Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Full Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier 1 Eukaryote Biodiversity Genomics

College: College of Biological Science

Department: Integrative Biology

Date Posted: July 22, 2022
Deadline: August 31, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found
Please reference AD #22-58

Position Description:

The Department of Integrative Biology (IB) in the College of Biological Science (CBS) at the University of Guelph (UoG) invites outstanding applicants for a prestigious Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Eukaryote Biodiversity Genomics. The position is only open to individuals from one or more of the following equity-seeking groups: women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups. This is a tenured position normally at the rank of Full Professor. Tier I CRCs are initially awarded for seven years and can be renewed for a second term. For more details, visit the CRC Program.

This Tier 1 CRC in Eukaryote Biodiversity Genomics is a position of strategic importance to IB, CBS, and the UoG as it will aid the continuity and continued growth of the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). In particular, this position will aim to leverage the world-renowned DNA barcoding and metabarcoding expertise within the CBG to maintain its global leadership in developing and applying DNA-based identification systems for multicellular eukaryotes. The Centre is also deeply involved in efforts to apply this knowledge to advance biodiversity assessment and conservation.

Candidates must possess an outstanding record of research accomplishment which has led to their recognition as an international leader in the biodiversity genomics of eukaryotes. They should also have a strong record in securing grants and considerable experience in supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The successful candidate must develop an innovative research program that will attract support from NSERC and other Canadian funders, but they should also be prepared to lead the assembly of larger collaborative grants and contribute to knowledge translation and transfer in association with college and university research offices. While this is a research-intensive appointment, the CRC will be expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, albeit at a reduced load.

The successful candidate will hold a leadership position in the CBG, a flagship research centre at the UofG. Over the past 20 years, it has received more than $150 million in support. These funds have allowed the construction of a 50,000 sq ft2 research facility, the acquisition of computational and sequencing infrastructure, and the assembly of a research team with world-class expertise in biodiversity genomics (https://biodiversitygenomics.net/). The CBG also has a global network of research alliances through its leadership of the International Barcode of Life Consortium.

The CRC position will be based in the CBG, but the incumbent will hold a faculty appointment within IB, a dynamic department with 35 faculty whose research interests span conservation biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and physiology across diverse taxa and at levels from molecules to ecosystems. IB values diversity and inclusivity because it knows that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, and the creation of a representative academic community. The Department is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued along with excellence in research and teaching. The Department has developed an EDI statement and specific recommendations for faculty hiring that incorporate these important issues. The CRC holder is expected to have a strong track record of mentorship in equitable and inclusive research environments, establish a diverse research team, and create an inclusive environment that enables all members to reach their full research potential. The CRC holder should also have a track record of providing opportunities for equity-deserving groups.

CRC Requirements

The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and promotes exemplary practices with respect to equity and diversity. As such, it aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and racialized persons. To advance towards this goal, the present position is only eligible to individuals from one or more of the following equity-seeking groups: women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups. 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.

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates from the academic sector must be full professors or senior associate professors while those from the public or private sectors must possess equivalent qualifications. The nomination resulting from the selection process is forwarded to the CRC Secretariat for review and final approval. Please consult the CRC program for full program information, including details on eligibility.

Application Process

Assessment of applications will begin on August 31, 2022 and will continue until a nominee is selected. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (preferably as a single PDF file) to:

Dr. Glen Van Der Kraak
Chair of the CRC Selection Committee
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Email: gvanderk@uoguelph.ca

  1. Cover letter (1-2 pages)
    • Alignment of your research with programs underway in CBG, in IB, and with priorities in the University of Guelph’s Strategic Research Plan.
    • Overview of the proposed structure of your research team.
    • Anticipated infrastructure and space requirements.
  2. Full curriculum vitae.
  3. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement (1-page)
  4. Discuss how your research embeds EDI considerations
  5. Research statement (< 6 pages)
    • Overview of your research, including knowledge mobilization and innovation activities.
    • Alignment with CBG's research strength in biodiversity genomics.
    • Potential collaborations with other researchers at the U of G.
    • Social/economic benefits that may result from the research program.
    • Contribution and fit of your research to the Canadian and international research ecosystem
  6. References
    • Contact details for three individuals who will submit a letter of recommendation
    • Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who are shortlisted.

As the CRC Program requires the collection of self-identification data, each applicant must complete the University’s Applicant Tracking Questionnaire. This information is collected by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights in support of the University's employment equity program, and all self-identification details of candidates are kept confidential. Applicants who self-identify as an Indigenous person on the Applicant Tracking Questionnaire will be asked to confirm their First Nation, Inuit or Métis citizenship or ancestral and kinship connections in a confidential follow-up process.

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

The University

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.

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 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 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 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.