Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) and Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Cancer Immunology

Job Description

Posting date: October 27, 2026

Closing date: January 31, 2027

The MMI department and CRINA at the University of Alberta are seeking an exceptional emerging researcher with expertise in colorectal cancer immunology. The successful applicant will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and will develop an innovative research program aligned with, but operating independently, of the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Antiviral Drug Design, with the goal of extending the research strengths within the MMI department and CRINA.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC), a program which supports exceptional emerging researchers acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an innovative and productive research program in cancer immunology that is supported by peer reviewed funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) or other such prominent organizations (or has the strong potential for such support in the near future).

Tier 2 CRCs are intended for exceptional emerging researchers (i.e., candidates must have had their first independent active research-related appointment for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program's Tier 2 justification process. Please consult the University of Alberta CRC Coordinator, Glen Thomas ([redacted]) for more information. Full program information, including details on eligibility criteria and acceptable leaves, can be found on the Canada Research Chairs website: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx

Working at the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta

The MMI Department is one of 21 departments, along with 7 research institutes and 15 research centres in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. The mission of the MMI Department is to provide an enriched environment for research, education and training in the fields of infectious diseases, virology, immunology, treatment and prevention. The department is comprised of well-funded, highly collaborative researchers, with state-of-the-art research laboratories and facilities. It is a dynamic research environment, ideal for undergraduate and graduate student training, as well as for post-doctoral trainees. We have award-winning instructors and state-of-the-art teaching facilities. A recruit in this position would be a member of the MMI Department and a member of the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta as a cancer immunologist. In addition, this individual could affiliate with other Institutes and research groups, such as the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology (LKSIoV) or SPP-ARC (Striving for Pandemic Preparedness- The Alberta Research Consortium) depending on additional research interests.

The Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta (CRINA) is one of 8 Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry institutes established to provide strategic leadership in research and innovation. The successful recruit will also have membership in CRINA, a virtual institute that brings together over 180 faculty members from eight different faculties, with an interest in cancer research. The institute fosters interdisciplinary research as it relates to cancer. CRINA has a weekly seminar series, an annual research day, an active trainee organization and provides various funding opportunities, all in support of innovative cancer research at the University of Alberta.

Position Description

The MMI Department and the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta at the University of Alberta are inviting applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure track) position from individuals with evidence or promise of an innovative and independent research program in cancer immunology as it relates to the colon. The successful applicant will develop a research program aligned with, but operating independently of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Antiviral Drug Design.

Responsibilities

Duties and Expectations:

The successful candidate will:

• Be an exceptional emerging cancer immunology researcher who is, or has the potential to be, a national/international expert in their field
• Be expected to lead an innovative and productive research program supported by peer reviewed funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research or other national organizations
• Hold a PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent in Immunology or focused in Immunology. A PhD is a requirement of the faculty, not of the CRC Program.
• Have relevant post-doctoral experience studying topics that may include but are not limited to:
  • Immune response to colon cancer
  • Immunometabolism regulation by the microbiome
  • Immune regulation of metastases to/from the colon
  • Immunotherapy related to colon cancer or its metastases
  • Development of model systems to examine the immune response to colon cancer or metastases
  • Immuno-aging and response to cancer

While the main focus of this position is research, this individual will be an active member in undergraduate and graduate teaching programs and an academic member of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. The successful candidate will have the ability to teach immunology fundamentals at an introductory level, but also teach immunology in significant depth, and at cutting-edge advanced levels.

Qualifications

Eligibility

We are seeking applications from individuals with:

• A PhD, MD/PhD or equivalent in Immunology or focused in Immunology. A PhD is a requirement of the faculty, not of the CRC Program.
• Relevant postdoctoral experience in working in cancer immunology and/or cancer immunotherapy
• A plan to develop an independent academic research program with an immune focus on colorectal cancer or metastasis thereof
• Ability to teach immunology in undergraduate and/or graduate courses at all levels; introductory, middle and advanced
• Within 10 years, excluding career interruptions, of first independent academic appointment

The successful applicant will receive a competitive start-up package, along with the opportunity to apply for infrastructure support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

The University of Alberta recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate's record of research achievement and that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

With university approval, the successful applicant will be nominated to apply for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Nominations are reviewed by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a Canada Research Chair is conditional upon their approval.

Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria.

Anticipated start date

Upon mutual agreement with the successful applicant

To Apply:

Applicants will receive a questionnaire link from [redacted] within 4 weeks of submitting their job applications. The survey will be sent to the email address that is listed on the application. Please be sure to check the spam box. Please do not forward the link as it is unique to the email address. For any questions or concerns, please contact [redacted].

Please submit the following as separate documents by clicking the "Apply Now" button below:

1. Cover letter
2. Current and comprehensive CV that includes a complete list of publications
3. Description of your recent, current and anticipated research activities for the next 5 years (two pages) Please submit under "Research Plan"
4. A statement of teaching interests (500 words) Please submit under "Teaching Interests"
5. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Philosophy (500 words)
6. The name and title of three references. These references will only be contacted if selected for an in-person interview

Questions about this competition should be sent electronically to the Department of Medical Microbiology Academic Department Manager, Leandro Solis, [redacted].

Questions about the CRC Program can be directed to Glen Thomas, CRC Coordinator and Advisor, [redacted].

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement for their application, interview, and/or subsequent recruitment meetings can contact the Medical Microbiology and Immunology's Academic Department Manager, Leandro Solis ([redacted]) to arrange appropriate accommodations.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Posting date: October 27, 2026

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.