Faculty Positions

Department, College
Open Department, OAC

Position Available
Loblaw Companies Chair in Sustainable Food Production

Closing Date
June 30, 2017

Position Description:

The University of Guelph invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest for the Loblaw Companies Chair in Sustainable Food Production with the appointment to be effective ideally by September 2017, or as soon thereafter as possible. The successful candidate will also be appointed at the Associate Professor or Professor level to a Department within the Ontario Agricultural College.

As a critical step in developing long-term solutions to ensure a healthy, sustainable future, the Loblaw Companies Chair in Sustainable Food Production will develop, implement and lead an engagement and outreach initiative in this area. Viewed as an expert in the field, the Loblaw Chair will lead the development of Canada’s first national roundtable on sustainable food production, create an industry advisory group, and increase national and international awareness of sustainable food production issues through communication and outreach informed by research. Supported by Loblaw Companies Limited, the Chair will contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and strengthen the University’s capacity to respond to issues related to food and sustainability across the value chain.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar and interdisciplinary thinker in a field relevant to sustainable food production. While a strong record of research accomplishments and demonstrated abilities in teaching and graduate advising are important, the objective of the Chair is to expand and enhance the University’s communication and outreach activities in a manner that strengthens our reputation as Canada’s Food University. The skills to build connections with other institutions, consumers and companies within the agricultural and food industry value chains are essential.

The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) is recognized as Canada's largest and most renowned agricultural and food college. Encompassing a province-wide network of campuses, field stations and research facilities, OAC is a global leader in education, research and service in agriculture, food, environmental sciences and rural community development through its six academic units. OAC is well-positioned to understand rural and urban issues around food, food production, sustainability and the supply chain. Its leadership is bolstered by the University’s unique research and development partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Additional information about OAC is available at www.uoguelph.ca/oac/.

The University of Guelph has achieved prominence in Canada and around the world for its commitment to student learning and innovative research. It is dedicated to cultivating the essentials of our quality of life – food, water, environment, animal and human health, community, commerce, culture, and learning. The University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, an obligation to address global issues and a concern for international development.  Approximately 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend the University, which has a special mandate to deliver agricultural and veterinary programs and services to Ontario.

The University of Guelph is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, supports diversity in its teaching, learning and work environments, and ensures that applications for members of underrepresented groups are seriously considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of the University community are encouraged to apply.

The search committee will begin consideration of candidates immediately and will continue until the role is successfully filled.  Applications should include a statement of interest articulating a long-term vision of the outcomes arising from the chair and related activities, curriculum vitae and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate), and be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
Loblawchair@lavernesmith.com

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.