Department of Biology – Plant Biodiversity and Evolution

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Department of Biology

Category: Tenure Track Faculty Positions
Campus: Thunder Bay
Application Deadline: Sunday, 5 January 2025 at 11:59pm

Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Department of Biology

Reference # SES-2025-26-03

The Department of Biology (Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies) at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for one tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with expertise in Plant Biodiversity and Evolution, which may also include plant–animal interactions. The individual will establish a vibrant, dynamic and externally funded program of research at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus. The successful candidate will have interest and expertise in teaching courses in basic and advanced plant biology, community ecology or Indigenous Ethnobotany, and supervise graduate and undergraduate research students in their field of interest. The anticipated start date is 1 August 2025.

For consideration, candidates will have (at the time of appointment):

● Earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from a recognized Ph.D. granting institution, ideally with relevant postdoctoral research experience;
● A successful track record of high-quality research, and research communication through both traditional and non-traditional venues;
● A demonstrated commitment to teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, using methods that promote a dynamic, inclusive and equitable learning environment. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of course delivery is highly desired.
● Desire and ability to help build enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate levels through recruitment of students to conduct research.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis, Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, which includes Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

The Department of Biology at Lakehead University has one of the largest undergraduate enrolments on campus, with a dynamic group of interdisciplinary researchers with active field and laboratory research programs in ecology, evolution, molecular biology. This ad is one of three currently being advertised as a cluster of positions, providing a unique opportunity for faculty renewal. Several government and not-for-profit organizations located in Thunder Bay offer significant opportunities for collaborative research, including the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research (CNFER) of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada. Lakehead University is also a member of the Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology (www.oupfb.ca) which provides exceptional opportunities for field-based instruction. Lakehead University has several centralized labs to support research, including the Claude Garton E. Herbarium, Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory, Lakehead University Instrumentation Lab, Paleo DNA Laboratory for molecular-based research, and aquatic-based research through the Biology Aquatic Facility and Aquatic Toxicology Research Centre and the IISD Experimental Lakes Area. In addition, Lakehead supports the Agricultural Research Station (LUARS) which provides exceptional opportunities for experimental research only minutes from campus.

For further information, please contact Dr. Michael Rennie, Acting Chair of Biology ([email protected]). Detailed information on the Department is available through the website of the Department of Biology (https://www.lakeheadu.ca/biology).

Review of applications will begin after 5 January 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply for the position, submit an electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) by e-mail and quote Reference #SES-2025-26-03 in the cover letter and e-mail subject line of the e-mail. For full consideration, the application must include: (a) a letter of interest; (b) curriculum vitae; (c) a 2-page statement of research interests outlining activities the candidate would undertake as a Lakehead faculty member; (d) a teaching dossier outlining the candidate’s teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness and teaching experience highlighting experiential learning and online or alternative modes of course delivery where relevant, as well as course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously taught courses if available; (e) a one-page statement outlining the candidate’s understanding and commitment to developing an equitable, diverse and inclusive research and teaching environment; (f) the names and contact information of three references and (g) a completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form.

Applicants should submit their electronic application quoting the above reference number to:

Dr. Todd Randall, Dean
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Email to: [email protected]

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to budgetary approval.

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