Canada Research Chair Tier 2 - Sexually-Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections

The Faculty of Science at the University of Regina invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biology, starting July 1, 2024. The successful candidate will be the University’s nominee for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sexually-Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. CRC awards are tenable for 5 years and renewable once.

The CRC Program (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca) was established by the Government of Canada to foster research excellence in Canada. CRC researchers (Tier 2) are emerging world-class researchers who have been recognized by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. This CRC falls within priority-driven health research topics defined by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and aligns with the strategic objectives outlined by the Department of Biology, the Faculty of Science, and the University of Regina, as well as the Province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada.

The successful candidate will have expertise in Sexually-Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections, and will be expected to establish a novel research program. Areas of research focus may include molecular aspects of infection, pathogen biology, microbiota alterations, diagnostics, community transmission and epidemiology, biostatistics and bioinformatic approaches, and the development of therapeutic strategies for sexually-transmitted and blood-borne Infections.

The CRC holder will benefit from a vibrant, collaborative research environment, and Biology’s strong ties with the Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The Department of Biology houses the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society (IMSS) and Institute of Environmental Change & Society (IECS). IMSS is a molecular genetics and genomics facility that works directly with partners in provincial and federal governments to apply genomics for surveillance, diagnosis, and detection of infectious diseases. IECS provides world-class infrastructure and research expertise in environmental and cellular sciences with strengths in bioanalytic/mass spectrometry and disease surveillance in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

CRCs are offered a reduced teaching load, an additional salary stipend, an operating grant, start-up funds, and an opportunity to apply to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funding for additional instrumentation needs. The Department of Biology and Faculty of Science will work with the successful candidate to complete their CRC application for review by early October 2024. All CRC nominations are subject to review and final approval by the Canada Research Chair Program. Please note this tenure-track appointment is not conditional on the Canada Research Chair Program’s approval of the nomination for the Chair.

Tier 2 CRCs are intended for exceptional emerging researchers. The candidate must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination. The University and CRC program recognize that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of excellent academic records. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience or career interruptions to be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process. Candidates with more than 10 years since their highest degree, for which career breaks exist, such as parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, family care, or other leaves may have their eligibility for a CRC assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process.

Qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations of the successful candidate include, but are not limited to:
- a Ph.D. in Biology or closely related field;
- demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and networking skills;
- potential to attract and train high quality personnel in biology, microbiology, genetics, diagnostics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or bioinformatics;
- engage in academic and scholarly activity, including the teaching of undergraduate or graduate courses in biology
- an exceptional track record of peer-reviewed publications;
- commitment to preparing a CRC application that articulates an original, innovative, and high quality research program.

Questions can be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee at [email protected], with subject line “CRC II in STBBI”.

Applicants must submit the following documents through the University of Regina’s online system at https://urcareers.uregina.ca/ (under Academic/Staff/Research Postings):

· Cover letter describing qualifications and interest in the position

· Curriculum Vitae

· 5-year research plan (up to 4 pages) that addresses the objectives of the CRC program

· A teaching and mentorship statement (up to 2 pages), including philosophy, teaching experience and teaching interests

· The names and contact information for three referees (uploaded as ‘other’ in the online application portal)

Please consult the University of Regina Office of Research Services ([email protected]) for more information. Full program information, including details on eligibility criteria, can be found on the CRC website: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Regina is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and strongly encourages applications from women, Indigenous persons, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and gender minorities. Preference will be given to those who self-identify as members of one or more of these groups. The University’s accommodation policies are available at: https://www.uregina.ca/policy/browse-policy/policy-EMP-080-005.html (contact: Director, Health, Safety & Wellness – 306-585-4776 (Medical Accommodations); Director, Faculty & Staff Relations – 306-585-4165 (Religious and Family Status Accommodations)).

The University of Regina main campus is situated on the traditional territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihsinapek, Nakoda, Dakota and Lakota people, and is the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation.

Posting will remain ‘open until filled’. Reviews will begin January 2024.

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code.