Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security

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Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary
Location: Main Campus

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6. By virtue of the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877, the university recognizes that we are all treaty people. The City of Calgary is home to diverse communities. Together, we share this land, strive to live together, learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”

Position Summary
The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment (Earth@UCalgary) in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in the area of Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or in exceptional cases Associate Professor (with tenure), and will be nominated for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. The emerging scholar we seek is expected to develop an innovative soil science research program that supports sustainable agriculture and improves food and water security across scales through advancements in understanding of soil-plant-water interactions. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

Research Area
Healthy soils are critical to sustainable food production as well as human and planetary health. The Tier 2 CRC will lead research on soil science and the study of soil-plant-water dynamics essential for resilient food systems and water security. In the context of soil, crop and land management, this may include research on soil physics and chemistry, fertility, soil structure, salinity and remediation, water usage and irrigation, erosion, organic matter, carbon cycling, climate change responses, soil health and sustainability, soil-plant interactions, or ecosystem services. The research program should contribute to broader understanding of agroecosystem function and environmental sustainability within the regional agricultural context. The ideal candidate will perform field or process-based research that integrates modern tools and techniques, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, remote sensing or drones, digital sensors, spectroscopic methods, advanced testing/analytical methods, pedometrics, or computational modeling. Research should address gaps in understanding soil systems across scales. The CRC will benefit from, and contribute to, the strong innovation ecosystem at UCalgary and is expected to work closely with relevant government agencies and agribusiness (e.g., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Innovates) to ensure a flourishing research community in Alberta and across Canada.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
Tier 2 Chairs, which are tenable for five (5) years and renewable once, are intended for exceptional emerging scholars who have the potential to lead in their field. CRC Tier 2 nominees should be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree at the time of Chair nomination. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program, including eligibility, can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website: https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx.

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Soil Science, Earth Science, Geography, Agricultural Science, or a related field, and have a strong record of impactful research that is commensurate with their career stage. The ideal candidate would show evidence of transdisciplinary scholarship and field-based research experience. The CRC is expected to develop an internationally recognized sustainable soils research program that is supported by external funding from provincial and federal agencies, private industry, and other agriculture-related partners. The successful candidate should have an outstanding track record of scholarly excellence, as evidenced by impactful publications in leading journals and/or relevant scientific forums, innovative and creative research activity, awards and accolades, documented research collaboration ability, and strong endorsements by recognized experts in the field. UCalgary places value on diverse scholarly activities, including (but not limited to) community outreach (interviews, public and online forums, scientific social media), policy and regulatory guidance, entrepreneurship, and scientific resource development (e.g., mapping, databases, software).

The candidate will play an important role in mentorship and supervision of trainees at the undergraduate (BSc), graduate (MSc, PhD), and post-doctoral levels. The successful applicant must demonstrate clear potential for excellent teaching at the post-secondary level and will be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses across our diverse programs in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment. The desire to pursue pedagogical and curricular development in an academic setting is expected.

Additionally, the candidate should provide evidence of service, leadership and outreach contributions within their organization and their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), since they will be expected to fully engage in departmental and university service, and work effectively with people from diverse communities and cultures.

Appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor normally requires demonstrated achievement or clear potential for original, high-quality research and scholarship, along with the capacity for continued development as both a scholar and a teacher, and a willingness to contribute to service appropriate to career stage. Where aligned with the proposed program of research and scholarship, the ability or potential to secure external funding may also be required. Appointments at the rank of Associate Professor require evidence of an established academic program and recognition as an internationally respected scholar, demonstrated through a record of high-quality research and scholarly activities appropriate to the discipline, as well as evidence of teaching effectiveness and a substantive record of service.

Description of Work Environment
The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment (https://science.ucalgary.ca/earth) at UCalgary was established to address the complex and pressing challenges facing our planet, which includes food and water security for a growing population. We are building a community of change-makers: a group of people who will leverage existing expertise and approach problems from every angle to find creative solutions. We have an audacious growth plan that will see us expand into new areas of research and teaching, with a focus on mobilizing science and creating positive impact. We are excited to have the CRC join in our ambitious vision for Earth@UCalgary.

