Faculty postion - Canada Research Chair Tier 2

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 makes this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.

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The Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology and Physics and Astronomy in conjunction with BC Cancer Victoria, invite applications from external candidates for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in System-Based Approaches to Cancer Biology.  This CRC recruitment is part of a broad strategy to expand and raise the profile of health research and strengthen partnerships at UVic.  The successful applicant will be nominated by the University for a Tier 2 CRC and, upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will then be offered a position at the rank of Assistant Professor eligible for tenure.  The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024.  

Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs are one of Canada’s premier early career recognition and recruitment programs, and are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). However, applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. The CRC program has no restrictions with regard to nationality or country of residence of the candidates. For more information on the CRC program generally and on eligibility specifically, please consult the Canada Research Chairs website.

The Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology has world-class research programs in host microbe interactions, immunology, and cancer. It has thriving undergraduate and graduate degree programs with roughly 550 and 30 students respectively. BCMB is home to the University of Victoria Genome BC Proteomics Centre, one of Canada’s leading proteomics and metabolomics centres, with a cutting-edge suite of mass spectrometry imaging capabilities.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an exceptional CAMPEP-accredited medical physics program delivered with BC Cancer. Research covers a diverse range of preclinical and clinical topics such as cancer nanotechnology, novel CT imaging technologies, emerging radiotherapy modalities, and extensive Monte Carlo development and applications. The department is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to perform imaging and radiotherapy research. The department is also associated with the Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, which provides outstanding imaging and interdisciplinary work on advanced materials and technology. In addition, our research faculty have access to clinical linear accelerators and other imaging systems at BC Cancer.

The Deeley Research Center is home to BC Cancer’s Immunotherapy Program and the Conconi Family Immunotherapy Laboratory, an advanced clinical-grade facility that produces genetically engineered cell products for investigator-initiated clinical trials. This includes an ongoing phase 2 trial of a made-in-Canada CD19 CAR-T cell product for treatment of advanced leukemias and lymphomas. CFIL includes a 400 sq. ft. clean room and 850 sq. ft. of general laboratory space for quality assurance and quality control activities. Also, within the DRC is the Molecular and Cellular Immunology Core (MCIC), a full-service facility specializing in advanced molecular, histological, and genomic/bioinformatic methods including, single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. BC Cancer Victoria boasts an active clinical trials research program drawing on industry and investigator-led multi-institutional phase 2 and 3 clinical studies. The DRC is also home to the Provincial Tumour Tissue Repository with a collection of >150,000 fully annotated clinic-derived tumour and blood specimens.

We are seeking a candidate with expertise in novel systems or computational methodologies related to at least one of the following: cancer immunology, radiation therapy, Monte Carlo modeling, multi-omic analysis of cancer therapies, nanomedicine, cellular immunotherapies, small biological immune modulators, and/or advanced imaging of therapeutics, diagnostics, or oncologic mechanisms. Applicants with a record of accomplishment applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to assess combinatorial therapies to understand the complex networks within the tumor microenvironment are particularly encouraged to apply.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record and be an emerging world-class researcher in systems or computational approaches to understanding cancer biology. They will have extensive expertise in applying novel system-based approaches and/or computational methodologies to understanding cancer biology, particularly the biophysical and molecular underpinnings of therapy resistant cancer.  They will demonstrate research creativity, have a comprehensive understanding of the field, and propose an original, creative research program with potential to achieve international recognition in areas that complement and synergize with the existing strengths at the University of Victoria and BC Cancer. This will be evidenced by high quality publications as lead author and/or experience with clinical trials and clinical cohort data analysis, reference letters, and the ability to clearly articulate a competitive research plan. The successful nominee will have a PhD and post-doctoral training in an appropriate discipline and contributions through non-academic or advocacy publications are considered assets.

Candidates must demonstrate the potential for excellence in teaching, mentoring, and advising, as well as clear support for diversity and inclusiveness in teaching and research. Candidates will be expected to contribute in a professional and collegial way to a healthy workplace that promotes diversity, equity inclusion and a collaborative environment.

In accordance with the University’s Equity Plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to members of the following groups: Indigenous peoples, Black persons, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, women. Candidates from these groups who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify in their cover letter. In the event that the Committee does not find a suitable candidate in the initial pool, it will review all other applications.

Candidates should submit a single PDF document that includes a cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements, CV, and a 2-page description articulating their proposed research program and how it complements current UVic strengths.

Candidates must also provide an additional 2-page summation of the following: a statement on their teaching experience and teaching philosophy, and a statement of equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching and research. Candidates must arrange for letters from 3 referees to be emailed to the Department Chair (biocmicr@uvic.ca) by the closing date of July 31, 2023. 

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

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. 

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.

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