Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Biochemistry

jobsnearcanada.com

The Department of Human Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, is currently undertaking an open, internal search to recruit and nominate a candidate for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Computational Biochemistry.

This competition is open only to applicants who:
•     are current employees of Memorial University; and
•      identify as members of one or more employment equity groups, including women; 2SLGBTQIA+ people; Indigenous peoples; racialized persons; and persons with disabilities as per approval granted by the Human Rights Commission pursuant to Section 8 of the Human Rights Act.

Established in 2000, the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program offers eligible Canadian degree-granting institutions the opportunity to nominate a diverse cadre of outstanding researchers for professorships in areas that will further an institution’s strategic research plan, enabling them to maximize their contributions as centres of research and research training. Tier 2 CRCs are appointed for a term of 5 years, at a value of $100,000 per year, with an additional $20,000 annual research stipend for first-term Tier 2 Chairs, and the possibility of a renewal term for an additional 5 years.

Tier 2 Chairs 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). 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 CRC’s Tier 2 justification process. For any questions related to the Tier 2 justification process, please email Research Initiatives and Services (RIS), [email protected], with the subject heading CRC Tier 2 Justification process.

It is expected that the successful Tier 2 CRC will be appointed in a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor. The Chair’s start date will be contingent upon the timing of the successful CRC application, and the salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) Collective Agreement.

Research

The Department of Human Biosciences offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs with concentrations in Biochemistry, Health and Disease, Molecular Genetics, and Nutrition and Metabolism. Current research employs a wide variety of experimental approaches from biochemical to pre-clinical to clinical models. Memorial has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching, and the successful nominee will be required to contribute to teaching in both the Department’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

There are extensive opportunities available at the University for collaborations across many disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, humanities and social sciences, kinesiology, and ocean sciences. The successful nominee will be encouraged to strengthen and expand departmental ties with other disciplines (locally, nationally, and internationally) through collaborations in both research and teaching. The Department is committed to increasing diversity, and, to support this goal, the Department provides a team approach to mentorship as well as many additional supports for new academic staff.

Candidate Profile

The successful applicant will have:
•     a strong record in Biochemistry
•     a PhD*;
•     a demonstrated record of carrying out simulations with large biomolecular complexes (i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and/or carbohydrates) of more than one biomolecule type, as well as experience in multiscale modelling;
•     evidence of a strong record of research trainee (i.e., HQP) supervision would be an asset.
•     a demonstrated, or the ability to demonstrate, independent, externally funded research program that uses advanced multiscale modeling to investigate the structural, reactive, and functional properties of biomolecular systems, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and/or carbohydrates;
•     a data-driven program employing diverse approaches, spanning several atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, docking, hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods, and density functional theory calculations to address questions at the interface of biochemistry and related disciplines.

* This is a requirement of Memorial University, not the CRC Program.

How to apply

The CRC competition involves a two-stage process as outlined below.

Stage 1
Applications must be emailed as a single PDF file, by June 1, 2026, with the subject heading: “CRC applicant_(YOUR NAME),” to: Dr. Mark D. Berry, Head of Department of Human Biosciences, [email protected]. The application package must include the following information**:
1.    a cover letter, highlighting the applicant’s qualifications;
2.    a complete, up-to-date curriculum vitae, including information on the applicant’s HQP training;
3.    a summary of the proposed research program (no more than five pages);
4.    a HQP training plan, and;
5.    names and contact details for three referees.
** Please note that Memorial University’s Indigenous Verification Policy came into effect on February 25, 2026. Additional information may be required from applicants, subject to the Policy and its procedural guidance.

For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact Dr. Mark D. Berry, Head of Department of Human Biosciences, [email protected]. We thank all interested candidates, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted further.

Memorial acknowledges that career paths can be diverse and that life circumstances, such as illness, disability, and family and community responsibilities, are often an expected part of life and are likely to affect a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to explain in their cover letter any life circumstances that may have resulted in career interruptions, if applicable. These impacts will be carefully considered during the assessment process.

Memorial is committed to employment equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous Peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities. All applicants are invited to identify themselves as a member of an equity-deserving group(s) as appropriate. Please note that applicants cannot be considered as a member of an equity-deserving group(s) unless they complete Memorial’s employment equity survey.
All applicants will receive the employment equity survey link by email after submitting their application. If you do not see the email in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder. The survey link will remain active until 11:59 p.m. NST, June 3, 2026. If an applicant does not receive the survey or has any questions about it, please contact Mandy Penney, Employment Equity Officer, [email protected].
Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment. Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement to ensure their full participation in the application process, can contact Mandy Penney, [email protected], to make appropriate accommodations.

Stage 2

Working with the Department, Faculty and Memorials’ Research and Initiatives Services (RIS), the successful candidate will complete the CRC application. Once completed, the application will be submitted to the CRC Program. Please note that nominees only become Chairholders once the submitted application has been successfully awarded by the CRC Program.

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit of the Province.

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