Chair/Director Positions

Position Title / Rank: Chair (Internal)

College: College of Biological Science

Department: Integrative Biology

Deadline: April 15, 2018 by Noon
Please reference AD #18-25

Position Description:

The College of Biological Science invites applications from within the College for the position of Chair, Department of Integrative Biology.  As chair, you will lead a department of 37 faculty members and 14 departmental staff.  The department is responsible for highly successful majors in: Biodiversity, Ecology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, and Zoology. The department also contributes extensively to the Biological Science major and a wide range of programs across campus. The Department also has excellent, vibrant research and graduate programs at the MSc and PhD levels.

The Chair is responsible for the orderly, effective, efficient and collegial operation of the Department. They provide leadership for initiatives identified by the faculty members and supports individuals in the fulfillment of their assigned responsibilities. The Chair, through consultation with members of the Department, is responsible for enhancing academic programs, increasing contributions to knowledge and promoting the Department externally. The appointment will be for a five-year term, with a possibility of renewal for another five years.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD and a tenured faculty position within CBS, will have demonstrated success in research and will be committed to educational excellence in the fields reflecting the academic interests of the Department.  They will provide leadership, and work for the success of the Department using an effective and consultative management style, and uphold the Department's high standards for excellence. They will have a record of effective involvement in service and decision-making within the University. Effective organizational and staff management skills are important qualities. The Chair will work closely with the Dean and Associate Deans in advancing strategic priorities of the College and University. Additional information can be found in the associated position profile.

While the committee recognizes that it is unlikely that candidates considering this position will have all of the aptitudes indicated below, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate many of these:

  • Strong research record, including an established, successful, graduate training program and external recognition.
  • Educator with commitment to pedagogy and curricular excellence.
  • Significant experience and involvement in service within the University, as well as the Department.
  • Ability to prioritize and also respond to acute situations in a timely manner and mediate conflicting interests.
  • Excellent time management skills, highly organized and diligent.
  • The ability to delegate, motivate and provide opportunities for others.
  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism in personal interactions, and instill, by example, an expectation of high standards in colleagues.
  • A collegial, consultative approach, but also capable of making difficult decisions, including times when right decisions do not align with personal preferences.
  • Be an effective advocate of the Department's aspirations within the broader context of the College, notably by making positive contributions at Dean's Council.
  • Be an advocate for, and provide mentor to, staff, pre-tenure faculty, and students, as appropriate.
  • Be able to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.

All qualified candidates from within the College of Biological Science are encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted electronically to the Dean, CBS to arrive by noon April 15th, 2018.  Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of your views on the Department’s teaching and research strengths and challenges (up to 2 pages), along with the names of three referees, and a statement of interest in the position.

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.