Tenure-Track Position in Geomicrobiology

Tenure-Track Position in Geomicrobiology
Department of Earth Sciences
The University of Western Ontario
 

The Department of Earth Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Western Ontario (Western) invites applications for a probationary (tenure-track) position in Geomicrobiology at the Assistant Professor level. The applicant must demonstrate a record of excellent research and strong commitment to teaching, appropriate to the applicant’s career stage, within the broad area of geomicrobiology and related fields. A strong background and a compelling interest in the processes coupling the geosphere and the biosphere (past and present) are essential in the applicant. These processes might include, but are not limited to, microbiological applications in environmental science (biological remediation of environmental contaminants, biomineralization processes in the remediation and reprocessing of mine tailings), economic geology (microbial-catalyzed processes in mineral deposit geology and microbially enhanced oil recovery), astrobiology (extremophile behaviour, origin and evolution of life on Earth, and the search for life in the Universe), and/or biogeophysics (biogeobatteries and changes to near-subsurface properties due to microbial interactions with geological materials, e.g. biofilm clogging of porosity).

A strong track record of scientific achievements, as demonstrated by publications in leading journals and a proven aptitude for interdisciplinary research, is essential. Interest in field-oriented research would also be an asset. The successful candidate is expected to pursue and establish an externally funded research program that is recognized and competitive at the national and international levels. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary environment and build upon research strengths and capacity that align with the strategic plans of the Department, the Faculty of Science, and the University. A strong commitment to effective teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels will be apparent from the successful candidate’s teaching statement and letters of reference. The candidate must demonstrate an aptitude for interdisciplinary teaching, as the successful candidate will teach in Western’s Integrated Science (WISc) program (https://www.uwo.ca/sci/wisc/).

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in an Earth Sciences field (Geology/Geophysics), Biology/Microbiology, or a related field, with research and publications encompassing the interface between Earth Sciences and Biology. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About Western: Western University strives to deliver an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. The Western Integrated Science (WISc) undergraduate program was initiated almost a decade ago and boasts career-ready graduates. For more information go to https://www.uwo.ca/sci/wisc/.

About the Department:

The Department of Earth Sciences (the Department) is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Science at Western. The Department’s research and teaching programs encompass a broad range of complementary and interrelated geoscience disciplines that fall within four themes: Earth and Planetary Systems, Resource Geoscience, Tectonic Processes and Crustal Dynamics, and Earth Evolution: Life, Climate and Environment. Further information can be found at https://www.uwo.ca/earth/research/index.html. In July 2021, Western’s undergraduate Environmental Science program officially moved within the purview of the Department. The Department currently offers programs for professional registration in Geology, Geophysics, and in Environmental Geoscience. The multi-disciplinarity of the Department’s expertise has resulted in teaching and research collaborations across Western’s campus, such as with Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Law, Physics & Astronomy, Statistics & Actuarial Sciences, and Visual Arts. We also have strong ties to the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (Western Space), and our collaborative graduate program in planetary science is unique in Canada. The Department of Earth Sciences is committed to improving Equity and Diversity in our university community in line with policies such as the strategic planning by our Office of Indigenous Initiatives (https://indigenous.uwo.ca/initiatives/plan-reports.html).

Applications must include the following:

1. a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position
2. a detailed curriculum vitae*
3. a maximum two-page document describing the candidate’s proposed research program
4. a maximum two-page statement describing teaching philosophy and teaching interests
5. the names and email addresses of 3 references
6. Applicants must also complete and submit the Faculty Relations application form: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf

*Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and potential candidates are encouraged to list career disruptions. If feasible, candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact these career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.

The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to eschair@uwo.ca, Department of Earth Sciences.

Applications will be reviewed starting June 19, 2022 and will continue to be considered until the position is filled. The preferred starting date is January 2023, but is negotiable.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact Kristen Harris at 519-661-3191 or kharri27@uwo.ca.

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Details can be found at:

https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp311_covid19.pdf