Assistant Professor, Innate Immunity, University of Guelph

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor, in the area of Innate Immunity.

We are seeking outstanding candidates whose research interests are at the interface of microbes (bacterial, fungal and/or viral) and the human innate immune system. Individuals investigating the interactions between commensal or pathogenic microorganisms and the physical barriers and cellular responses of the innate immune system are particularly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate may have expertise in a wide range of experimental approaches, including immunological, microbiological, biochemical, -omics technologies and other relevant strategies. The successful applicant is expected to establish an innovative and sustainable research program that will integrate with, and expand, the research strengths of the Department, and offer new avenues for collaboration.

Qualifications include a Ph.D., a preferred minimum of two years of relevant post-doctoral experience, a proven record of research excellence evident in high-quality publications and demonstrated potential to establish a competitive independent research program and secure research funding. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the potential to provide effective and innovative teaching to a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students, and will be committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multicultural competence in an educational and work environment.

A culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative at the University of Guelph as this is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating a modern academic community. Willingness to work collaboratively with faculty and to mentor students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and academic backgrounds is essential. Therefore, we invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially from groups that are underrepresented in higher education. The Department is a collegial, inclusive, and welcoming environment that values diversity, and wellness among our members as key ingredients in our collective success.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, research-intensive department with 44 faculty members who study diverse biological systems at levels from molecules to cells. The Department is the home of undergraduate programs in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Neuroscience, and contributes to programs in Biological Science, Biomedical Science, and Plant Science. Graduate training activities include programs offering M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a Master of Biotechnology degree. Faculty members also participate in cross-department programs, including Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Neuroscience, Plant Science, and Toxicology. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a creative and independent research program, sustained by external funding from national/provincial agencies, and contribute to graduate and undergraduate training.

The University of Guelph is the second largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. The University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of about 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:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file: (1) a cover letter indicating area(s) of research focus; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) an overview of proposed research program (max. 1500 words; see below for additional details); (4) a teaching statement (max. 500 words); (5) a separate statement describing the strategies you will use to promote inclusion and support a diverse community in your research lab and classrooms (max. 500 words); and (6) contact information of three references. Assessment of applications will begin on October 31, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent by email to the attention of:

Dr. Cezar Khursigara

Search Committee Chair

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

College of Biological Science

University of Guelph

Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1

Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca

The overview of proposed research statement should be a maximum length of 1500 words (~ 3 pages) of 12pt font. This statement should:

  1. Detail the candidate’s specific area of expertise, with a description of their contributions to the field.
  2. Provide a detailed plan of their future independent research program, and how this program might be leveraged to obtain extramural funding.
  3. Indicate how the candidate’s research program will synergize with the Department’s research environment.

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

The University of Guelph 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 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 the University of Guelph Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.

Contact information

Applications should be sent by email to the attention of:

Dr. Cezar Khursigara

Search Committee Chair

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

College of Biological Science

University of Guelph

Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1

Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca

Posting end date

2020/10/31