Brace Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Water

Call for Applications - Brace Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Water

The Brace Water Centre at McGill University invites applications for a Brace Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Water, a four-month opportunity for an established water scholar based at a Canadian university to develop collaborative research while also participating in the academic life of McGill.

The Scholar will be hosted within the Brace Water Centre, which serves as a gateway to the diverse water-related research, education, and knowledge mobilization activities at McGill. The Centre fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to address pressing challenges in water security, governance, technology, and sustainability.

Award

Stipend: CAD $20,000 for 4 months to cover travel and living expenses while in Montreal. This appointment would ideally suit someone who will be on sabbatical leave from their home institution.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents based at a Canadian university. Applicants will be assessed based on their scholarly record of achievement and recognition in water-related science, engineering, policy or innovation. Applicants should identify a potential host member (or members) of the Brace Water Centre with whom they would like to collaborate.

Preference will be given to proposals that initiate new collaborative activities, though existing collaborations developing a new initiative will also be considered. Applicants affiliated with institutions based in the Greater Montreal area are not eligible to apply.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Term

Four-month appointment during the Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 semester. Start and end dates to be finalized in consultation with the successful candidate.

Focus Areas

The Scholar’s work should align with the Centre’s focus on water research. Examples of thematic areas of interest include:

• Equitable and integrated water resource management to meet human, agricultural, industrial, and ecological demands
• Indigenous rights and Traditional Knowledge in water governance and stewardship
• Treatment and regulation of contaminants, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and nanomaterials; water treatment systems for rural areas; irrigation of arid and semi-arid lands, water conservation and reuse
• Low cost, low energy and high efficiency water application systems for remote areas
• Adapting to changing hydrological cycles and ensuring resilience in water systems

Expectations

The Brace Distinguished Visiting Scholar will:

• Pursue high quality research aligned with the Centre’s mission
• Foster new collaborations with McGill faculty and students
• Participate actively in the intellectual and community life of the Brace Water Centre through meetings, seminars, and events
• Deliver at least one public lecture highlighting their research and its broader societal implications
• Deliver a guest lecture in the Integrated Water Resources Management MSc program

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following as a single PDF file:

1. Cover Letter

• Confirm eligibility (Canadian citizenship, institutional affiliation)
• Briefly outline your academic background and interest in the Scholar position
• Specify the preferred semester for holding the Scholar position (fall 2026 or winter 2027)
• Specify the hosting Brace member(s) at McGill and the potential benefits of collaboration.

2. Project Statement (up to four single-spaced pages)

Must include the following headings:

• Background: Contextualize the research topic.
• Objectives: Define project aims and scope.
• Methods: Describe the approach and feasibility within the 4-month term.
• Significance: Explain the project’s scholarly, policy, and/or societal contributions.
• Dissemination: Plans for sharing results.

3. Bibliography (1–2 pages)

• Key references cited in the Project Statement.

4. Curriculum Vitae (maximum six pages)

• Include academic credentials, positions held, major publications, teaching record, awards, service, and professional activities

5. Letters of Reference

• One letter addressing your qualifications, adaptability, and project merit
• One letter of support from the Brace Faculty member sponsor(s) highlighting potential benefits of collaboration
• Referees must submit their letters directly by the deadline

Submission & Deadline

Applications, including letters of reference must be submitted electronically to: Brace Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Water Submission

Deadline: January 31, 2026.

Contact: Monika Skonieczny, Manger, Brace Water Centre, monika.skonieczny [at] mcgill.ca.