Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor and NSERC Tier II Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Antimicrobial Resistance

College: College of Biological Science

Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology

Date Posted: June 28, 2022

Deadline: August 23, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found

Please reference AD #22-50

Position Description:

The University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Antimicrobial Resistance. This position is part of a cluster hire in One Health, which includes two other Tier 2 Chairs. Tier 2 CRCs, tenable for five years and renewable once, are for emerging researchers acknowledged by their peers as world-class. For each Tier 2 Chair, the institution receives $100,000 annually for five years (which can be used for salary and research).

Antimicrobial resistance is an archetypal One Health issue that engages local to global stakeholders with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes while recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The proposed CRC in Antimicrobial Resistance will enhance existing excellence in microbiology research at the University of Guelph, connecting multiple departments and colleges. Specific research areas of interest include molecular and biochemical mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, microbial communities (microbiomes and biofilms), microbial pathogenesis, and host-pathogen interactions. These programs will aid in understanding factors that contribute to the resistance of microbes to antimicrobials, and the impact of antimicrobial resistance on microbiomes and their roles in soil, plant, animal, and human health. The CRC will be housed in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), a department which maintains an internationally recognized, multidisciplinary research profile within the molecular biosciences. Research strengths in MCB include microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, immunology, and cell biology. The department has a vibrant graduate program for training HQP, offering both thesis-based MSc and PhD programs, and a course-based Masters in Biotechnology program. MCB’s strengths are complemented by a strong contingent of microbiology expertise in other departments and colleges across the University of Guelph (e.g., the School of Environmental Sciences, Plant Agriculture and Food Science in the Ontario Agricultural College, and Pathobiology in the Ontario Veterinary College).

The successful candidate will be an exceptional, emerging scholar, with the potential to become a world leader in the field of Antimicrobial Resistance. As a chairholder, the successful candidate will be expected to develop an original, innovative research program of the highest quality; attract NSERC and CIHR funding; contribute to large, collaborative grants; develop and retain excellent trainees; contribute to innovative and effective knowledge translation and transfer activities in collaboration with collegiate and institutional research offices; and be a leader in MCB, CBS and at the U of G.

Nominees for Tier 2 Chair positions should, at a minimum, be assistant or associate professors, or possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed to these levels. Minimum education is a Ph.D. in a related field. Eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair requires that applicants are emerging scholars. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree, where career breaks exist, such as parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, or other exceptional circumstances, including research interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, may have their eligibility assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Eligible leaves and research interruptions are generally credited at twice the amount of time taken.

For more information about eligibility and the Tier 2 Justification Process, please contact Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Programs at ailsakay@uoguelph.ca. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information.

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional and social imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of a successful post-secondary institution.

The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and is promoting exemplary practices with respect to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The goals of research excellence can only be met when equity and diversity are integrated into the research initiative. The CRC program reflects the federal government’s commitment to equity and diversity in employment. It aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and racialized persons.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat. Review of applications and nominations will begin on August 23, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

Assessment of applications will begin on August 23, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (as a single PDF file) to Dr. Marc Coppolino, Chair of the Department, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1. Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca.

1. A full curriculum vitae
2. An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement (one-page) that describes the applicant’s past experience with attracting and mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees and research personnel, and establishing an equitable and inclusive research environment.
3. A four-page (maximum) statement that includes:
• An overview of the applicant’s research proposal, including knowledge mobilization and any innovation activities.
• How the proposed research embeds EDI considerations at each stage of the research process.
• Alignment with U of G’s existing or emerging areas of research strength.
4. Names and contact information for three references. Referees of shortlisted candidates will be contacted. These references must meet the CRCP’s conflict of interest requirements for Tier 2 nominations. The three letters must meet the Tier 2 letters of nomination criteria found at: https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/referees-repondants-eng.aspx

The University of Guelph is committed to an Employment Equity Program that includes special measures to address the underrepresentation of individuals from four groups designated by the Employment Equity Act (women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups) within its allocation of Canada Research Chairs. The university especially seeks applications from applicants from these four groups. The identification of outstanding candidates from the designated groups is central to the University’s commitment to excellence, as well as to its capacity to fulfil the objectives of the University’s Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

Collection of self-identification data is a requirement of the CRC Program, and all applicants to CRC positions are required to complete the University’s self-identification form, the Applicant Tracking Questionnaire. The questionnaire includes an option “prefer not to answer.” Self-identification information is collected by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (ODHR) in support of the University's employment equity program. All self-identification specifics of candidates will be kept confidential by the ODHR.

The University supports the Canada Research Chairs Program’s commitment to EDI. Learn more about the University’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan for the CRC Program. 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.

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