Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Animal Physiology

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track position in the area of Animal Physiology. We are primarily seeking an emerging scholar to hire at the Assistant Professor level, with strong potential to develop a productive research program. We especially welcome researchers who seek to develop a focus on Arctic or Northern Biology.

We are keen to attract a colleague who can integrate across existing areas of Departmental research and teaching expertise. Applicants must hold a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field and have a demonstrated track record of impactful research in Animal Physiology. The proposed research program should not depend solely on laboratory-based vertebrate research, and instead should have strong potential to build world-class productivity through the study of wildlife and/or invertebrate physiology. The successful candidate will develop an independent, original, and externally funded research program.

The candidate will be expected to supervise both graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to a vibrant Department through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Importantly, the candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Access, Community and Belonging (ACB), in all aspects of their research, teaching and service.

Strong potential for productive interactions with other researchers across the diverse research areas of the Department, and in other disciplines at the University of Alberta, will be considered an asset. Strengths of the Department include Northern biology, toxicology, aquatic biology, neurobiology, AI/ML, data synthesis and open science, ecology, model organisms, multi-omics, Museum of Zoology and Strickland entomology collections, and access to field stations including the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2027.

• Research Program: Establish an independent, externally funded research program focused on wildlife and/or invertebrate animal physiology (with an emphasis on Arctic or Northern biology).
• Teaching: Deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in animal physiology and related departmental curricula.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research students.
• Service & Collaboration: Contribute to departmental and university governance while building collaborative ties across disciplines and research facilities.
• ACB & Reconciliation: Access, Community and Belonging (ACB) principles and Indigenous reconciliation commitments into all aspects of research, teaching, and service.

• PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• A demonstrated track record of impactful, high-quality research in animal physiology, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and scholarly contributions.
• A clear vision for an independent, original, and externally fundable research program that focuses on wildlife and/or invertebrate animal physiology (not dependent solely on laboratory-based vertebrate models).
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating Access, Community, and Belonging (ACB) principles and Indigenous reconciliation into research, teaching, mentorship, and service practices.
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential to establish interdisciplinary research collaborations across diverse subdisciplines in the Biological Sciences department and other units across the University of Alberta is considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Please click "Apply Now" below and submit the requested documents. Please combine these files into a single PDF:

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A 2-3 page research statement which must:
  • highlight contributions to their field of research,
  • present an overview of the applicant’s planned research program for ~5 years after initial appointment,
  • describe how the applicant will interact, collaborate with, and complement other researchers at the University of Alberta.
• A 1-2 page teaching statement including their experience and interests.
• A 1-2 page Access, Community and Belonging (ACB) statement which includes the candidate’s contributions and plans to advance ACB in their research, teaching, mentoring, and service.
• Reprints of their 3-5 most impactful publications or other meaningful contributions.
• A cover letter. Please include the names and affiliations of three referees. For applicants selected for interviews, three letters of reference will be requested. Applicants will be expected to contact the three referees and arrange to have them submit their letters of reference via email attachment.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date. University representatives will review application packages, and should the Hiring Committee advance your application, you may be contacted for an online pre-interview.

Interviewees will have the opportunity to express the need for any accommodations, e.g., related to one’s mobility, dietary restrictions, child care, etc. For further information, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Faculty Positions, Physiology 2026”.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.