceutical development, radiobiology, preclinical imaging, clinical translation, and related areas. Relevant research areas may include isotope separation and purification, radiometal and radiohalogen chemistry, chelator design and complexation, bioconjugation, molecular targeting, molecular imaging, nanomedicine, theranostics, and related areas of chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. Work that has the potential to be cross-disciplinary will be regarded as an asset. The candidate will have access to cyclotron- and reactor-derived isotopes and radiochemistry facilities at McMaster, including licensed labs and modern discovery and characterization tools. These unique facilities are licensed to handle a wide range of isotopes and are equipped to perform chemical, biological and preclinical imaging studies.

The Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program 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 research program with the potential for impact through collaborations with, but not limited to, the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs .

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader candidates must:

• be internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time that the Impact+ chair accepts the award;
• 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.

Although not strictly required by the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader program, McMaster University requires that candidates have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. Related postdoctoral research experience will be viewed favourably. Nevertheless, we also welcome applications from exceptionally skilled candidates with limited experience in radiochemistry who are interested in bringing their expertise and talents to the field.

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (with tenure) depending on qualifications and experience. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the University:

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. 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, comprises 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 public universities in the world ( Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2026). 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 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 of using its collective skills, knowledge, and understanding to improve the world and make an impact in addressing the major 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 Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology:

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 Chemistry & Chemical Biology , with a contingent of 27 full-time faculty members, conducts leading-edge research and provides top-tier training for students in all areas of chemistry and chemical biology. Our department has achieved major breakthroughs in physical, inorganic, theoretical, analytical, biological and organic chemistry.  We boast world-class facilities and instrumentation and maintain rich collaborative relationships with many McMaster research institutes and facilities, including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor, the Biointerfaces Institute, the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research, and the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research.

How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

• a cover letter (including a statement regarding whether the applicant has Canadian citizenship/permanent resident status)
• a current, detailed Curriculum Vitae
• a statement of research interests (5-page maximum), including detailed descriptions of three research projects that exemplify the proposed research program, as well as a list of the major instrumentation and equipment necessary to pursue the proposed research program
• a statement highlighting the candidate’s top three publications and specifying the significance and novelty of these contributions
• a statement of teaching philosophy and interests (2-page maximum)
• a statement of experience and plans for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in post-secondary education, community-based or other professional settings (2-page maximum)
• the names and full contact information of at least three referees. Letters of reference are not required and will not be reviewed at the application stage; the Department will request letters of recommendation from referees at later stages of the search process.  

Review of complete applications will begin December 1, 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. 

All materials must be submitted to the University’s electronic application portal on the McMaster Careers page (Mosaic Job posting ID 77517) by December 1, 2026, to ensure full consideration. The review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Complete applications must be made to the attention of:

Dr. Giuseppe Melacini, Professor & Chair, Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1.

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 survey during the application process via the online application system. While completion and submission of the survey are mandatory, applicants may decline to answer any 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 nature.com .

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 details may be found in the 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. Tanja Petrovic, Department Manager, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, email: View email address on nature.com , phone: View phone number on nature.com 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.