Date posted October 11, 2023

The Michael Smith Laboratories in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks candidates for a tenure-stream position in Computational Cell Biology. It is expected that the successful applicant will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor, tenure track, although a higher rank might be possible for an outstanding candidate of exceptional qualifications who also meets the eligibility requirement to apply for a CRC Tier 2. The expected start date is July 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

This is a search for candidates in the area of computational and quantitative cell biology. The position requires a minimum of a Ph.D. and will be expected to lead an independent computation-based research program focused on developing and applying innovative approaches for single-cell data analysis. We are defining “single-cell analysis” as broadly encompassing a range of modalities such as cell-level genomics, proteomics or imaging, in any application area(s) ranging from molecular mechanisms of cell development and differentiation, cell-centered pathophysiology to the modeling and engineering of in vitro cell systems. We seek candidates who can contribute to collaborative and transformative research projects with other scientists within the MSL, the Faculty of Science, and indeed the broader campus using cutting edge quantitative methods. The candidate will be expected to contribute excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching in appropriate partner departments, effectively supervise graduate students, provide service within the MSL and the University, and be prepared to integrate their expertise with other innovative researchers at the University’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized.

The Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL; https://www.msl.ubc.ca/) is a dynamic hub for groundbreaking research and education excellence. Our highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment supports faculty with focus in genomics, molecular biology, engineering, and biotechnology. More than 350 faculty, postdocs, students, and research personnel make the MSL their home with appointments across the Faculties of Science, Medicine, Applied Science, Forestry, Land and Food Systems, and Pharmaceutical Science. The MSL has a proven record of accomplishment in fundamental and applied research that has led to transformative impacts for Canada and the world.

UBC Vancouver is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the x^wməθk^wəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.

Applicants for Tier 2 CRCs should be no more than 10 years from their highest degree at the time of chair nomination. Applicants who are more than 10 years from earning their highest degree, and where career breaks such as maternity and parental leaves, extended sick leave) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 CRC assessed through the CRC Program’s Tier 2 justification process. Tier 2 CRCs are tenable for five years and renewable once. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ for full program and eligibility details.

In accordance with, UBC’s CRC Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan (https://research.ubc.ca/federal-research-chair-programs/canada-research-chairs/ubcs-commitment-equity-diversity-and), and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, the selection will be restricted to members of the following designated groups: people with disabilities, Indigenous people, racialized people, women, and people from minoritized gender identity groups with a preference to people with disabilities. Currently, UBC has a gap in representation for people with disabilities. Until such time as this is remedied, the names of those self-identifying as having a disability will be provided separately to the search committee in order for them to follow preferential hiring strategies. Applicants to this position are asked to complete this equity survey https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9, and because the search is limited to those self-identifying as members of designated equity groups, candidates must also provide their name when completing the equity survey in order to be considered.

Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 26(a) and 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information you provide will only be used to determine whether you qualify for participation in this hiring process. Equity Survey Data will be collected by the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office, and only the names of those who identify as women, visible minorities (members of groups that are racially categorized) and/or Indigenous Peoples will be shared with the search committee.

In addition to the equity survey listed above, applications must be submitted through https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25173 and include the following:

1) Curriculum vitae including a list of publications,

2) Five-year research program plan (max 4 pages),

3) Teaching statement describing interests and accomplishments (max 1 page),

4) Diversity statement that describes any current or planned engagements and contributions made to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic (research/scholarship, teaching/learning), professional (non-academic or clinical work), or community (local, national, international community-based) contexts (max 1 page),

5) Names and contact information of four referees.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce, and in particular, for its employees with disabilities. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. To learn more about UBC’s Center for Workplace Accessibility, visit the website here https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility. To learn more about how the university is working to create a more inclusive working and learning environment, see the Inclusion Action Plan's goals related to recruitment and retention here https://equity.ubc.ca/about/inclusion-action-plan/recruitment-retention-and-success/.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

In assessing applications, UBC recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, or slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability) are expected to have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and that these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

 

Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed. Please contact Michele Jayasinha at hr@msl.ubc.ca or +1-604-827-3919. 

Closing date for applications is November 23, 2023.