Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Integrated Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The University of Guelph invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Integrated Animal Welfare. This is a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level, housed within the Department of Animal Biosciences in the Ontario Agricultural College.

The successful candidate will lead an innovative and internationally recognized research program in animal welfare science, developing and applying novel science-based animal care knowledge to improve the health and welfare of animals. This role involves multidisciplinary research that may combine applied ethology, physiology, health, and/or management practices to enhance animal welfare in agricultural and companion contexts. In addition, integration of new technologies (e.g. Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, etc.) to monitor animal-based measures and improve animal welfare is desired. The Chair will collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications. The Chair will also be a Core Faculty member of the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, the largest group of animal welfare faculty and students in North America https://ccsaw.uoguelph.ca/.

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and lead a cutting-edge research program in integrated animal welfare.
• Secure external research funding from diverse sources, including federal agencies, industry partners, and non-profit organizations.
• Publish high-quality, impactful research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in animal welfare and/or related subjects.
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines and with external stakeholders to advance the field of animal welfare.

Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Animal Welfare, or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, with a strong publication record in high-impact journals.
• Experience in securing research funding and independently managing research projects.
• A commitment to teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

This Tier 2 Chair, tenable for five years and renewable once, is intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their PhD (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s3). 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 and innovative research program of high quality.

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion (https://www.uoguelph.ca/diversity-human-rights/inclusion-university-guelph) 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.

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, in their first term, the Chair receives a $20,000 annual stipend for research. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat.

Application Process:
Review of applications and nominations will begin on October 18th, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

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).

The 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 applications 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 that is part of the online application process. 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.

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 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.

Applicants must Submit:
1. Cover letter and curriculum vitae
2. A four-page (maximum) research statement that includes:
o An overview of the applicant’s research proposal, 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)
o How the applicant embeds Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in research practice. (For info on EDI in research practice, 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)) (sshrc-crsh.gc.ca)
3. Statement of teaching philosophy promoting student learning and success. This can include information on teaching experience, training and mentoring inside and outside the classroom at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels (maximum 2 pages)
4. Names and contact information for three references who meet the CRCP’s conflict of interest (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/conflict_interest-conflit_interets-eng.aspx) requirements. For Tier 2 nominations, up to two of the three letters of reference can be ‘in conflict’ along with at least one ‘arms-length’ reference.

Note:
• Questions about the position can be addressed to Christine Baes at: cbaes@uoguelph.ca
• Questions about the application process can be addressed to Diana Rau at: drau@uoguelph.ca

APPLY ONLINE – https://careers.uoguelph.ca/job/Guelph-Assistant-professor-CRC-T2-Integrated-Animal-Behaviour-and-Welfare-ON-N1G-2W1/728978947/

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