Faculty of Arts & Sciences – Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (Genomics in Precision Health)

At the University of Lethbridge, we speak in perspectives.

We are located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory in southern Alberta with campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. ULethbridge is more than a place to learn — it’s a place to build a career and make a lasting impact. We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. We are an inclusive university that values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our people are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for all of our people.

Together, we transform lives and communities.

About the Position
The University of Lethbridge invites applications for the position of Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the area of Genomics in Precision Health. We seek an exceptional scholar who will contribute to the University’s Strategic Research Plan. Applications are invited from individuals with research interests in genomics studies of human health, broadly defined. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the following examples: predictive and prognostic biomarkers, omics (panomics, genomics, transcriptomics, translatomics, methylomics) in health and disease, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, cancer therapeutics, cancer immunogenomics, aging and age-related diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. The successful candidate will be appointed in the Department of Biological Sciences.

The CRC Program has a method for establishing equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Act. The purpose of this measure is to increase and ensure equitable representation and contributions of skilled and experienced members of the four designated groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women and gender minorities, in the allocation of Canada Research Chair positions. In recognition of the underrepresentation of racialized scholars in our chairholders, and in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only applicants who self-identify as a racialized individual will be considered for this CRC opportunity. As a requirement of this position, candidates are asked to complete the confidential self-identification form during the final application process. Please see the CRC website for additional information about self-identification.

Building on a foundation of excellence in liberal education, the University of Lethbridge has evolved into one of Canada’s leading comprehensive academic and research universities. The University of Lethbridge is home to many world-class researchers, research centres, and institutes, fostering excellence in research by facilitating collaboration within and across disciplines. The Department of Biological Sciences and Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre have earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in biomedical research. The emergence of the Southern Alberta Medical Program will foster close collaboration between biomedical researchers and clinicians at the University of Lethbridge.

The successful candidate will attract competitively awarded research funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Research, and other granting agencies to support a vibrant, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will have an established research portfolio and will demonstrate an ability to build an internationally recognized research program that will attract outstanding graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The successful candidate must also have the interest and expertise to teach science courses (existing or newly developed) within the curriculum offered by the Department of Biological Sciences (such as Bioinformatics and Genomics courses).

Qualifications

Tier 2 CRCs are for exceptional emerging scholars, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. A Tier 2 CRC appointment is tenable for five years and renewable once. Candidates for a Tier 2 CRC should be within 10 years of their first independent academic research-related appointment. Note that Tier 2 Chair nominees may be more than 10 years from their first appointment if they have experienced legitimate career interruptions. More information on the CRC program, including eligibility criteria, can be found at http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca .

The University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family, and community will have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Accessibility, Belonging and Community

Accessibility, Belonging and Community for all are key strategic priorities for the University of Lethbridge. The university recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and our community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The university strives to provide access and opportunities to historically excluded groups identified under the Employment Equity Act and to meet its equity and diversity targets as a key consideration when allocating a Chair position, selecting which field to support with a Chair, and deciding whether to limit the pool to internal candidates. In accordance with the University of Lethbridge Canada Research Chair Program – Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan, we strongly encourage applications from skilled and experienced members of the four designated groups, such as Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women and gender minorities, as defined in the CRC Program method for establishing equity targets and the Employment Equity Act.

Application Process

Applications must include:

• a letter of application (no longer than 3 pages);
• a curriculum vitae;
• three of the applicant’s most influential publications (or other research contributions);
• a comprehensive Canada Research Chair vision statement and research plan of no longer than 5 pages, including a description of how they intend to develop externally funded research projects;
• a statement no longer than 3 pages emphasizing their research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their experiences in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization within their practices.

Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three academic referees. For more information about the position and for details on how to submit your application, please visit our Human Resources website at https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/ (use the Academic Postings tab). Enquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Nehal Thakor at [email protected].

The position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications beginning on September 28, 2026. Please note that the offer of this tenure-track position is conditional on a successful Tier 2 Canada Research Chair application.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.