Join Canada’s next generation of research leaders
Aligning with the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, a suite of programs to attract leading international researchers to Canada, Queen's University is investing in strategic areas of research focus where it is uniquely positioned for impact. Through these award programs and aligned investments, Queen's is recruiting outstanding scholars whose work supports national priorities and who are poised to become the next generation of research leaders.
As one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities, Queen's offers an environment where ambitious researchers can accelerate discovery, build interdisciplinary programs, and translate knowledge into real-world impact. Researchers joining Queen's become part of a vibrant research ecosystem that connects scholars with government, industry, health systems, communities, and international partners, while providing the institutional support needed to establish and grow globally competitive research programs. Queen's is committed to creating the conditions for transformational research and fostering partnerships that advance research and knowledge mobilization on a global scale.
Researchers joining Queen's through these talent attraction initiatives will benefit from:
- Significant federal investment to launch and grow an ambitious research program
- A collaborative national research ecosystem with extensive opportunities to partner with government, industry, health systems, and community organizations
- Interdisciplinary alignment with Queen’s Strategic Research Plan, supporting big-picture research with real-world impact
- An inclusive and supportive environment, with services tailored to the needs of internationally recruited scholars and their families
- A vibrant, research-active campus in Kingston, offering a strong community, a high quality of life, and proximity to major research and policy centres
Building research excellence in critical minerals
Queen's University is building on longstanding strengths in mining, mineral exploration, geoscience, geotechnical engineering, metallurgy, mineral processing, and environmental research to advance an interdisciplinary area of excellence in responsible and sustainable critical mineral development. Researchers across the university are addressing challenges spanning mineral discovery and characterization, resource evaluation, extraction and mine design, mineral processing and recovery, geomechanics, mine waste management, environmental stewardship, and the social, health, economic, and policy dimensions of resource development. Creative works will bridge Indigenous and Western knowledge systems and amplify Indigenous advocacy. This work increasingly connects expertise across the critical mineral value chain, including circular economy approaches, resource recovery, and the development of innovative technologies that support secure and sustainable mineral supply.
This foundation is being strengthened by the recruitment of Gabriel Walton, inaugural Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Slope Geohazards. His research will advance understanding of slope stability, rock failure, landslides, permafrost dynamics, and other climate-related geohazards affecting mining operations, transportation infrastructure, and communities. His appointment expands Queen's capacity in geological engineering and geomechanics while creating new opportunities for collaboration across mining, earth and environmental sciences, climate adaptation, and infrastructure resilience.
Read more about Dr. Walton in the Queen's GazetteApply today
As part of the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program, the federal government launched Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders, a $120 million investment to help institutions bring more internationally based early career researchers to Canada.
Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders awards are valued at $600,000 over six years ($100,000 per year), with the possibility of a six-year funded extension at the same yearly award value.
Queen's is currently recruiting a Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader in Advancing Critical Minerals Research Through Sustainable Geosciences and/or Engineering.
Upcoming opportunities
Together with ongoing investments in complementary areas of research excellence, Queen's is creating a vibrant and collaborative environment for advancing critical minerals research, including an upcoming recruitment of a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. As this community grows, the university aims to develop approaches to critical mineral development that are environmentally responsible, socially responsive, and informed by meaningful partnerships.
This includes respecting the rights, knowledge systems, priorities, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and supporting respectful, reciprocal engagement with communities connected to resource development. New faculty will have opportunities to help shape this emerging research ecosystem, build collaborations across disciplines and sectors, and contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive critical mineral value chains in Canada and globally.
Impact+ Emerging Leaders
Queen's is currently waiting for results of the latest round of the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program competition, which will be followed by a second round of Emerging Leaders recruitment. The program will provide early career researchers with $100,000 per year in funding support, for six years.
Emerging Leaders will be recruited within the same strategic priority areas as the university's awarded Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs. Details of subsequent Emerging Leader recruitments will be posted here when available.
About Queen’s University
Established in 1841,Queen's University is internationally recognized for research, innovation, and academic excellence. With a strong history of scholarship, discovery, global impact, and transformative education, our students, faculty, and staff are tackling humanity’s greatest challenges. Home to more than 25,000 students, Queen’s offers a comprehensive research-intensive environment. Diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience enrich our students and faculty while a core part of our mission is to engage in international learning and research. Queen’s University is ranked 4th globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings. The rankings measured over 1,600 post-secondary institutions from 116 countries on their work to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research at Queen’s
From Nobel Prize-winning research exploring the building blocks of the universe to cancer care and treatment to sustainable technologies, our university is tackling humanity’s most pressing challenges.
A member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities , Queen’s is home to a vibrant research community that includes 48 Canada Research Chairs and over 20 research centres and institutes who work in partnership with communities, governments, and industry to advance research and innovation, making a measured impact on Canada and the world.
At Queen’s, research chairholders will find:
- A supportive, inclusive and equitable research environment that encourages interdisciplinary vision and research leadership.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, research centres, and institutes.
- A bold community committed to translating research into real-world impact.
Our research in action
Oct 21, 2026
Uncovering the stories of empire
Professor Gauvin Alexander Bailey focuses on the lives of colonized people and their legacies in a new book – the third in an unofficial trilogy – about architecture and slavery in the French Empire.
Oct 20, 2026
Queen’s launches new institute to advance nuclear materials research
The Materials at Extremes Nuclear Research Institute brings together researchers, infrastructure, and partnerships to support the future of nuclear energy in Canada.
Oct 14, 2026
From discovery to impact: Queen’s expands its focus on research and innovation
The Vice-Principal (Research) portfolio becomes Research and Innovation, reflecting the university’s priority of translating knowledge into meaningful impact.
Life in Kingston, Ontario
Situated on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, the city of Kingston is approximately a two-hour drive from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, three of Canada’s leading cities for culture, innovation, and global connectivity. This stunning, historic city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada and has been named as the top small city (100,000 – 500,000 population) in Canada for the strength of its startup ecosystem.
Queen’s University offers dedicated relocation and immigration support services to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Canada and Kingston for new faculty members and their families.
Connect with our team
For questions about available positions and applications to Queen’s University, please contact research@queensu.ca