The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), in the College of Biological Science (CBS) at the University of Guelph (U of G) invites outstanding applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) opportunity in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. The appointment will be a full-time tenured position normally at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. The CRC Tier 1 program is one of Canada’s most prestigious Research Chair programs, and this position will be funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), whose mission is to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system, consistent with the U of G mission “To Improve Life”. The program is designed to attract leading scientists and scholars. A CRC Tier I Chair is awarded for a seven-year term and can be renewed once. For more details, visit the CRC program.
The proposed CRC Tier I (CIHR) in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease will be a position of strategic importance to the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the College of Biological Science and the University of Guelph. Intersecting with important research themes in the University’s Strategic Research Plan, including fundamental science and its application and animal and human health and wellbeing, this position will also advance the rapidly growing program in One Health at U of G. The proposed CRC will be open to researchers studying any prokaryotic or eukaryotic system, and research in infectious diseases, cancer or neurological disorders represent priority areas. This position will thus enhance existing excellence at the University of Guelph in the realm of cellular/molecular basis of disease and connect multiple departments and colleges, which are home to research programs spanning cardiac and kidney disease, tumour progression, neurological pathologies, nutrition, microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance, and intersect with programs in translational disease research. New knowledge arising from these programs is already leading to the development of novel approaches to combat disease, and the proposed CRC will be critical to continue the forward momentum in this regard.
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 undergraduate and graduate training.
The CRC holder must be an outstanding and innovative world-class researcher whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their field; be recognized internationally as leaders in their field; have a proven track record of sustained extramurally funded cutting-edge research; and a superior record of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (taking into account different practices in the relevant field or discipline). As a chairholder, the successful candidate will be expected to develop an original, innovative research program of the highest quality; attract CIHR and other Tri-Agency funding; take leadership on large, competitive, 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 prominent leader in CBS and at the U of G.
The College of Biological Science and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology value equity, diversity, and inclusion, based on the principles that every person has a right to equal treatment and that we are strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The Department aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment by continuous and active engagement of all department members and to remove barriers faced by equity-seeking groups. The Department prioritizes the creation, support and maintenance of a learning, research, and work environment that is free from discriminatory and intimidating behaviour. The CRC holder is expected to have a strong track record of mentorship in equitable and inclusive research environments. The Chair is expected to 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.
While this is a research-intensive appointment, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (however, a reduced teaching assignment will be in place during the 7-year term of the Chair and the potential renewal).
Outstanding researchers and scholars who are international leaders in their field are invited to apply. Candidates must be full professors or associate professors that are expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, candidates must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. Candidates must be from one or more of the following equity-seeking groups to apply: women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups. 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 May 31st, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
Please consult the CRC program for full program information, including details on eligibility.
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 May 31, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (as a single PDF file):
1. A 1-2 page cover letter that identifies:
- The alignment of the applicant’s research with the area of Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Disease, the Department’s research activities, and the University of Guelph’s Strategic Research Plan.
- An overview of the applicant’s plan for the structure of their research team.
- The applicant’s anticipated infrastructure and space requirements.
2. A full curriculum vitae.
3. An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement (one-page) that describes the candidate’s positionality and the impacts of their intersectional identities on their research program.
4. A five-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.
- Potential to collaborate with other researchers at the U of G.
- Social and economic benefits for Canada that will result from the research program and contribution and fit to the research ecosystem in Canada and internationally.
5. The names and email addresses of 3 arm’s length referees who are prepared to submit a letter of recommendation on request. Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who are shortlisted.
The application materials should be submitted by May 31, 2022 to:
Dr. Marc Coppolino
Chair
Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca
The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and is promoting exemplary practices with respect to equity and diversity. 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.
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. For this search, the University seeks applications only from these 4 designated groups.
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.
If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.
Contact information
Marc Coppolino, Chair
mcbchair@uoguelph.ca
