Assistant/Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Integrated Animal Physiology

Position Title / Rank: Assistant/Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Integrated Animal Physiology
Department: Animal Biosciences

Position Description:

The department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in Integrated Animal Physiology.

We seek an individual whose research advances fundamental and applied aspects of animal physiology relevant to the performance and welfare of animals under human care. The successful candidate will establish and lead a dynamic and innovative, internationally recognized research program that addresses critical or emerging issues in whole animal physiology. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work integrates processes across molecular, cellular, and organism levels to reveal how animals function in complex environments.

Preferred areas of focus include, but are not limited to:

Digital livestock management, precision technologies, data analytics and modelling
• Microbiome research, including host/microbiome interactions affecting physiology and behaviour
• Neurophysiology and neuroendocrine regulation and control of physiology and behaviour
• Genetic and epigenetic foundations of physiological and behavioural traits.

Candidates who bridge multiple areas to develop holistic, integrative approaches in animal physiology which address significant challenges in agricultural and companion animal contexts are especially encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be expected to translate new knowledge in integrative physiology, within their species or systems of interest, into strategies that support innovation in animal agriculture. This will deliver tangible benefits to industry partners and other stakeholders, including research findings and highly-qualified personnel.

The successful candidate will coordinate with existing departmental colleagues who have expertise in nutrition, reproduction, physiology, genetics, behavior, animal welfare, and other areas related to their field of research. https://animalbiosciences.uoguelph.ca/abscfaculty

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead a cutting-edge research program in integrated animal physiology.
• Secure external research funding from diverse sources, including federal agencies, industry partners, and non-profit organizations.
• Publish high-quality, impactful research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in animal physiology and/or related subjects.
• Collaborate with faculty across disciplines and with external stakeholders to advance the field.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Data Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated excellence in research, with a strong publication record in high-impact journals.
• Experience in securing research funding and independently managing research projects.
• A commitment to teaching and mentorship at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences.

This Tier 2 Chair, tenable for five years and renewable once, is intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their PhD (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. For more information about eligibility and the Tier 2 Justification Process, please contact Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Programs at [email protected] . Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information.

To meet the criteria of the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP), candidates must:

• be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity;
• have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years;
• as chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and
• be proposing an original and innovative research program of high quality.

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion is an institutional and social imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of a successful post-secondary institution.

The University supports the Canada Research Chairs Program’s commitment to EDI. The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and is promoting exemplary practices with respect to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The goals of research excellence can only be met when equity and diversity are integrated into the research initiative. The CRC program reflects the federal government’s commitment to equity and diversity in employment. It aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and racialized persons.

For each Tier 2 Chair, the institution receives $100,000 annually for five years (which can be used for salary and research). In addition to this, in their first term, the Chair receives a $20,000 annual stipend for research. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process:

The CRC Program imposes no restrictions on nominees with regard to nationality or country of residence. Procedures to allow non-Canadian chairholders to work in Canada have been established by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The University of Guelph is committed to an Employment Equity Program that includes special measures to address the underrepresentation of individuals from four groups designated by the Employment Equity Act (women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups) within its allocation of Canada Research Chairs. The university especially seeks applications from these four groups. The identification of outstanding candidates from the designated groups is central to the University’s commitment to excellence, as well as to its capacity to fulfil the objectives of the University’s Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

Collection of self-identification data is a requirement of the CRC Program, and all applicants to CRC positions are required to complete the University’s self-identification form that is part of the online application process. The questionnaire includes an option “prefer not to answer.” Self-identification information is collected by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (ODHR) in support of the University's employment equity program. All self-identification specifics of candidates will be kept confidential by the ODHR.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Dr. Gregoy Bedecarrats at: [email protected], 519-824 4120 extension 53692.

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com).

Assessment of applications will begin on April 20th, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID #) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file):

(1) a cover letter;
(2) a full curriculum vitae, and additionally, the following CV documents:
o Publication conventions (max 1pg)
o Significant contributions (max. 2 pg).
o Leadership (max. 1 pg)

Note: For the Significant contributions and Leadership sections, provide evidence and use examples. You may include less traditionally recognized contributions where applicable, such as community engagement or outreach activities.

(3) A four-page (maximum) research statement that includes:
o An overview of the applicant’s research proposal, including knowledge mobilization and any innovation activities, that demonstrates how the candidate meets the CRC criteria for Tier 2
o How the applicant embeds Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in research practice. (For info on EDI in research practice, see Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research (sshrc-crsh.gc.ca)

(4) Statement of teaching philosophy promoting student learning and success. This can include information on teaching experience, training and mentoring inside and outside the classroom at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels (maximum 2 pages)

(5) Names and contact information for three references who meet the CRCP’s conflict of interest requirements. For Tier 2 nominations, up to two of the three letters of reference can be ‘in conflict’ along with at least one ‘arms-length’ reference.

• Questions about this position may be directed to: Professor Grẻgoy Bẻdẻcarrats, Acting Department Chair at: [email protected]
• Questions about the application process may be directed to: Diana Rau, Administrative Officer at: [email protected]

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

Date Posted: February 20, 2026
Deadline: April 20, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please visit the University’s Occupational Health and Wellness or contact OHW at [email protected].