More broadly, the CRC will join a vibrant and growing agricultural research community within the Faculty of Science and across the university, and will contribute to the development of research and educational programs designed to strengthen the agricultural sector. The Tier 2 CRC will have diverse opportunities for collaborations with leaders in AI and machine learning for agricultural applications, crop biotechnology and genomics, ecosystems services for agricultural sustainability, geomicrobiology, plant physiology and plant-soil interactions, geospatial analysis and geomorphology, surface and groundwater hydrology, and soil remediation. In addition, UCalgary is currently seeking a related Tier 1 CRC in Translational Crop Genomics in Sustainable Agriculture that will provide further opportunities for research collaboration in support of sustainable agriculture.

The CRC will be able to leverage two major University of Calgary initiatives promoting innovative solutions in agricultural research: the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the School of Public Policy, which focuses on policymaking in Canada to realize a more sustainable agricultural industry; and the Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability (CPAS), a network that promotes innovative solutions and sustainable agriculture through collaborative efforts between researchers, communities, and industry leaders. In addition, the CRC will have access to key agricultural research infrastructure and facilities, including a new state-of-the-art greenhouse being developed as part of the Science District and the Multi-Disciplinary Science Hub, and the large (19,000 acre) W.A. Ranches facility, an operational cattle ranch whose mission is to support a variety of ranching, research, teaching, and outreach activities related to sustainable/regenerative agriculture.

How to Apply
Please apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ link at our UCalgary Career website via https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/16867434-canada-research-chair-tier-ii-in-sustainable-soil-science-for-food-and-water-security-faculty-of-science.
Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments (which may require you to merge documents). Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following:
• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of three references
• Statement of research interests and vision (maximum 4 pages)
• Statement of mentorship and teaching philosophy/teaching dossier (maximum of 2 pages)
• Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This should describe your prior contributions to EDI and ability to work within a culturally diverse university setting (maximum 2 pages)

Questions may be addressed to the Search Committee at earth@ucalgary.ca. The committee will be chaired by Edwin Cey, Head, Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, Faculty of Science.

Applications are accepted until December 1, 2025 and reviews will continue until the posting has been filled.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy (https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous/about-ii-taapohtop/explore-strategy) in line with the foundational goals of Ahead of Tomorrow (https://www.ucalgary.ca/about/ahead-of-tomorrow), committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Acknowledgement of Non-Traditional Career Paths
The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

Additional Information
To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (https://careers.ucalgary.ca/). For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Science (https://science.careers.ucalgary.ca/).

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. UCalgary is a bold and spirited institution, recognized as one of Canada’s top-five research universities, grounded in innovative teaching and learning, and fully engaged with the community it serves and leads. UCalgary recently unveiled its “Ahead of Tomorrow” strategic plan, which articulates a 7-year vision out to 2030. It’s a bold vision that reflects our ambition to increase access to future-focused education, to maximize the impact of our research and innovation, to put the community at the centre of all that we do, and to make our operational processes clearer, simpler and better than any other university.

These foundational values and commitments enable excellence, discovery, creativity, and innovation across the research ecosystem. With over 28,000 undergraduate students, 8,000 graduate students, 575 post-doctoral scholars, and 1,800+ faculty actively engaged in transdisciplinary discovery, creativity, and innovation across 14 faculties and schools, and supported by 3,200+ staff, we deliver over 250 degree and non-credit programs – undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, postdoctoral training, and continuing and professional education programs.

UCalgary benefits from the ongoing support of our community, which rallies behind the university, recently completing the third-largest fundraising campaign in Canadian history, surpassing $1.4B. UCalgary has also been recognized for eight consecutive years as one of Alberta’s Top 75 Employers (2017–2024) and Canada’s best diversity employer (2017–2024).

About Calgary, Alberta
Recently ranked the most liveable city in North America and 5th in the world (2024) by The Economist
Intelligence Unit, and possessing one of the youngest populations of major cities in Canada, Calgary is home to world-class attractions, sporting amenities and public infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle, making it a great place to raise a family (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnh- WugziiiHwMT44-sVwrA). Situated where the Canadian plains reach the sunny foothills of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a major urban centre surrounded by an area of profound beauty with awe-inspiring mountains, lakes, rivers, and gorgeous prairie.

Consistently rated by the United Nations as the world’s best country to live in, Canada is the world’s second largest country by total area and is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations. Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil
liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education.

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