Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Associate or Full Professor and Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Open to Internal University of Guelph Applicants Only)

College: College of Biological Science

Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology

Date Posted: February 3, 2023
Deadline: February 21, 2023
Please reference AD #23-07

Position Description:

The College of Biological Science invites applications from within the University for the position of Chair, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, at the Associate or Full Professor rank. The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology is in the College of Biological Science, a vibrant and exciting center for discovery-based research that regularly brings in funding in excess of $20M per annum. As Chair, you will guide/lead a department of nearly 1050 undergraduate students, nearly 160 graduate students, 39 faculty members, and 18 departmental staff plus a full complement of research staff in labs.

The Chair is responsible for the strategic leadership and efficient and inclusive collegial operation of the Department. They will provide leadership for initiatives identified by the faculty members and support individuals in the fulfillment of their assigned responsibilities. The Chair also supports the implementation of College of Biological Science initiatives and programs, within the department. 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 anticipated start date is May 1, 2023.

The successful candidate will be a tenured faculty member in a relevant discipline. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated success in teaching and research, and will be committed to advancing the Department’s academic and research enterprises. 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 decision-making in service positions. Effective organizational and staff management skills are important qualities. The Chair reports to the Dean and is part of the College’s senior management team, along with the Chairs of the other departments, the Associate Deans, and others. The Chair will work closely with the Dean and Associate Deans in advancing the strategic priorities of the College and University. Additional information can be found in the associated position profile.

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 over 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

Applications should be submitted electronically by email to the attention of the Dean, CBS to arrive by noon on February 21, 2023. Applications should include: (1) a detailed curriculum vitae, (2) a statement of your vision for the Department’s teaching and research (up to 2 pages), (3) a statement on your EDI principles and how you would advance them within the department (up to 2 pages), (4) a cover letter indicating how the applicant meets some or all of the criteria in the attached position profile (up to 2 pages).

Mazyar Fallah
Dean
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Email: mfallah@uoguelph.ca

The University of Guelph campus resides on the land and territory of the Mississauga’s of the Credit within the Between the Lakes Purchase, Treaty 3. We also recognize that the unique relationships between the Anishinnabe and Hodinöhsö:ni' peoples, this land and each other have existed long before colonialism and continue to this day. We acknowledge that these relationships with the land highlight our responsibility as an institution to work towards eliminating the colonial power structures that result in systemic inequity for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples. To begin this work, we must not only be willing to listen and reflect, but also change to ensure decisions made today at all levels of the university reflect Indigenous voices and the “Calls to Action” set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

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.

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.

Position Profile Chair, Molecular and Cellular Biology

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

QUALITIES & EXPERIENCES

  • Have a strong research record, including an established, funded program with successful, graduate training and mentorship and external recognition.
  • Be an educator with a strong commitment to and demonstrated experience for learner-centered pedagogy and curricular excellence.
  • Have a collegial, inclusive, and consultative approach, but also be capable of making difficult decisions, including times when right decisions do not align with personal preferences.
  • Maintain a high standard of professionalism in personal interactions with staff, faculty, and students, and instill, by example, an expectation of high standards in colleagues.
  • Have had experience and involvement in service, preferably in leadership roles.
  • Embrace transparency: open to explaining the process behind their decisions and the information used to make decisions.
  • Have excellent awareness and a commitment to considering equity, diversity, and inclusion in decision making, communication approaches, and resource allocation.

SKILLS

  • Ability to prioritize and respond to acute situations in a timely manner and mediate conflicting interests.
  • Be able to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively.
  • Have the vision and ability to shape and support the college's strategic plan and develop the department’s strategic plan.
  • Significant experience and involvement in service.
  • Excellent time management skills, highly organized and diligent; clear and inclusive oral and written communication skills.
  • The ability to delegate, motivate and provide opportunities for others.
  • Knowledge of, commitment to, and success in advancing principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all activities and responsibilities.
  • Knowledge of financial and human resources processes and the ability to work with college advisors as appropriate in financial and human resources planning.

These qualities and skills will be used in addressing the following activities.

ACTIVITIES

  • Be an effective advocate of the Department’s aspirations within the broader context of the College, notably by making positive and/or constructive contributions at Dean’s Council.
  • Overall management oversight includes the ability to work with the administrative team and to manage a large team of staff effectively, in adherence to financial and human resources policies and processes.
  • Oversee the development of a vision for the future of the Department and work with the college and departmental teams to take action towards the vision.
  • Representing the department and college on campus committees as required.
  • Be an advocate for, and provide mentorship to, staff, pre-tenure faculty, tenured faculty, and students, as appropriate.
  • Be able to manage budgets and allocate resources and space effectively.
  • Manage shared equipment for research and teaching purposes.
  • Oversee and support a staff team with a variety of different roles, from administrative to teaching and research support.
  • Provides leadership and direction to teams within the department.
  • Develops and implements the unit’s teaching schedule.
  • Approving study research leaves.
  • Overseeing sessional instructor hiring.
  • Reviews requests and determines service assignments within the department.
  • Chairs the departmental tenure and promotion committee.