Assistant Professor (Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader)

Position Description

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders program. This prestigious federal initiative provides $100,000 per year for six years to support the successful candidates salary and research program (with the possibility of a further six-year funded extension). The program is intenteded to recruit internationally based early-career researchers, and support the establishment of their independent, internationally competitive research programs that complement the Canada Impact+ Research Chair held by Dr. Christopher Hittinger.

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, externally funded and internationally recognized research program while contributing to the development and strategic direction of the planned Centre for Biodiscovery, Biodesign, and Bioproduction (CBBB). Although the Emerging Leader will lead an independent research program, the position offers exceptional opportunities to collaborate with Dr. Hittinger and a growing interdisciplinary research cluster focused on translating biological discovery into innovative solutions for human health, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and Canada's circular bioeconomy.

We seek outstanding candidates working at the interface of biological discovery and bioengineering to create innovative biotechnologies. Applicants should have expertise in one or more areas related to microbial biotechnology, synthetic biology, metabolic and genome engineering, natural product discovery, microbial cell factories, or closely related fields. Candidates who integrate computational approaches, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, bioinformatics, multi-omics, or predictive biological design, as enabling tools to accelerate biological discovery, engineering, and translation are particularly encouraged to apply. We welcome candidates whose research creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and the life sciences. The successful candidate will play a central role in strengthening the University's growing biotechnology innovation ecosystem through collaborations with the Bioproducts Discovery and Development Centre (BDDC), the Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC), the Microbiome Preservation and Analysis Research Centre (MiPARC), and other University research initiatives.

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader candidates must:

• As required for a tenure-track appointment at the University of Guelph, hold a Ph.D. in a related field, with a preferred minimum of three years of postdoctoral or Assistant Professor experience (or equivalent).
• Currently be residing and working outside of Canada.
• Be available to commence the position, on a full-time basis, before July 1, 2027.
• Have a demonstrated emerging world-class record of research excellence through high-quality publications.
• Exhibit the potential to establish a successful, externally funded independent research program.
• Display research expertise that complements and enhances departmental strengths in Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, and Neuroscience.
• Convey a commitment to innovative and effective teaching and mentorship, and the potential to attract and retain outstanding trainees.
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs in Biological Science, Biomedical Science, and Plant Science.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as a core principle guiding research, teaching, mentorship, and service.

Faculty within the College of Biological Science are members of the Advanced Analysis Centre, which houses state-of-the-art equipment, including facilities for solution- and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electron and confocal microscopy, and genomics. The candidate would have access to shared biophysical and structural equipment, including polarizing fluorimeters, an isothermal titration calorimeter, a differential scanning calorimeter, a CD spectrometer, a dynamic light scattering instrument, and a crystallization robot and plate hotel. Graduate student training focuses on M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology, but faculty members also participate in cross-department programs such as Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, Plant Science, and Toxicology.

As Canada's Food University, the University of Guelph offers exceptional opportunities to translate fundamental biological discovery into biotechnology innovation across sectors including human and animal health, agriculture and food, and industrial biotechnology. Researchers benefit from strong interdisciplinary programs in fundamental and biomedical science, extensive industry partnerships, and the University's distinctive relationship with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) through the OMAFA-University of Guelph Alliance.

The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 140,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of about 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

Assessment of applications will begin on October 23rd, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID #2902 by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file):

• Cover letter (1 page) addressed to Dr. Rebecca Shapiro, MCB Faculty Search Committee Chair:
  • Describe your background and interest in the position.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Proposed research program (4 pages max):
  • Detail the candidate's specific area of expertise, describing their contributions to the field.
  • Present a vision of the short and long-term goals of the scholarship/research activities.
  • Provide a detailed plan for their future independent research program and how this program might be leveraged to obtain extramural funding.
  • Indicate how the candidate's research program will synergize with the Department's research environment.
• Teaching statement (2 pages max):
  • Describe an overall teaching philosophy.
  • Describe all previous formal and informal education training and experience and any experiences with experiential/work-integrated learning.
  • Describe potential teaching contributions to the department.
• Diversity statement (1 page max):
  • Describe the history of advocacy and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship/research and mentorship.
  • Describe strategies to ensure the applicant's scholarship/research, teaching, and mentorship activities will provide equitable opportunities for students from diverse equity-seeking groups and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in their courses.

Contact information of three references.

APPLY ONLINE - Assistant Professor (Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader) in Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to "transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals." The University commits to creating and maintaining "equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact."

Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake's application deadline are eligible to apply. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant's record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting the department chair at 519-824-4120 x58091 or at mcbchair@uoguelph.ca.

Date Posted: 09/23/2026
Deadline: 10/23/2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).

The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to "transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals." The University commits to creating and maintaining "equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact."

The University of Guelph invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from members of designated groups in employment, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant's record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process or for more information and support, please visit the University's Occupational Health and Wellness or contact OHW at ohw@uoguelph.ca.