Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Computational Biology, Assistant/Associate Professor

College:Ontario Agricultural College

Department:Animal Biosciences

Deadline: October 31, 2017 and until a suitable candidate is found

Position Description:

The Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph invites applications from qualified candidates for a tenure-track (12 months per year) faculty position in Computational Biology applied to Animal Biosciences at either the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on the candidate. The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Animal Biosciences, which has excellent computing and laboratory facilities, access to national and international databases, access to extensive animal research facilities and close ties with the industry.

This position will support the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) Food From Thought research project. The goal of this project is to exponentially increase our ability to leverage big data for the benefit of food production and biodiversity at global, landscape and micro scales of research and innovation through strong multidisciplinary research. The Food From Thought initiative will integrate and strengthen the University’s data management and analysis capabilities across our facilities and our partners, and better support and incubate faculty and student innovations.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in Computational Biology or a related discipline (computer science, applied mathematics, applied biostatistics, bioinformatics, etc.). The candidate should demonstrate expertise in developing and applying computational tools, algorithms and approaches for studying data collected in biological, physiological, nutritional, behavioral, and genetic/genomic research. Particular emphasis is placed on development and application of computational tools, algorithms and approaches for acquiring, storing, organizing, archiving, analyzing, and visualizing data in efficient and innovative ways.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong and innovative research program on information technology solutions and advanced computing to address challenges in animal agriculture and biosciences. The successful candidate is expected to engage in research that complements and collaborates with other faculty members in the Department and at the University.

A strong peer-reviewed publication record is required. The candidate should show potential for pursuing research funding, both individually and collaboratively. As the successful candidate is also expected to teach, demonstrated experience and clear potential for effective teaching are assets.

Detailed Specifications:

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • A significant depth and wide range of relevant experience in computational biology and related fields (computing, biostatistics, bioinformatics, development and application of relevant algorithms, bioinformatics, system biology, etc.).
  • Experience with machine learning, data storage, management and analysis, computer system architecture and high-performance software implementation.
  • Strong understanding of the computational aspects of biostatistics and bioinformatics, including development and application of relevant algorithms and statistics.
  • Demonstrated ability in leading development and implementation of novel methods and tools, executing independently developed ideas and carrying out projects in a focused, organized and timely fashion.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Interest in scientific data management, analysis, and visualization aimed at transferring state-of-the-art techniques into operational use by animal scientists and animal agriculture industry stakeholders.
  • Experience in the provision of training courses and/or materials on computational biology and computer programming and development.
  • Interest in mathematical biological modeling (stochastic, deterministic) and simulations.
  • Interest in monitoring technology such as in situ or remote sensing, as it can be applied to animal bioscience and agriculture.

Personal Attributes

  • Ability to work together with different researchers with varying interests and expertise on diverse types of data, analyses, and methodologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate with a wide range of internal and external audiences.

ABSC is a research-intensive department with successful programs for graduate and undergraduate students. The disciplines in ABSC include: nutrition, physiology, behaviour and welfare, breeding, genetics and genomics, growth and development, and meat science. As part of the Ontario Agricultural College, ABSC has a long history of achievements in serving the agriculture and agri-food industries within Ontario and beyond.

The University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of about 23,000 students. It is located in Guelph, Ontario (population of approximately 120,000) and is a one-hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario.

Consideration of applications will begin on November 1, 2017 and will continue only if the position is not filled. The position is available immediately; however the anticipated start date is January 1, 2018. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and teaching philosophy, and the names of three persons who will serve as references to:

Dr. Jim Squires, Chair
Department of Animal Biosciences
Ontario Agricultural College
University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1
Alternatively, an electronic application may be submitted to jsquires@uoguelph.ca.

Applicants should arrange for the three letters of reference to be sent under separate cover.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.