The Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Victoria invites applications for a Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Virology. The successful applicant will be nominated by the University of Victoria for a CRC Tier 2 and, upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will then be offered a position at the rank of Assistant Professor eligible for tenure.

The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Vital impact drives the UVic sense of purpose. As an internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places, and the planet. Situated in the Pacific Rim, our location breeds a profound passion for exploration. Defined by its edges, this extraordinary environment inspires us to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways. It’s different here, naturally and by design. We live, learn, work, and explore on the edge of what’s next—for our planet and its peoples. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact makes this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.
The DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY invites applications for a Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Virology. This CRC recruitment is part of a broad strategy to expand and raise the profile of research in Microbial Pathogenesis. The successful applicant will be nominated by the University of Victoria for a CRC Tier 2 and, upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will then be offered a position at the rank of Assistant Professor eligible for tenure. The anticipated date for submission of the nomination is by November 2021 with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2022.

Tier 2 CRC Chairs are one of Canada’s premier early career recognition and recruitment programs, and 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). However, applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. For more information on the CRC program generally and on eligibility specifically, please consult the Canada Research Chair’s website.

Requirements

The Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology seeks outstanding individuals working within the field of Virology to build our strength in microbial pathogenesis. The Department is internationally recognized for its excellence in Microbiology and Biochemistry and is home to the UVic-Genome BC Proteomics Centre. Our research programs are a unique blend of microbial pathogenesis, gene expression and cell signaling, and diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines with a strong emphasis on the molecular basis of disease. We seek individuals who have a PhD, and postdoctoral training (or equivalent) that includes work in an appropriate, Virology-related discipline and who can contribute to our highly collegial and collaborative environment.

We invite applications from candidates who:

1. Are emerging world-class researchers in the field of Virology
2. Demonstrate research creativity
3. Have a comprehensive understanding of Virology-related fields
4. Are proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality with the potential to achieve international recognition that complements and contributes to the existing strengths of the department. This will be evidenced by high quality publications, the ability to articulate a clear and competitive research plan, strong leadership qualities, and potential to lead an independent research program in Virology.
5. Contributions through non-academic or advocacy publications are considered assets.
6. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring, and advising, as well as clear support for diversity and inclusiveness in teaching and research.
7. Candidates will be expected to contribute to a healthy workplace that promotes diversity.

In accordance with the University’s Equity Plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to visible minorities and women. Candidates from these groups who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify in the cover letter.

Additional information

Candidates should submit a single PDF document that includes a cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements, a CV, and a 2-page description of their proposed research program (including how it complements current UVic strengths). Candidates must also provide a 2-page statement on teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and their track record of supporting diversity and inclusiveness in teaching and research. Only candidates selected for the long list will be asked to arrange for letters from 3 referees to be emailed to the Department Chair (biocmicr@uvic.ca). The due date for submission of application materials is August 2, 2021.

Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity and, for this particular search, preference will be given to candidates self-identifying as visible minorities and women Read our full equity statement here.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).