The Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), in conjunction with the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE), located on the unceded land of the Mi’kmaq Nation, of the Wabanaki Confederacy, in the traditional district of Epekwitk, is seeking a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Biomedical Genomic Engineering. We invite researchers and scholars within and outside UPEI to apply for this full-time tenure track faculty appointment at the rank of assistant or associate professor and conditional on the successful applicant being approved as a Tier 2 Research Chair by the CRC Secretariat.

Tier 2 Research Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher post completion of their highest degree in the field of biomedical genomic research 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 program’s Tier 2 justification process.  Please contact the UPEI Research Services for more information (mlsteele@upei.ca). Further information about the CRC program and nominee eligibility is available at http://www.chairs.gc.ca.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact of any such interruption(s) in their submission. Measures will be taken to ensure that these interruptions will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.

Together AVC and FSDE seek to advance biomedical teaching and research, expanding our existing team and established industry collaborations. The successful candidate will have an exceptional record in genomics, population genetics, epigenetics/epigenomics or proteomics in relation to human/animal health and disease. They will carry a research skill set in genomic cellular manipulation, transgenic animal model development, gene function discovery, gene therapy, and/or medical diagnostics that will support these research fields. The ability to integrate with biomedical engineering applications such as biomaterial integration, organ regeneration platforms and bioinformatics would be considered an asset. They will initiate and develop an independent research program but will be expected to collaborate with faculty through related research programs at AVC, FSDE and more broadly at UPEI. Reporting to the chair of Department of Biomedical Sciences at AVC, the successful applicant will principally reside in this department, with a cross-appointment at FSDE.

Members of the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS) provide professional contributions to teaching, basic and applied research, and diagnostic service, particularly in animal physiology, microanatomy, pharmacology and toxicology, cell and molecular biology, and neuroscience, and interact with other disciplines in veterinary medicine for the advancement of biomedical science applied to human and animal health. BMS offers accredited Master of Science and PhD degree programs and hosts world class laboratory and animal facilities with access to clinical veterinary specialty services.

FSDE offers a unique, accredited Bachelor and Master of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering degree. FSDE is home to a number of state-of-the-art laboratories for research and student project-based design focused on Mechatronics, Bioresources, and Sustainable Energy. New program offerings and research opportunities are being developed in the area of Biomedical Engineering.

Depending on the specific interests of the CRC, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching programs, for example biomedical science or biomedical engineering courses. The teaching requirement will be limited during the term of the CRC. Once the CRC term is finished, the faculty member will be expected to contribute in similar ways as other Biomedical Science department members, with an emphasis on research.

Qualifications: 

UPEI requires the successful candidate to have:

• Minimum PhD (in a field related to biomedical genomic research)
• Demonstrated ability to obtain research funding and successfully implement research projects
• Well-developed skills of collaboration, relationship-building, and communication
• Teaching experience would be advantageous
• Experience interacting and collaborating with biomedical private industry partners would be advantageous

To meet the criteria of the CRC program nominees must:

• Be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity
• Have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years
• As chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers
• Be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Contribute to collaborative teams in the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and SDE
• Contribute to the development and expansion of existing relationships with the rapidly developing Bioscience industry in Atlantic Canada
• Meet eligibility criteria for receiving a Tier 2 CRC, described at https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx
• Complete the nomination documents necessary for submission to the CRC program by required deadlines

The salary range is commensurate with credentials and experience and in compliance with the UPEI Faculty Association collective agreement.  Full-time, permanent faculty members receive a comprehensive fringe benefit package, with benefit details provided at the time of offer in accordance with the collective agreement.  This position is subject to budget approval and approval from the Canada Research Chair Program Secretariat.

Situated on the country’s beautiful east coast, with easy access to beaches all around, the AVC has 270 DVM students and is the main veterinary referral center in Atlantic Canada for cases and diagnostic samples. Find out more about Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Veterinary College by visiting these websites: www.gov.pe.ca/, www.upei.ca and www.upei.ca/avc.

Application Instructions:

Inquiries can be sent to Dr. Jonathan Spears (jspears@upei.ca or 902-620-5026).

Applicants should submit a cover letter that includes past areas of research focus, industry collaborations (if applicable) and accomplishments, a proposed research program within the BMS/FSDE (maximum 5 pages), a statement of teaching experience and philosophy (maximum 2 pages), a current curriculum vitae, an Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation plan (maximum 2 page), and the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three (3) referees. Please send as a single PDF with your name in the file name to:

Maria Steele, Manager Research Services
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PEI, C1A 4P3
Telephone: (902) 566-0637
E-mail: mlsteele@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.  Please visit our Chairs web page to learn more about our commitment and resources. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups and the four designated groups, which includes women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

We encourage members of equity-seeking and under-represented groups to self-identify within their application. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact, in confidence, Ms. Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance. Ms. Podger can also answer questions related to equity, diversity and inclusion, or privacy concerns the applicant may have related to self-identifying. Ms. Podger can be reached at 902-566-0623 or by writing vpaf@upei.ca.

The CRC Nomination Selection Committee has received equity training that includes instruction on how to recognize and combat unconscious, implicit, overt, prejudicial, and other kinds of bias.

Closing date is September 11, 2021. Review of applications will begin on Sept 12, 2021 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.  Starting date is flexible depending on availability of the successful candidate but would likely be spring/summer of 2022.