The Opportunity
Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC)- Educational Technology and Digital Learning
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Athabasca University (AU) invites applications
from exceptional emerging scholars with demonstrated potential for leadership and international
recognition in the field of Educational Technology and Digital Learning to be nominated for a Tier 2
Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointment.
The successful candidate will receive a full-time tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or
Associate Professor within FHSS, commencing July 1, 2026 (or as negotiated). The successful candidate
will be supported by AU to prepare a nomination for the October 2026 CRC Program deadline. Tier 2 CRC
appointments are tenable for five years and renewable once.
The SSHRC Canada Research Chair is centred on exploring cutting-edge advancements in gen-AI in
education with the aim of transforming open, digital and distance education. With demonstrated research
interests in inclusive digital pedagogies, adaptive learning systems, and AI ethics, the Chair could
investigate how emerging technologies can enhance accessibility, individualization, connection and equity
in education. Their research may address key challenges related to AI in education which could be
pedagogical, political, sociological, ethical, technological, or in combination in nature. By partnering with
educators, policymakers, and technologists, the Chair may develop innovative frameworks for responsible
edtech integration, positioning Athabasca University as a global leader in the future of digital learning.
The ideal candidate’s specific area of scholarship may include one or more of the following topics:
reimagining teaching and learning paradigms in an AI-augmented era, including micro-credentialing
systems, human-AI collaboration models, or policies for sustainable open education. It may also include
examining how emerging technologies (XR, blockchain for credentials, OER platforms) can reduce barriers
for underserved learners, including Indigenous communities, rural populations, and students with
disabilities. Their research may focus on critiquing digital divides and co-design inclusive solutions with
equity-deserving groups.
This CRC will significantly advance AU’s strategic research priorities, by aligning with its commitment to
innovation, accessibility, and digital transformation in learning. By generating high-impact scholarship,
securing external funding, and collaborating across disciplines, the Chair will amplify AU’s reputation as a
global leader in open and technology-enhanced education. Their work will directly support the university’s
research culture while addressing pressing challenges in digital learning.
A central responsibility of the Chair will be to provide leadership in training and mentorship of graduate
students and postdocs, fostering their research capacity, and cultivating the next generation of scholars
in the field. The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies at AU offers graduate programs that align with a Chair
in edtech and digital learning, including the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MA-IS), Doctor of
Education (EdD) in Distance Education, and Master of Education (MEd) in Distance Education. These
programs provide a strong foundation for attracting and training researchers in edtech, digital equity, and
emerging learning technologies.
AU offers a robust ecosystem to ensure the success of the CRC in Educational Technology and Digital
Learning. The Chair will leverage AU’s Centre for Research in Distance and Online Learning (CRDOL),
Technology-Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute (TEKRI), and Digital Education Research Lab (DERL),
which provide access to cutting-edge edtech tools, learning analytics platforms, and open educational
resources (OER) repositories. Existing collaborations with UNESCO, Commonwealth of Learning, Canadian
edtech firms, and Indigenous education networks will facilitate applied research and funding
opportunities. The Chair will benefit from AU’s interdisciplinary faculty expertise in distance education,
critical digital pedagogy, and AI ethics, fostering mentorship and co-publication opportunities. AU’s Office
of Research Services will provide grant-writing assistance and other administrative supports.
CRC Eligibility Criteria
The Canada Research Chair Program seeks to attract and retain a diverse cadre of world-class researchers
to reinforce academic research and training in Canadian post-secondary institutions. Tier 2 Chairs are
intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their
field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination) who:
(a) are excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity;
(b) have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their field in the next five to
ten years;
(c) as chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop, and retain excellent trainees, students, and
future researchers; and
(d) be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality.
Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks
exist, such as parental, family 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. Candidates are encouraged to
highlight how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them in their applications. Please
consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on
eligibility criteria, www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca. AU recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., family
leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will
be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in AU’s CRC Program
The CRC search is consistent with the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program’s Best Practices and is
aligned with Athabasca University's strategic goals in the recently adopted Like No Other strategic plan,
and the University’s CRC EDI Action Plan, which commit the University to removing barriers to pursue
and implementing system-wide initiatives for Access, Opportunity and Community in all of Athabasca
University’s structures, programs, policies, and practices.
Qualifications
• Athabasca University requires candidates to have a PhD or a Doctorate in Distance Education in
the advertised area or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated potential for innovative and scholarly research and the ability to develop an
externally-funded, high-quality, and internationally recognized research program.
• Demonstrated potential for outstanding teaching and supervisory contributions.
• Ability to foster and role-model a collaborative, equitable, and inclusive approach to research and
supervision, including engaging in mentorship within and beyond the immediate activities of the
Chair.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada
will be given priority. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident
or neither.
This role requires residency in Alberta, Canada. The successful candidate will be required to attend faceto-face faculty meetings and AU gatherings. Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca
University.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following in one single PDF file:
• A cover letter indicating areas of research experience and excellence, also indicating if you are a
Canadian citizen, permanent resident or neither.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A research statement that summarizes your research activities and outlines your research
program plans for the proposed CRC (maximum 3 pages).
• A description of your teaching interests and experiences as well as thesis and dissertation
supervisory experience (maximum 2 pages).
• A statement that identifies your strengths and experience in advancing equity, diversity, and
inclusion in your discipline.
• Names of three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation later in the search
process.
The closing date for the opportunity is May 15, 2026.
If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Lauren Wright
(lwright@kbrs.ca) or Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online
at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17593395265530000008Nbg. Alternatively, applications can be emailed
directly as one PDF to Lauren Wright at lwright@kbrs.ca.
Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of
employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials.
All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.
E-Transcripts shared directly from your Post-Secondary Institution via email are acceptable.
WES may be used to verify international educational credentials. Processing time for verification of
international qualifications may take up to one month. Please plan accordingly.
Athabasca University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with
disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require
accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact
accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to Lauren Wright, Executive Recruiter at
lwright@kbrs.ca.
About Athabasca University
Guided by Like No Other, Athabasca University’s (AU) strategic plan, AU’s approach to accessible yet
transformative education and research is truly distinctive. As Canada’s leading open university, its
academic mission is to remove barriers to post-secondary education for learners, regardless of their age,
location, career, or educational background.
Based in the beautiful region of Athabasca, AU is one of four Comprehensive Academic and Research
Universities (CARUs) in the province. AU is a public, board-governed, open, and online university serving
more than 37,000 students across Alberta, Canada, and around the world.
With Faculties spanning health, science and technology, humanities and social sciences, and business –
AU provides more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in ways that are uniquely accessible
and responsive to today’s demands of life and work.
AU seeks to be an agile and inclusive workplace in which all team members can grow, make their highest
contribution, and each make a difference to our academic vision and mission. AU is strongly committed
to access, opportunity and community, and with Indigenous Peoples and communities, and conciliation.
Led by President Dr. Alex Clark, AU is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Drawing from five decades
of growth in distance and online education, we aim to reinforce our position as Canada’s foremost
innovator in open learning. With an inclusive Senior Leadership Team dedicated to empowering every
team member to contribute and thrive, AU stands poised for an exciting and ambitious next stage of
development.
