Canada Research Chair Positions

Western University in London, Canada, invites applications for Canada Research Chairs (CRC) in the research disciplines related to the mandates of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/193.html), Natural Sciences Engineering & Research Council (NSERC) (https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp ) , and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) (https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx ) .  Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader and understands that our pursuit of research excellence and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting. As such, Western is committed to achieving and maintaining an equitable representation amongst our Canada Research Chair holders, as well as within Western’s broader research enterprise.

It is anticipated that up to 10 candidates will be selected for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair positions: up to 3 candidates will be selected for CIHR chairs at a combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels, with a preferred focus around bio-informatics, synthetic biology, translational research, equity, mobility and/or digital e-health; up to 5 candidates will be selected for NSERC chairs at the Tier 2 level, with a preferred focus around AI, data analytics, communications technology, advanced manufacturing, energy and/or climate change, sustainability and resilience; and up to 2 candidates will be selected for SSHRC chairs at the Tier 2 level, with a preferred focus around big data/AI, race and racism, health and equity, child and youth, and/or resilience and recovery.  Successful candidates will be required to submit a CRC nomination by a date to be determined.  External applicants will be considered for a full-time academic appointment at a rank and appointment type commensurate with qualifications and experience in the appropriate academic unit; such an appointment may be conditional upon the successful award of the CRC to the candidate.

In accordance with the CRC Program (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx ) for Tier 2 Chairs, candidates must be exceptional emerging world-class researchers (i.e., candidates must have less than 10 years of experience as an active researcher in their field at the time of nomination) who have demonstrated particular research creativity and have demonstrated  the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields within five to ten years.  Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as pregnancy, parental, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may contact ResearchWesternCRC@uwo.ca  to have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 Justification Process (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx#s3 ).  As chairholders, candidates must have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers and be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality.

In accordance with the CRC Program (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx) for Tier 1 Chairs, candidates must be outstanding and innovative world-class researchers who have made a major impact and are recognized internationally as leaders in their fields. Candidates must have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (taking into account different practices in the relevant field or discipline) and, as chairholders, will be expected to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers and be proposing an original, innovative research program of the highest quality.

Successful candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent (e.g. MD, DDS, with relevant professional designation or licensure), in a discipline appropriate to the field of research, be engaged in a program of research and have a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarly research and teaching.   Assessment of candidates will be based on research excellence, as reflected in the number and quality of peer-reviewed publications, previous success securing research support, and other evidence of impact.

Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.

With an enviable national reputation and an international profile that ranks among the top universities world-wide, Western pushes the boundaries of pedagogical and scholarly excellence while setting a national standard for a student experience that is second to none. Western is a founding member of Canada’s U15, serves as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. There are more than 38,000 students within Western’s 12 Faculties and Schools and 3 affiliated University Colleges. Approximately 4,000 faculty and staff work in partnership to deliver 400+ specializations, majors and minors, as well as innovative modular degree programs. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit Western Strategic Plan (https://president.uwo.ca/pdf/strategic-plan/WesternU_Full_StratPlan_2014.pdf) and Indigenous Strategic Plan  (https://indigenous.uwo.ca/initiatives/docs/Indigenous-Strat-Plan---Final.pdf) and for information on Western’s research areas please visit https://www.uwo.ca/research/ .

Applications will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary committee and must include the following:

1) completed Application for a Canada Research Chair https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/application-crc-cluster-hire.pdf

2) cover letter

3) a detailed curriculum vitae

4) a plan identifying your proposed research program and most significant contributions to your field; how your past contributions connect with your research plan; and how your plan connects to the research areas outlined above - maximum 5 pages

5) a statement of your teaching and mentoring philosophies – maximum 2 pages

6) the names and email addresses of 3 references

The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to:

Gayle Stuebing at CRC_2020@uwo.ca

Administrative Coordinator to Provost and Vice-President Academic

Review of applications will begin on January 24, 2021.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.  Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact CRC_2020@uwo.ca