University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology

Position ID:UBC-Department of Zoology-CERC [#21623]
Position Title: Canada Excellence Research Chair in Evolutionary Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Position Type:Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Position Location:Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: Infectious Disease
Biology
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Microbiology
Appl Deadline:2022/05/13 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/04/13, finished 2022/08/16, listed until 2022/05/13)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

The Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Zoology at The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus, are recruiting an outstanding researcher to be nominated for the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in evolutionary dynamics of host-pathogen interactions. The CERC program, Canada’s highest research chair appointment, is designed to attract and support world-renowned researchers and their teams to Canada.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and is a renowned global centre for teaching, learning and research. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. Today, our students, faculty and staff come from around the world and our international research partnerships and publications help us collaborate on a global scale. UBC is proud to nurture and transform the lives of more than 65,000 students from Canada and 140+ countries around the world.

The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Evolutionary Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions provides a unique opportunity for a researcher focused on the emergence of infectious diseases and range shifts, especially in the context of global climate change, to engage with an extraordinary group of interdisciplinary colleagues in shaping the future. Specifically, the CERC will advance our understanding of the pathogenicity and transmission of infectious diseases in light of human impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

As a faculty member and CERC chair holder, the successful candidate will be expected to lead a strong, externally-funded research program, to supervise postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, collaborate with other faculty members, and actively participate in service to the Department, University, and academic/scientific community. In addition to the above, candidates must: • have a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline • be an internationally recognized leader of a research program with at least 10 years of internationally competitive research experience in evolutionary dynamics. • demonstrated leadership in research and teaching that is creative, innovative, and collaboration-based.

CERC holders will have strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and a commitment to creating a welcoming community where those who are historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized are treated equitably, feel respected, and belong. UBC recognizes that inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. As Canada’s highest research chair appointees, UBC CERCs will have a unique and profound impact on our commitments to these values.

It is expected that the successful candidate will qualify for a full-time faculty appointment at the rank of professor. Nominees from outside the academic sector must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. The anticipated start date will be between October 14th 2022 and July 1st , 2023. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to final budgetary approval. Competitive start-up packages, relocation, housing assistance and infrastructure development funds will be provided.

The successful applicant will be nominated for a Canada Excellence Research Chair. The CERC nomination is subject to review and final approval by the CERC Secretariat. CERC awards are appointed for a period of eight years at an annual value of $500 thousand or $1 million. The two award values recognize the varying costs of research within different research disciplines and aims to be inclusive of all areas of research. The faculty appointment in the Departments Microbiology & Immunology and Zoology may be conditional on award of the CERC.

Program nominees are not restricted by their nationality or their country of residence. Non-Canadian Chairholders may work in Canada under the procedures by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In some cases, a work permit may be expedited.

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.

UBC is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, non-discriminatory and accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. UBC is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require accommodations or have questions about UBC benefits, services or accommodations policies, please contact Sue Lebrun at sue.lebrun@ubc.ca in Workplace Health Services.

UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leaves, illness or disability, COVID-19 impacts) can have on research achievement and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how interruptions have had an impact on their career.

To apply: Interested candidates must apply through the [Academic Jobs Online]. Review of applications will begin on May 13, 2022.

Applicants should submit: 

1. Cover letter (up to 2 pages) that outlines: 
  • Your research vision and accomplishments 
  • How your expertise, scholarship and planned research will integrate with the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Zoology and the broader UBC community. 
  • How you have displayed leadership through existing or proposed research, teaching, service, community engagement, outreach, contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, or other relevant activities. 
2. Curriculum vitae. 
3. Statement (up to 4 pages) describing your current and proposed research program. 
4. Statement (up to 1 page) of teaching interests and accomplishments. 
5. Statement (up to 1 page) identifying your past contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, along with your ability to work with a culturally diverse student body (giving specific examples where possible), as well as your philosophy of and potential future contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
6. Up to 3 representative publications. 
7. Names and contact information for 3 referees.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey.

The UBC Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. UBC embraces innovation and challenges to the status quo. UBC is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded throughout the university’s academic and work life, recognizing that significant work remains to be accomplished. For example, UBC's vision is to be a world leader in the implementation of Indigenous people's human rights and is guided in a mission of reconciliation as articulated and called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It is firmly committed to recruiting Indigenous faculty, students, and staff as outlined in its Indigenous Strategic Plan. As one of the world's leading universities, UBC 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.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://www.zoology.ubc.ca/
email address
 
4200-6270 University Blvd
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4