Canada Excellence Research Chair – University of Victoria

The School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) and Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) at the University of Victoria are currently accepting applications to the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) program for a position in observational oceanography in relation to the climate system. The CERC program aims to recruit the best global talent to Canada and support the next generation of leaders in order to be at the leading edge of breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation priority areas expected to generate social and economic benefits for Canadians. CERCs are one of the largest and most prestigious awards available globally, providing the world’s top researchers and their teams with up to $8 million over eight years to support their research programs. The successful applicant will be nominated by the University for a CERC position and, contingent upon approval by the CERC program’s selection committee, will then be offered a position at the rank of Professor with tenure. Successful nominees will commence their appointments by spring 2023 at the earliest, and by spring 2024 at the latest.

The University of Victoria (UVic) 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. 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 make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.

UVic acknowledges and respects the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory UVic stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We are privileged to do our work in a way that is inspired and influenced by their history, customs, and culture and are committed to the ongoing work of decolonizing and indigenizing the campus community.

SEOS is a formidable academic unit within the Faculty of Science at UVic that strives for excellence in fundamental research and training at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the physical and biological sciences. Our goal is to investigate the past and the present state of the Earth System, inclusive of abiotic and life processes and their interactions, to guide responsible human responses to global problems such as climate change, and to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable utilization of our natural resources.

Established in 2007, ONC is responsible for operating world-leading ocean observatories that collect real-time physical, chemical, biological and geological data that provide insight into Earth System processes relevant to climate change and forecasting. The CERC will have an appointment with ONC and assume a scientific leadership role in ocean observing programs at UVic and across Canada, working to expand it into new environments relevant to climate change and marine and terrestrial forecasting.

Requirements

Applicants should be top-tier researchers in the area of observational oceanography in relation to the climate system whose accomplishments have made a major societal impact and who are acknowledged as world leaders in their fields. The candidate will propose an original, innovative research program of the highest quality that will advance the frontiers of research in the field on a global scale and impact Canadians and others around the world, through the commercialization, knowledge translation and mobilization the research generates. The candidate will offer evidence of high-quality teaching, supervision, and mentorship, supporting diverse teams and establishing an equitable and inclusive research environment. Applicants must be full professors (or associate professors who expect to be promoted to the full professor level within two years). There is no restriction with regard to nationality or country of residence. Current UVic faculty members are not eligible to apply. For more information on the CERC program generally and on eligibility specifically, please consult the Canada Excellence Research Chairswebsite.

Related links

This position is contingent upon the applicant receiving a Canada Excellence Research Chair. The position is subject to the availability of funding and to final approval by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS). Interested applicants are invited to review the full program details: https://www.cerc.gc.ca/program-programme/cpan-pccs-eng.aspx#2

Additional information

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.

The University of Victoria requires all students, staff and faculty coming to campus to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status. Declaration is confidential and will be securely stored. New employees will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to beginning employment at the University of Victoria.

Contact information

To be considered, applicants should send an expression of interest to CERC2022@uvic.ca (subject line: CERC in Ocean Observations of the Climate System), including the following, combined into a single pdf file:

• A cover letter, including a description of current and future research interests related to ocean observing and the climate system.
• A CV, including details of research and teaching, scholarly output (for example, high impact publications, as well as any non-traditional research outputs  such as datasets, software, creative arts), grants, collaborations/partnerships, impact measures (such as influence on policy and practice, and community engagement), personal honours/awards, and leadership experience.
• A one-page (maximum) statement that describes the applicant’s experience with attracting and mentoring a diverse group of students, trainees and research personnel, and establishing an equitable and inclusive research environment, as well as a plan for establishing and maintaining a diverse core team and an inclusive research environment.
• A five-page (maximum) statement that includes:
  • An overview of the applicant’s research proposal.
  • How the proposed research embeds EDI considerations at each stage of the research process.
  • Alignment of the research proposal with UVic’s existing or emerging areas of research strength, and potential of collaboration with researchers at UVic and our research environment.
  • Contribution and fit of the program to the research ecosystem in Canada and internationally.
  • Social and economic benefits for Canada that will result from the research program.
• Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three references.

Specific inquiries related to the opportunity should be directed to Dr. Jay T. Cullen seosdirector@uvic.ca.

Any general inquiries regarding the CERC program may be directed to CERC2022@uvic.ca.

Application deadline

In order to be considered, application packages must be received by 4pm PST April 28, 2022. Review committees will begin the shortlisting process 4 weeks into the advertisement period.

Learn more and apply: https://www.uvic.ca/faculty-staff/careers/faculty-and-librarian-postings/current/cerc_scie_2.php#ipn-contact-information