Assistant Professor in Controlled Environment Systems

Assistant Professor in Controlled Environment Systems

The School of Environmental Sciences (SES) at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level.

The Assistant Professor in the field of Controlled Environment Systems related to high density plant production technologies and applications in urban agriculture, plant made medicines and human life support for long term space exploration. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience and an interest in working in controlled environments incorporating sophisticated feedback control of all environment variables. An established relationship and/or experience in collaboration with international space agencies in this field would be a significant asset. Candidates will be expected to build a successful research program and to collaborate with researchers (national and international) to translate novel approaches in controlled environment plant production systems in a range of applications from urban agriculture (indoor and vertical farming) and phytopharmaceutical applications to space exploration. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Plant or Environmental Science or a related discipline, and will have significant potential for research excellence as demonstrated through a strong publication record in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals.

The position will require the development of a strong externally funded, including federal and provincial sources, research program involving the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. It will involve teaching courses, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, related to controlled environment systems. The successful candidate will have a clear potential for effective teaching, with classroom experience considered an asset. Strong communication skills are essential. Collaboration in research and graduate training is encouraged with others in SES, the Ontario Agricultural College and the University, as well as with federal and provincial ministries. Faculty in SES are expected to provide service to the University, to the scientific community, and to society at large.

The School of Environmental Sciences is a multi-disciplinary academic unit with researchers in a range of fields including: soil science, geology, agricultural meteorology, forest and ecosystem science, environmental microbiology, environmental toxicology, entomology and plant pathology. Researchers in the School have links across campus including Geography, Engineering, Integrative Biology, the Centre for Applied Groundwater Research, Animal Biosciences, Ridgetown Campus and Plant Agriculture, as well as with producer organizations and members of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. SES and the University of Guelph are home to the Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF http://www.ces.uoguelph.ca/) which represents Canada’s main contribution to the space science objectives and field of biological life support for human space exploration. This unique infrastructure provides a broad range of opportunities to explore research and technology development in controlled environments.  The School sits within the Ontario Agriculture College and is located on the main campus in the city of Guelph. More information about the School, the College and the University can be found on their respective websites (www.uoguelph.ca/ses, www.uoguelph.ca/oac, www.uoguelph.ca).

The University of Guelph is the largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 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 about 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students across approximately 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

Assessment of applications will begin on March 18, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (preferably as a single PDF file): (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; statement of their research goals and teaching philosophy and the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of at least three (3) professional references who can evaluate their candidacy. Applications should be sent to the attention of:

Dr. Jon Warland

Director

School of Environmental Sciences

University of Guelph

Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

c/o Erin Levesque, sesuog@uoguelph.ca

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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 acknowledges the Attawandaron people on whose traditional territory the University of Guelph resides and offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.