Probationary Tenure – Stream Assistant Professor, Sustainable Agriculture Engineering

This position is part of the

BUFA (Employee Group)

Careers are Built at Brock.

As a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara, Brock University offers unique opportunities in leadership, teaching, research, student support services, and administration. We have a history of developing the strength and career potential of our employees.

We are on the cusp of something new and exciting. We are launching into our next 50 years and are looking for people with passion, energy, and a strong desire to help our students achieve their goals.

Experience Brock, experience success.

Post End Date:

Note to all candidates: This posting will close at 12:01 am on the date listed .

June 30, 2021

About Brock University 

Brock University is located on the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. This Territory is covered by the One Dish One Spoon Wampum Agreement and the Upper Canada Treaties. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working with Indigenous people. In all that we do, Brock University strives to honour and support the Indigenous peoples of whose Traditional Territory Brock University is located. Our commitment to Reconciliation and Decolonization are one of four strategic priorities of Brock’s 2018-2025 Strategic Plan. These priorities include fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization. At Brock, “we believe that a diverse and welcoming learning community is built upon the foundation of exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni. This requires that Brock be attractive and welcoming to people of all identities and accepting of the unique histories and experiences of Indigenous people within the Canadian state.” 

The Brock University experience is second to none in Canada. Located in historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a young and modern university in a safe, community-minded city, with beautiful natural surroundings. With over 19,000 students and more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in seven diverse Faculties, Brock excels at providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities and highly rated student and campus life experiences. 

Our Geography 

Brock University’s main campus is situated atop the Niagara Escarpment, within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, overlooking the city of St. Catharines, in the heart of Niagara wine country. The Niagara region is dotted with landmarks that recognize our nation’s history and features breathtaking natural beauty and world-famous attractions. St. Catharines is home to vibrant arts and entertainment venues, and is a short drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo, New York. With one of the warmest climates in Canada, clean, safe communities, and surprisingly affordable real estate, Niagara is an exceptional location to call home. 

What We Offer 

Brock University offers competitive salary and benefits and ample support for research and sabbaticals. Research resources include conference support, start-up funding, subscriptions to major databases, and access to various research funding vehicles. For candidates considering relocation, moving expenses will be administered according to the Collective Agreement. 

About the position 

The Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University invites applications for a probationary tenure-stream position in Sustainable Agriculture Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor, effective January 1, 2022. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. This is a joint position between the Department of Biological Sciences and the soon to be established Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in biological sciences (including related fields) and/or engineering and have relevant post-doctoral experience. Applicants should have a promising track record of scientific and research excellence as well as demonstrated strength in teaching and research supervision. The establishment of a successful, externally funded research program with supervision of undergraduate and graduate students is expected. Relevant MSc and PhD programs are offered in Biological Sciences and in Biotechnology, with graduate programs in the new Department of Engineering to be developed in the future. The candidate will contribute to undergraduate/graduate teaching in both departments. 

Niagara is home to substantial grape & tenderfruit, cannabis, and floriculture industries that abut the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. With this backdrop, we seek someone with a focus on innovating sustainable agricultural practices relevant to these and other local agricultural industries. We are particularly interested in candidates applying engineering principles to address emerging issues in clean production, sustainable production including soil rehabilitation, and crop technologies such as precision agriculture or big data/artificial intelligence approaches to monitoring and optimizing plant production. The candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre and the Cold Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute and will have access to modern greenhouse facilities and university-owned agricultural land. There are abundant opportunities and significant support for research collaborations with the private sector in Niagara. 

Notes 

Interested candidates are invited to electronically submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, statements of research interests and teaching philosophy, and the contact information for 3 academic references via the online application system here (please do not email application material to the department): https://brocku.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/brocku_careers/job/St-Catharines-Main-Campus/Probationary-Tenure-Stream-Assistant-Professor–Sustainable-Agriculture-Engineering_JR-1008583 

The closing date for the position is 12:01am on June 30, 2021. The last business day to apply is June 29, 2021. Inquiries should be directed to Jeff Stuart (Department Chair, [email protected]). Although we appreciate all applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

This position is part of the BUFA employee group. 

About the departments 

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Neurobiology, and Oenology & Viticulture. Our graduate programs are focused on Cell & Molecular Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Physiology & Neurobiology, and Plant Sciences & Oenology/Viticulture. More information about the department can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/mathematics-science/departments-and-centres/biology. 

The Department of Engineering is developing undergraduate as well as professional and research based graduate programs initially in the field of integrated engineering. The initial cohort of undergraduate students is expected to be admitted in September 2023. Concomitantly the Department of Engineering will be growing its dedicated faculty complement over the next 5-7 years. 

Our Commitment

Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups can fill out the Self-Identification questions included in the questionnaire at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employee Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment-Accommodation-Policy.pdf. Please advise: [email protected] to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

As a result of Brock University’s current remote operational model, interviews at this time will be conducted virtually.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca