Impact Chair Position in Ocean Ecosystem Change and Conservation

The Department of Biology at the University of Victoria invites candidates to apply for a UVic Impact Chair appointment in the area of ocean ecosystem change and conservation with an expected start date of September 2020.  UVic Impact Chairs are intended for exceptional researchers acknowledged as world leaders in their field, with recognized success in research-inspired teaching and fostering collaborative and interdisciplinary research.  The successful candidate will hold a faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor with tenure, or Professor with tenure. Rank will be determined in accordance with the department’s Standard and the provisions of the Collective Agreement. The term of the UVic Impact Chair is five years and the holder will receive up to $50,000 annually to support research, pedagogy or partnerships, as applicable. This appointment opportunity is limited to external candidates.

We seek candidates who bring an innovative perspective to understanding how marine organisms and/or ecosystems respond to human-forced change, and who use this understanding to provide guidance for marine protection and resource management efforts. Specific areas of focus could include (but are not limited to) physiology, ecology, or conservation biology.

Candidates who are collaborative, and who will bolster existing scientific strengths in marine science across the University, are especially encouraged to apply. The Chair appointment will be in the Department of Biology but is intended to be cross-listed with a Department or School in the Faculty of Social Sciences (e.g. Environmental Studies or Geography) to facilitate graduate student supervision in both areas. In addition, the Chair will demonstrate a commitment to convening productive research and teaching alliances between the academic units and Ocean Networks Canada. Other collaborative opportunities at UVic include the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, and the Genome BC Proteomics Centre.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. and an established, externally funded, independent and original research program with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research and teaching. The successful candidate will teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, share in the administrative responsibilities of the department, and play an active role in the advising and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. The following will be considered assets: a research record that reflects interdisciplinarity or productive collaborations among researchers from biology and related marine science disciplines; a record of teaching or active student mentorship, recognizing the diversity of student experiences; experience in knowledge mobilization beyond the university; and experience in and commitment to respectful and collegial relationships. Rank and salary will be competitive and commensurate with the qualifications of the candidate.

To Apply: Candidates must submit a single PDF document that includes a cover letter outlining how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, a CV, and a 2-page description of their proposed research program (including how it addresses the UVic Strategic Framework priority to promote sustainable futures). Candidates must also provide a 2-page statement on teaching experience and teaching philosophy, including how they will support diversity and inclusiveness in teaching and research. Candidates must also include the names and contact information for three referees.

The application document should be emailed with the subject “Impact Chair” to: Chantal Laliberté (biology@uvic.ca). For questions regarding the position please contact Dr. Barbara Hawkins, Chair of the Department of Biology via email (biochair@uvic.ca) or phone (250-721-7091). Information about the Department of Biology can be found here: www.uvic.ca/science/biology.

Review of applications will begin on January 6, 2020.

The University: The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Vital impact drives the UVic sense of purpose. As an internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places and the planet. Situated in the Pacific Rim, our location breeds a profound passion for exploration. Defined by its edges, this extraordinary environment inspires us to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways. It’s different here, naturally and by design. We live, learn, work and explore on the edge of what’s next—for our planet and its peoples. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here.

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

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).

Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Please indicate in your application package if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

https://www.uvic.ca/opportunities/faculty-librarian/current/biol_270_125.php