Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Earth Observation for a Sustainable Future

The University of Western Ontario invites applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Earth Observation for a Sustainable Future. We seek an outstanding scholar who combines remote sensing techniques with in-situ measurements at the cutting edge of Earth Observation and interdisciplinary thinking about the central issues facing our planet. The Chair’s specialization may cover a range of areas including, but not limited to: climate change, vegetation change, sustainable agriculture and food systems, biodiversity and patterns of wildlife migration, risk mitigation (flooding, drought, extreme heat, wildfires), ecosystem processes, and critical information for developing successful mitigation and adaptation strategies that address environmental change (e.g., nature-based solutions). We seek an individual who is motivated to use their research in ways that contribute to a more sustainable future with ecosystems and communities that are resilient to environmental change and provides evidence of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDI-D) contributions within their scholarly activities.

In the Department of Geography and Environment (https://geoenvironment.uwo.ca/), our vision is aligned with the three themes of Western’s strategic plan: 1) Greater Impact; 2) People, Community and Culture, and 3) Western’s Place in the World. In our research, teaching and service we are committed to creating a sustainable future for generations to come. We are in a unique position at Western to lead research and education efforts towards finding successful solutions to mitigate critical global challenges, including climate change, that require knowledge of the complex interconnections between biophysical and human systems and their interaction in socio-ecological systems. Geography and Environment has been strengthening our position in geospatial technologies and modelling skills and we are focused on contributing to “wicked” problems such as climate change and its impacts. There are potential opportunities to connect with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (https://space.uwo.ca/), WeClish (https://nest.uwo.ca/climatecentre/), and potentially the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (https://www.iclr.org/about-us/), the Centre for Animals on the Move (https://uwo.ca/cam/), and the Northern Tornadoes Project (https://www.uwo.ca/ntp/index.html).

Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader and understands that our pursuit of research excellence and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting. As such, Western is committed to achieve and maintain an equitable representation amongst our Canada Research Chairholders, as well as within Western’s broader research enterprise.

To address Western’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, in our chairholders and pursuant to Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, only applicants who self-identify from at least one of the following groups will be considered for this CRC opportunity: Women and gender equity seeking groups (individuals who self-identify as women, transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary, and Two Spirit), Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized groups, or persons with a disability.

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond the sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in hiring designated Indigenous roles to safeguard against use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information regarding claims of Indigenous identity. Candidates who are invited for an interview will be asked to have their claim to Indigenous identity (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/.

Please consult the Canada Research Chair website (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx) for full information, including further details on eligibility criteria. In accordance with the CRC regulations (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/) set for Tier 1 Canada Research Chairs, Tier 1 Chairs must be full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. CRC Tier 1 positions are intended for exceptional, internationally recognized scholars. Candidates will have a PhD or equivalent, and as a CRC Tier 1 applicant will be: 1) an outstanding and innovative world-class researcher whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their field; 2) be recognized internationally as a leader in their field, and 3) have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Salary and rank will be commensurate with educational qualifications and experience. The anticipated starting date will be July 1, 2025 or as negotiated. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the first available competition after their appointment. As chairholder, the candidate must have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent students and trainees, and be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality, fundable through Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/.

With annual research funding exceeding $280 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package (https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html).

The University of Western Ontario recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record, and to submit a full career or extended CV to a chairholder position in cases where they have had career interruptions. The University of Western Ontario’s Recruitment and Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families.

All applicants are required to self-identify as a member of a designated group (as referenced above), by completing the Application for a Canada Research Chair – Geography & Environment and including this with your application. This information will only be disclosed to members of the search committee responsible for the selection of candidates. For nominees selected, the information will be shared with the Canada Research Chair Program office as required.

An application must include the following submitted as a single document: (1) Application for a Canada Research Chair – Geography & Environment (https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/careers/pdf/CRC_application_form_Geography_October_2024.pdf); (2) Cover letter addressing how the candidate’s expertise fits this position and complements existing strengths in the department; (3) Curriculum Vitae; (4) Research Statement specifying plans for research at Western (up to 2 pages); (5) Teaching Statement (up to 2 pages) summarizing teaching and mentoring experience, evidence of teaching effectiveness, areas of teaching expertise and plans for teaching and training at Western; (6) Statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in relation to your research, teaching and service; and (7) names, institutional affiliations and contact information (including email addresses) for three academic referees (we do not solicit letters until the interview stage). Applications should be emailed to:

James Voogt, Chair, Search Committee, Tier 1 CRC in Earth Observation and a Sustainable Future
Department of Geography and Environment
Faculty of Social Science
Western University
Email: lelanya.milley@uwo.ca

Consideration of applications will commence January 15, 2025

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact lelanya.milley@uwo.ca

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