Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Microbiomes of Livestock/Large Animals

The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) is seeking applicants for a Tier II NSERC Canada Research Chair in “Microbiomes of Livestock/Large Animals”. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track) and will be nominated as a CRC Tier II with an anticipated start date of January 6, 2025, or an earlier mutually agreed upon date.

Position description and associated responsibilities
This position is an exciting opportunity for an emerging leader in the area of Microbiomes of Livestock/Large Animals to build a research program and contribute to our strategic research initiatives in the area of microbiome in relation to infectious disease, livestock health and production, One Health and/or Comparative Medicine.

The selected applicant will complement an existing critical mass, cutting-edge expertise and unique infrastructure in microbiome research at the University of Calgary, and expand it into agriculture and veterinary medicine, food security and environmental sustainability, specifically in regard to livestock (cattle, sheep/goat, pig, poultry and equine).

The selected applicant is expected to establish an externally funded research program that is transdisciplinary and potentially complementary and collaborative with current strengths in infection biology research at the faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine (CSM), Science and other faculties. The International Microbiome Centre (IMC) at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) is an international leader in basic and translational microbiome research, focusing on the human side with state-of the art facilities for gnotobiotic mice/microbiota work. The Wild Microbiome & Immunology Centre (WiMIC) was recently established to bridge the entire spectrum from gnotobiotic, specific-pathogen free to wild mice, and this is located at the UCVM Veterinary Sciences Research Station (VSRS) and led by CSM. The proposed chair would build on the existing critical mass and infrastructure to fill an important gap; the microbiomes of larger animals, including production animals such as cattle, sheep/goats, pig and poultry.

In addition to fostering a thriving training program, the selected candidate will participate in undergraduate, DVM program and graduate level teaching.

Position requirements, qualifications, skills and achievements required for the appointment
Qualifications required include a PhD and postdoctoral research experience in relevant areas of microbiome/ infectious disease research, with a demonstrated track record of high-quality publications and the potential to obtain external funding. The selected applicant will join the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, with the possibility of adjunct appointments in other Faculties. The research environment is multi-disciplinary and prioritizes transdisciplinary research initiatives. The selected applicant needs to demonstrate an ability and willingness to build connections with investigators across UCVM and the University of Calgary in such initiatives. Experience in teaching and innovative educational approaches, course development and coordination, and a demonstrated record of impact in undergraduate and graduate teaching will be an asset. The selected applicant will also have opportunities to be involved in administrative and service activities that affect the UCVM community.

Tier II Chairs 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). Candidates who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree and who have had career breaks, such as maternity, parental, or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc., may have their eligibility for a Tier II Chair assessed through the program’s Tier II justification process. Research interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., closures) are recognized as, and may be counted as, an eligible delay (credited at twice the amount of time) beginning March 1, 2020. Please contact UCalgary’s Office of Research Services (https://research.ucalgary.ca/conduct-research/funding/apply-institutional-programs) for more information: [email protected]. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website cited above, including eligibility criteria.

For more information: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/14258138-canada-research-chair-tier-ii-in-microbiomes-of-livestock-slash-large-animals

Application instructions
Please apply online via the UCalgary Careers site. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following:
• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (maximum 2 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum of 2 pages)
• Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (maximum 1 page)

Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. John Gilleard at [email protected]

Review of applications will begin on May 31, 2024, the posting will remain open until June 14, 2024.

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

The University of Calgary adheres to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and strives to evaluate research impact responsibly and inclusively by explicitly considering discipline-appropriate methods for demonstrating the quality, significance, and societal impact of a broad range of research contributions.

Information about UCVM
UCVM is a highly research active faculty with currently seven organized research groups, which includes the Infection Biology Research Group. UCVM is consistently ranked among the Top 35 international veterinary schools, with an increasing sponsored research funding. Currently, UCVM is home to 11 research chairs, four of them Canada Research Chairs. UCVM has approximately 80 faculty members, 120 staff, 150 graduate students, 35 post-doctoral fellows, and 15 advanced clinical trainees. UCVM’s DVM program provides a comprehensive general veterinary education to 50 students per year, expanding to 100 students from September 2025. Descriptions of the Faculty, its programs research groups can be found at www.vet.ucalgary.ca.

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)
For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, click here.

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

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