Assistant/Associate Professor NSERC CRC T2 Climate Change Adaptation-Natural & Managed Ecosystem

The University of Guelph invites applications for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Climate Change Adaptation in Natural or Managed Ecosystems. This is a tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Tier 2 Chairs are tenable for five years and renewable once. The successful Applicant must hold a PhD in Climate change biology, ecosystem science, agroecology, sustainability, environmental science, or a related discipline, and will be an exceptional emerging scholar with the potential to lead in their field. Successful candidates will be working on research related to understanding how natural or managed ecosystems are responding to climate change, including (but not limited to) impacts on terrestrial and/or aquatic biogeochemical cycles; responses of terrestrial and/or aquatic biota; impacts on ecosystem structure/function; and interrelationships between managed and/or natural landscapes and will complement existing expertise in the School of Environmental Sciences (SES – https://ses.uoguelph.ca/) in agricultural systems, biogeochemistry, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, environmental chemistry, microbiology, and hydrogeology. 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, the Chair receives a $20,000 annual stipend for research. The CRC position search will be held in the summer/fall of 2024, with an application submitted to the CRC Program in Winter/Spring of 2025.

Eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair requires that applicants are emerging scholars within 10 years from having earned their highest degree. Applicants who have had interruptions such as parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, or other exceptional circumstances, including research delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have their eligibility assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s3). Eligible leaves and research interruptions are generally credited at twice the amount of time taken. 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 (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#wb-tphp) for full program information.

To meet the criteria of the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP), 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. In support of these criteria, the position will require the development of a strong federally and provincially funded research program involving the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. It will involve teaching courses commensurate with the agreed distribution of effort, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, related to climate change adaptation. The successful candidate will therefore have strong communication skills and a clear potential for effective teaching, with classroom experience considered an asset. Collaboration in research and graduate training with colleagues in SES, the Ontario Agricultural College, and the University, as well as with federal and provincial ministries is encouraged. Faculty in SES are expected to provide service to the University, to the scientific community, and to society at large. SES is a multi-disciplinary academic unit with researchers in a range of fields including soil science, geology, agricultural meteorology, forest terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem science, environmental microbiology, environmental toxicology, entomology, and plant pathology. Researchers in SES have links to colleagues across campus including in Geography, Environment & Geomatics, The School of Engineering, Integrative Biology, the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, Animal Biosciences, Ridgetown Campus and Plant Agriculture, as well as with producer organizations and members of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In addition, SES has advanced analytical facilities in-house, and access to research stations across the province, including the nearby Elora and Arkell Research Stations. SES sits within the Ontario Agricultural College and is located on the main campus in the city of Guelph, 80 km west of Toronto, Ontario. More information about SES, the College and the University can be found on their respective websites (https://www.uoguelph.ca/ses, https://www.uoguelph.ca/oac, www.uoguelph.ca).

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 supports the Canada Research Chairs Program’s commitment to EDI (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/equity-equite/index-eng.aspx#commitment). 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.

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 in September 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

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 (https://guelph.ca/). 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, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process
The CRCP imposes no restrictions on nominees with regard to nationality or country of residence. Procedures to allow non-Canadian chairholders to work in Canada have been established by Employment and Social Development Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/academic.html) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html#employers).

University of Guelph is committed to an Employment Equity Program (https://www.uoguelph.ca/diversity-human-rights/equity/employment-equity-policy) that includes special measures to address the underrepresentation of individuals from four groups designated by the Employment Equity Act (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs/employment-equity.html) (women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups) within its allocation of Canada Research Chairs. The University especially seeks and prioritizes 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 (https://www.uoguelph.ca/research/system/files/2020-07-30-2020-EDIAP.pdf).

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 (https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_732X5JGRdroaLtj). The form 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.

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

The University of Guelph campuses reside within the lands of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum. We recognize that the Anishinaabe, Hodinohso:ni, Lūnaapéewak and Huron-Wendat peoples have in habited these lands for centuries and we respect their enduring relationships with these lands. We are committed to working towards decolonization and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and enhancing the engagement of and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

Applicants must Submit:

1. A full curriculum vitae
2. A five-page (maximum) statement that includes:
• Vision and research statement providing an overview of the applicant’s proposed Tier 2 CRC research program, including knowledge mobilization and any innovation activities that demonstrates how the candidate meets the CRC criteria for Tier 2 (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s7).
• Demonstration of how the current and proposed research programs fit with research strengths in the School of Environmental Science, and the U of Guelph’s strategic research plan.
• Approach for Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity and Indigeneity within the proposed research Chair (For more info, see Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research (https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/edi-eng.aspx#5_1)).
• Potential for training within the proposed research Chair.
3. A maximum 2-page teaching statement, including teaching philosophy and evidence of effective teaching (e.g., course syllabi, teaching plans).
4. A maximum 1-page statement to address any career interruptions or personal circumstances the committee should consider (optional).
5. Names and contact information for three external references who meet the CRCP’s conflict of interest requirements (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/conflict_interest-conflit_interets-eng.aspx). For Tier 2 nominations, up to two of the three letters of reference can be ‘in conflict.’ Candidates who are shortlisted will be asked for letters of references that demonstrate how the candidate meets the CRC criteria for Tier 2 (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s7).

Applications must be received by August 23, 2024, and should be sent to the attention of:

Dr. Paul Sibley
Director and Professor
School of Environmental Sciences (SES)
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Email: Directorasst.ses@uoguelph.ca

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