Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change

jobsnearcanada.com

The Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for the position of Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change. This is a cross-departmental appointment in the departments of Geography & Environment and Biological Sciences. We are seeking an exceptional scholar who can strengthen our research capacity in sustainable agriculture and climate change.

Building on a foundation of excellence in liberal education, the University of Lethbridge has evolved into one of Canada’s leading comprehensive academic and research universities. The University of Lethbridge is home to many world-class researchers and research centres and institutes, fostering excellence in research by facilitating collaboration within and across disciplines.

The research program for the CRC position would be focused on improving sustainability of agricultural ecosystems in the context of climate change. For full position details please see https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/postings/8086.

Qualifications
The Canada Research Chair (CRC) program was established by the Canadian Federal Government with the purpose of attracting outstanding researchers to the Canadian university system. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent), be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree, and be an exceptional emerging researcher, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field.

The University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family, and community will have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process. Note that Tier 2 Chair nominees may be more than 10 years from their highest degree if they have experienced legitimate career interruptions. More information on the CRC program, including eligibility criteria, can be found at http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca.

Accessibility, Belonging and Community for all are key strategic priorities for the University of Lethbridge. The university recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and our community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The university strives to provide access and opportunities to historically excluded groups identified under the Employment Equity Act and to meet its equity and diversity targets as a key consideration when allocating a Chair position, selecting which field to support with a Chair, and deciding whether to limit the pool to internal candidates. In accordance with the University of Lethbridge Canada Research Chair Program – Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan, we strongly encourage applications from skilled and experienced members of the four designated groups, such as Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women and gender minorities, as defined in the CRC Program method for establishing equity targets and the Employment Equity Act. The purpose of this measure is to increase and ensure equitable representation and contributions of these members in the allocation of Canada Research Chairs positions. In recognition of the underrepresentation of scholars with a disability and racialized scholars in our chairholders, and in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only applicants who self-identify as a person with a disability and/or as a racialized individual will be considered for this CRC opportunity.

The Accessible Canada Act defines disability as any impairment, including physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment – or a functional limitation- whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. As a requirement of this position, candidates are asked to complete the confidential self-identification form during the final application process. Please see the CRC website for additional information about self-identification.

Application Process
Applications for this position must include:
• a letter of application;
• a curriculum vitae;
• three of the applicant’s most influential publications (or other research contributions);
• a comprehensive Canada Research Chair vision statement and research plan of no longer than 5 pages, including a description on how
they intend to develop externally funded research projects;
• a statement no longer than 3 pages emphasizing their research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their experiences in
advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization within their practices.

Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three academic referees.

For details on how to submit your application, please visit our Human Resources website at https://uleth.peopleadmin.ca/ (use the Academic Postings tab). Enquiries may be directed to Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Associate Dean of Arts and Science at jennifer.copeland@uleth.ca

The position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications beginning on March 31, 2025. Please note that the offer of this tenure-track position is conditional on a successful Tier 2 Canada Research Chair application. The anticipated starting date for the position is July 1, 2026.

About University of Lethbridge
Founded in 1967, on traditional Blackfoot land, the University of Lethbridge is home to 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, we are one of Canada’s top ranked universities and leading research institutions. Our Blackfoot name, gifted to us by Elder Bruce Wolf Child, is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone.

Located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory, the University of Lethbridge serves the people of southern Alberta through programs, research and creative activity that contribute to economic and social prosperity locally and globally. Founded on the principles of liberal education, the University of Lethbridge is broad in scope while promoting excellence in undergraduate and graduate education that prepares students to understand and address an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Employment equity statement
The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University welcomes all applications from qualified candidates including all employment equity groups of Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals and persons of diverse gender and sexual orientation protected under the Alberta Human rights code. In accordance with the Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (jobsnearcanada.com) you saw this job posting.