The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a faculty position in Plant Bioengineering. The anticipated rank is Assistant Professor. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL; https://www.msl.ubc.ca/) is a dynamic hub for groundbreaking biotechnology research and education excellence. Our highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment supports faculty with focus in genomics, molecular biology, engineering, and biotechnology. More than 300 faculty, postdocs, students, and research personnel make the MSL their home with appointments across the Faculty 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.

This is a broad search for candidates in the area of plant bioengineering. The successful candidates will be expected to lead an independent research program of international caliber. Plant bioengineering related areas of strategic interests include, but are not limited to high value plant bioproducts, plant synthetic biology, and food security. 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.

Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. or equivalent, with demonstrated outstanding research strength and creativity, a track record of success in collaborative team-based approach to tackling big problems in science and engineering, and demonstrated potential for excellent graduate and undergraduate teaching.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching interests and accomplishments (1-2 pages), a five-year research program plan (up to 4 pages), the names and contact information of four referees (1 page), and a statement describing their experience working with a diverse student body, and contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion on campus or within their discipline (1 page). 

Applicants will be asked to complete an equity survey. The survey information will not be used to determine eligibility for employment, but will be collated to provide data that can assist us in understanding the diversity of our applicant pool and identifying potential barriers to the employment of designated equity group members. Your participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential.

Review of applications will begin January 7, 2022.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and 3^rd largest university in Canada with an economic impact of 12.5 billion to the provincial economy. Since 1915, UBC’s West Coast spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. Its entrepreneurial perspective encourages students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world. As one of the world's leading universities, The University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. 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, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.