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: 

• 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.