Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor and CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Immuno-Metabolism and Tissue Communication

College: College of Biological Science

Department: Human Health and Nutritional Sciences

Date Posted: February 9, 2024
Deadline: April 8, 2024
Please reference AD #24-11

Position Description:

The Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences in The College of Biological Science at the University of Guelph invites applications from exceptional emerging scholars for a CIHR Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Immuno-Metabolism and Tissue Communication. This is a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level.

The successful candidate for this CRC position will hold a PhD in immunology, metabolism, or nutritional or exercise science with a focus on examining inflammation and tissue communication as key mechanistic control points influencing the health spectrum. Applicants with expertise in preventative lifestyle interventions and "omic" based approaches interrogating adipose tissue, liver, muscle and/or cardiovascular homeostasis, are encouraged to apply. Candidates should employ a broad spectrum of cutting-edge approaches and innovative methodologies across experimental models (cells and animals) and/or human studies to advance our understanding of tissue communication and immuno-metabolism in the development of various diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and age-associated declines in health.

The successful CRC candidate will be joining a vibrant department with ~$3million in annual funding supporting 28 faculty and >100 graduate students, and is expected to increase collaborative research, both within the Department and more broadly across the College and Institution. The College of Biological Science (CBS) is establishing the Institute for Lifestyle Integration of Food and Exercise (LIFE) to utilize nutrition and exercise as preventative medicine to combat disease, and a new Microbiome Preservation, Analysis and Research Centre (MiPARC) that will elucidate the connections between the microbiome, biological processes, and health, which in addition to the landmark Guelph Family Health Study will provide unique and exciting collaborative opportunities with the College. In addition to creating synergy within CBS, the candidate will also have an opportunity to support linkages with research clusters broadly across UofG, including the Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations, One Heath Institute, and the Bench to Beside Institute for Translational Health Research. The candidate’s research program can be supported by the Institution’s Advanced Analysis Centre, which includes state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy, genomic, proteomic and metabolomic capabilities.

The Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences is at the forefront of research linking lifestyle with the maintenance of optimal health and disease prevention and offers state-of-the-art facilities for human and animal research, including dedicated animal facilities and the Human Nutraceutical Research Unit. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary Department with 28 faculty and related expertise spanning (i) the integration of diet and exercise in mediating metabolic and cardiovascular processes in health and disease; (ii) nutritional genomics of risk factors for cardiovascular health and disease; (iii) the influence of specific nutrients on health and disease, and role of the gut microbiome on this process; (iv) the impact of structure and physical properties of food materials on the health outcomes; (v) determinants of health and interventions for the prevention of childhood obesity, and (vi) community-engaged knowledge translation. The department has a vibrant graduate program for training HQP, with over 100 graduate students in MSc (both thesis and course-based) and PhD programs.

Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to effective and innovative teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses may include undergraduate and graduate courses in the Nutrition and Nutraceutical Sciences, Human Kinetics, and Biomedical Sciences programs at the University of Guelph.

Tier 2 Chairs, tenable for five years and renewable once, are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. 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.

To meet the criteria of the CRC Program, candidates must:

  • be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity;
  • have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years;
  • as chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and
  • be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality.

The University supports the Canada Research Chairs Program’s commitment to EDI. 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 and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and racialized persons.

The Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences and the College of Biological Science, value diversity and inclusivity because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, and the creation of a modern, 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 - contributing to excellence in research and teaching. To develop an inclusive and vibrant Departmental culture, the Department maintains standing committees focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Mental Health and Wellness and has developed specific recommendations for faculty hiring that incorporate these important issues. Read the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science’s EDI statement.

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 and gender minorities , 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.

For each Tier 2 Chair, the institution receives $100,000 annually for five years (which can be used for salary and research). In addition to this, in their first term, the Chair receives a $20,000 annual stipend for research. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat.

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

Review of applications and nominations will begin on April 8, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

  1. cover letter;
  2. full curriculum vitae;
  3. research statement and up to 3 scientific publications;
  4. teaching statement and evidence of teaching effectiveness;
  5. diversity statement; and
  6. names and contact information of three references who meet the CRCP’s conflict of interest requirements. For Tier 2 nominations, up to two of the three letters of reference can be ‘in conflict’ along with at least one ‘arms-length’ reference.

The research statements (4 pages max) should present: (1) a 1-page short-term (5 years) research plan; (2) a 1-page description of long-term (10+ years) research program goals, including funding strategies and evidence of becoming an emerging leader; (3) a 1-page statement explaining how your research will promote inter-disciplinarity and collaboration within the Department, College and University and how it will include highly qualified personnel; and (4) a 1-page description of your most significant research contributions and up to 3 research papers demonstrating your expertise in the area of Immuno-Metabolism and Tissue Communication. The teaching statement (2 pages max) should describe an overall teaching philosophy, provide examples of specific teaching strategies that have been used effectively in previous courses or that you wish to employ in future courses, and summarize potential teaching contributions in the Department. You can append up to 2 pages providing evidence of teaching effectiveness. The diversity statement (1 page max) should describe your commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and the strategies you use or will use to ensure your research, teaching, and mentorship activities will provide equitable opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in your courses and research group.

Summary of Expected Criteria

Qualifications:

  • Scholars with Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in immunology, metabolism, or nutritional or exercise science.
  • Relevant postdoc or equivalent experience.

Research:

  • Evidence of strong potential to establish a productive, externally funded research program.
  • Evidence of strong potential for collaboration and interdisciplinarity.
  • Evidence of becoming an emerging leader.
  • Researchers who make use of cutting-edge approaches, tools, or innovative methodologies to foster interdisciplinary collaborations would be particularly appropriate. The candidate may employ a broad spectrum of techniques and translational approaches.
  • Provide research statements (4 pages max):
    • 1-page short-term (5 year) research plan.
    • 1-page statement on long-term research program goals (10+ years), including funding strategies and evidence of becoming an emerging leader.
    • 1-page statement explaining how your research program will: 1) promote interdisciplinarity and collaboration within the Department, College and University; and 2) include highly qualified personnel and trainees.
    • 1-page description of the most significant research contributions.
  • Attach up to 3 scientific publications that support your most significant contributions and expertise in immuno-metabolism and tissue communication.

Teaching and HQP Training:

  • Demonstrated commitment to effective, creative and innovative teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Able to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in HHNS.
  • Evidence of potential for effective mentorship of students and trainees.
  • Provide a teaching statement (2 pages max):
    • Describe an overall teaching philosophy.
    • Provide examples of specific teaching strategies that you have used effectively in previous courses or plan to use in future courses.
    • Describe potential teaching contributions in the Department.
  • Provide evidence of teaching effectiveness (2 pages max).

EDI and Collegiality:

  • Commitment to a Departmental culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued.
  • Diversity statement (1 page max):
    • Describe strategies to ensure the applicant’s research, teaching, and mentorship activities will provide equitable opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in their courses and research group. Provide any examples of advocacy and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Applications should be sent by email to cbshhns@uoguelph.ca, to the attention of:

Dr. Philip Millar
Associate Professor and Associate Department Chair
Human Health and Nutritional Sciences
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

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 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.

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.

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