Head of Chemistry

 University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science 

Head of Chemistry – Associate or Full Professor Competition 

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, invites applications for the position of Head of Chemistry. 

UBC Okanagan offers a world-class, globally recognized degree at a smaller and more intimate campus. Chemistry https://chemistry.ok.ubc.ca/ is one of four administrative units and 7 departments within the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science. Fifteen Chemistry faculty are actively engaged in mentoring >940 undergraduate and graduate students. More than $15 million in research funding has supported >355 chemistry research projects since 2005. Undergraduate programs include majors and minors in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Biochemistry. Two graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology attract dynamic graduate students into our community. Research in the Chemistry department spans many traditional and emerging disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry, with noteworthy focus on chemical biology and biophysics, catalysis, natural products, metabolomics, computational chemistry, and biochemical structure and mechanism. The newly recruited Head will join Chemistry at an exciting time. The Department’s next phase is to firmly establish itself as a national leader in Chemistry education and increase its international research stature. The Head will have the opportunity to shape the Department of Chemistry and strengthen its position into the next decade. 

The Head’s position is a faculty appointment, typically at the Full Professor level. We are seeking a candidate with demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, leadership and administration skills, with proven ability to lead and motivate faculty, staff, and students. Field of research specialization can be related to any area of Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or Biochemistry. The position is open to applicants of all chemistry sub-disciplines. Individuals with research interests related to machine learning approaches to Chemistry, green energy initiatives, environmental and sustainable chemistry are encouraged to apply. Desirable attributes include a strong record of published research and external funding, undergraduate and graduate education, mentorship, and leadership experience. Evidence of strong commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is required. 

The Head will provide administrative, intellectual, and academic leadership of the Unit and will serve on the Faculty’s Leadership Team. Responsibilities of the Head include overseeing the overall operation of the Chemistry department including mentoring and advocating for faculty and staff within the Faculty and the University. Direct experience with managing reappointment, tenure and promotion processes and familiarity with budget processes are considered assets. As a faculty member of the Unit, the Head will be expected to maintain an active research program in their chosen field, to supervise graduate students, and otherwise contribute to the Unit’s teaching programs. The Head position will be available July 1, 2021 with a five-year renewable term. The Head reports directly to the Dean of Science. 

At UBC’s Okanagan campus we embrace bold new ways of thinking. We welcome and celebrate people with passion, who need to make a difference. With 9,643 undergraduates and 1,065 graduate students, UBC Okanagan has grown to be a diverse and vibrant part of the Okanagan community. Kelowna is connected by direct flights to major Canadian and USA cities and the region is considered one of the most desirable regions to live in Canada. For more information about the Okanagan Campus, see https://ok.ubc.ca. For more information about the Faculty of Science, see https://science.ok.ubc.ca. 

How to Apply 

Applications are emailed in one continuous PDF file to fos.recruitment@ubc.ca with Head of Chemistry in the subject line and should include: 

• a cover letter that clearly identifies administrative experience, including a statement of the candidate’s philosophy or approach to leadership; 

• an up-to-date curriculum vitae; 

• statements of a program of research and of teaching interests; 

• evidence of teaching ability; 

• a 1-page diversity statement (i.e., experience working within a diverse environment and your contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion on campus); 

• the name, title, and contact information of three referees. 

Following a preliminary review of all applications, a short list of candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to provide letters from the referees. Please put the competition title (Head of Chemistry) in the subject line of the e-mail and state whether you are currently legally entitled to work in Canada. The deadline for application is November 20, 2020. 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. 

The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at UBC Okanagan is deeply committed to increasing the diversity of our community. We ask that all applicants complete a voluntary survey (link to survey) that will help us to assess the effectiveness of our efforts to reach a broad group of potential applicants. 

Please direct inquiries to: 

Dr. Gino DiLabio 

Dean 

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science 

e-mail: gino.dilabio@ubc.ca