The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to invite applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair appointment in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs. The Canada Research Chair (CRC) Program is the flagship of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world’s top countries in research and development.

We are seeking to nominate an emerging scholar who will lead a world-class research program focused on zoonotic viruses and their interplay (evolution, susceptibility and host response) in animal reservoirs. The position will establish new research tools and provide fundamental understanding of virus biology and host responses in zoonotic reservoirs. The work is expected to contribute to understanding of novel mechanisms of defense and ultimately the development of novel control strategies directed at viral emerging pathogens. Appointed candidates will receive generous start-up support and a starting salary highly competitive with comparable academic positions in Canada. A comprehensive benefits package, including health & dental, life insurance, pension plan, and six weeks’ vacation is part of a competitive compensation package.

One Health is one of nine Signature Areas of research investment at the University of Saskatchewan seeking to find solutions at the animal-human-environmental interface. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world and is expanding infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility supporting a variety of large and small animal models including wildlife models. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals. Our campus is extremely well positioned to support One Health research as home to the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, the School for Environment and Sustainability, as well as facilities and research centers such as the Global Institute for Food Security, Global Institute for Water Security, The Toxicology Centre and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. The Protein Characterization and Crystallization Facility, Canadian Light Source and Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre.

Qualifications

We invite applications from Canadian and international candidates. The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in biomedical or natural sciences and have relevant postdoctoral experience or hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or Medicine (MD) degree with equivalent research experience. Candidates at the postdoctoral or early career level will be considered. They must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and leadership in research as demonstrated through an exceptional publication record, invited conference talks, awards and recognitions, and funding success.

Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars, typically within 10 years after earning their Ph.D. degree. Applicants beyond 10 years from earning their Ph.D. degree may be eligible if their career was interrupted by parental or extended sick leaves, clinical or other training, and in certain other circumstances. Please contact the Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI) unit for more information (rasi.support@usask.ca). The impact of leaves will be also carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement.

The University of Saskatchewan and VIDO are committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and are proud to support career opportunities that address the under-representation of members of the Four Designated Groups defined under the Employment Equity Act among chair allocations. In consideration of the University’s strategic directions and to achieve the EDI targets and goals of USask’s CRC EDI action plan, this position is restricted to individuals who self-identify as a racialized individual. The University of Saskatchewan relies on section 56 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give this preference in employment. Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices. Related to this, the University of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting employees in need of accommodation in an employment context. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact Abdur Rehman Ahmad, Talent & EDI Consultant, abdur.ahmad@usask.ca.

The successful applicant will be appointed as a full-time permanent Principal Research Scientist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Current salary bands are $99,945-$120,099 for Principal Research Scientist II and $120,099-$140,253 for Principal Research Scientist III with additional increments, when appropriate. A CRC stipend is awarded following a successful nomination. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, with a dental, health and extended vision care plan, pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee and family assistance program.

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities. Its main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and in Saskatoon, a city on the banks of the beautiful South Saskatchewan River, known for its Canadian prairie spirit,
quality of life and affordable living, diverse and thriving economic base, vibrant arts community, and a full range of leisure opportunities.

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition

Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the University’s online application portal. Complete applications will include a curriculum vitae and an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement with a one page limit. Applications will also include a statement of future research plans (3 page limit) and the names and contact information of three references. We will start reviewing applications on May 1, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is on or before January 1, 2025, but is negotiable.

For questions related to this position or the selection process, please direct your inquiries to hr@vido.org

For more information visit: vido.org

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.