Impact + Research Chair at the University of Guelph College of Engineering

The University of Guelph invites applications for nomination to the prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, to be held at the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering in the College of Engineering. The Impact+ Research Chair will build on and enhance Morwick G360’s mandate to deliver impact-driven field-based groundwater research, integrating science, engineering, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making and long-term water security, and will have access to a state-of-the-science field-based research facility and classroom.

Candidates with an interest in contaminant behaviour in groundwater and a demonstrated ability to employ a broad range of hydrogeological and hydrogeophysical methods in research and teaching are preferred. These include quantitative field and laboratory measurements, subsurface investigations, and modern theoretical, computational, and data analysis approaches. Demonstrated experience in managing field-derived research datasets through collaborative projects with private- and public-sector partners is considered an asset.

This appointment offers a unique opportunity for a groundwater scientist or engineer to establish and lead an ambitious, high-impact research program addressing critical groundwater challenges across Canada and globally, including the impacts of climate change on groundwater systems, the energy transition and development of subsurface energy resources, and the cumulative spatial and temporal effects of industrial activities.

About the Canada Impact+ Research Program
The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ Chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization, and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

The Impact+ program provides opportunities for internationally renowned scholars and scientists in areas of strategic importance to Canada. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake’s application deadline are eligible to apply. Nominees must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. A Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to hydrogeology research and teaching is required by the University of Guelph.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems
The College of Engineering is recruiting a Canada Impact+ Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, at an award value of $500,000 per year, of which a minimum of $380,000/year will be available to fund the direct costs of the research activities of the chairholder and their team. The term is for 8 years, with the possibility for a four-year extension at 50% of the original award value. The Impact+ Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, is aligned with the Impact+ strategic priority areas of environment and climate resilience, food and water security, environmental sustainability, clean technology, and community health.

Program Evaluation Criteria
• Research/academic merit and leadership skills of the nominee
• Quality of the institutional support
• Quality of the research program
• Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem
• Potential for knowledge translation, mobilization, and application of research results

The Government of Canada values knowledge mobilization, translation, and commercialization as critical pathways to ensuring research delivers tangible benefits at both national and global levels. Impact+ Chairs are expected to move beyond discovery to generate social, economic, and policy impacts, working in close collaboration with partners across various sectors. Successful nominees will have the primary responsibility for directing the research program and all related activities, leading a team of personnel, and coordinating governance and administration with the host institution.

Targeted Research in Groundwater Science
The successful candidate will be appointed as a Canada Impact+ Chair and build on a globally-recognized research program focused on the study of groundwater systems, with an emphasis on translating science into real-world impact through engagement with governments, regulators, Indigenous communities, industry, and the public. The research program is expected to address several aspects of groundwater as they relate to relevant societal challenges. Research areas include but are not limited to:

• Transport and fate of traditional and emerging contaminants in highly heterogeneous aquifers
• Development of novel field and laboratory methods for informing hydrogeological conceptual site models
• Generate novel field-derived datasets to inform advanced fractured rock flow and transport numerical models
• Methods for hydrogeological characterization, focusing on identification of preferential flow pathways and aquitards
• Impact of mining operations on groundwater quantity and quality
• Innovative monitoring methods and data analysis frameworks to support sustainable management of subsurface green energy operations and freshwater groundwater resources

Strategic Alignment with Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute and the University of Guelph
The Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute is a globally recognized leader in field-based groundwater research. Its work is highly collaborative with groundwater equipment manufacturers, industry site owners and municipalities and spans science, engineering, policy, and public engagement, with a strong emphasis on translating groundwater knowledge into actionable outcomes. The University of Guelph’s strategic priorities emphasize improving life, advancing sustainability, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The Canada Impact+ Research Chair will strengthen Guelph’s leadership in groundwater research while contributing directly to Canada’s groundwater resilience, environmental protection, and climate adaptation goals.

More information is available on the websites of the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute (https://g360group.org/) and the University Consortium for Field-Focused Groundwater Research (https://theuniversityconsortium.org/).

Candidate Profile
We seek an exceptional scholar with an international reputation for research excellence, leadership, and impact. The successful nominee will:
• Hold a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology, Geological Engineering, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline
• Be eligible for registration as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng) in Canada, or hold an equivalent international professional designation
• Be internationally based at the time of application (all citizenships are considered)
• Be qualified for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Full Professor
• Demonstrate a record of outstanding and sustained research contributions, including high-impact publications, patents, technologies and external funding
• Show a proven ability to lead large, interdisciplinary research teams and foster collaborations academia, industry, and government
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to knowledge translation, mobilization, and impact
• Demonstrate qualification to teach groundwater, contaminant hydrogeology, or related subjects at the undergraduate and graduate level
• Exhibit a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in research, teaching, and mentorship

Join Us in Shaping our Community
The University of Guelph especially encourages applications from all underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations, including racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion (https://www.uoguelph.ca/diversity-human-rights/inclusion-university-guelph) is an institutional and social imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of a successful post-secondary institution. The University of Guelph is committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment. In the College of Engineering, we value diversity and inclusivity because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, and the creation of a modern, representative academic community (EDI statement – https://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/about/edi-statement/). The College actively fosters a culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued along with (and indeed, contribute to) excellence in research and teaching. To support an inclusive and vibrant culture, the College maintains standing committees focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Mental Health and Wellness and has developed specific recommendations for faculty hiring that incorporate these important issues.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward It Comes into View (https://www.uoguelph.ca/indigenous-initiatives/), the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The Impact+ program reflects the Canadian federal government’s commitment to equity and diversity in employment. It aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, and racialized people.

Application Process

The Impact+ nomination process consists of two stages. First, candidates apply to an open job posting at the University of Guelph. The U of G will then support the successful candidate in the development of an application for the federal funding program. Appointment to an Impact+ Chair position is contingent upon receiving an Impact+ Chair award. Awardees must begin their appointment within 12 months of accepting the award.

Assessment of applications will begin on February 2, 2026.

Candidate interviews will be hosted during the week of February 16th – 20th, 2026.

Interested external applicants should email Andrew Binns at [email protected] and submit the following materials (in one merged PDF file uploaded to cv):
1. Cover letter describing their vision for a groundwater-focused research program and its alignment with the Canada Impact+ Research Chair program and the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Brief description of the proposed research program, including a description of how equity, diversity and inclusion has been incorporated into research design and research team, and how your research will contribute to knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results (maximum four pages).
4. Career highlights describing your most significant contributions to your field, including how they have led to societal benefits, and how they connect with your research plan (maximum two pages).
5. Statement of teaching and mentorship philosophy (maximum one page).
6. The names and email addresses of three references, at least two of which are at arm’s length (not in conflict of interest).

Questions regarding the Impact+ program may be directed to the Manager, Strategic Programs, [email protected].

The University of Guelph 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 nominee’s record of research achievement, and that these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process. The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Prof. Andrew Binns at [email protected] or (519) 824-4120 ext. 54011.

Deadline for application: February 2, 2026

Applications and inquiries should be directed to:
Prof. Andrew Binns
Department of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Guelph
Email: [email protected]

Why Join the University of Guelph?
At the University of Guelph, you will join a vibrant, research-intensive institution with a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. Located in Ontario’s innovation corridor, the University of Guelph offers unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners in Canada and globally. This position is contingent upon a successful institutional nomination and subsequent approval by the Canada Impact+ Research Chair 2026 competition.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA – https://ugfa.ca/).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time (https://www.uoguelph.ca/president/strategic-plan/#strategic-priorities-2), our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.” The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

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