Canada Excellence Research Chair in Sustainable Agriculture for Grape and Wine Professor or Associate

Brock University welcomes applications from outstanding established scholars in the area of Sustainable Agriculture for Grape and Wine for consideration as a nominee to the 2026 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) competition.

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science invites applications from world-leading researchers for a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Sustainable Agriculture for Grape and Wine at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor (subject to qualifications) Tenured, to commence May 1, 2027.

The ideal candidate will be interested in developing collaborations with the local Ontario and wider Canadian grape and wine industry, taking advantage of existing research and development support through Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) and the Brock–Niagara Validation, Prototyping, and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI).

The CERC will focus on sustainable agriculture for grape and wine advancing two CERC priority challenge areas: Sustainable Food Systems and Clean Sustainable Prosperous Canada. This person would become a core member in the Department of Biological Sciences, within the focus area of Plant Sciences, Oenology and Viticulture.

We are especially interested in candidates who take an integrated agriculture approach towards sustainable viticulture practices, one who can bridge research in applied vineyard management with innovative digital and AI tools. The Chair’s research could include focus on improving grapevine and soil health with application to digital viticulture management.

The Chair will join the department in contributing to the training, mentorship, and well-being of Brock undergraduate and graduate students through teaching and research supervision.

Qualifications

Applicants should ideally have a completed Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant or related discipline. CERC nominees must be full professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination.

The candidate will be a recognized national and international leader in sustainable viticulture, bringing a body of coherent research and associated social impact to the Department of Biological Sciences and Brock University.

In addition to research, applicants should demonstrate successful mentoring or demonstrate a continuous commitment to the mentoring and training of undergraduate, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research technicians.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Brock Careers website.

1) A letter of interest outlining your qualifications for a successful CERC nomination; alignment of your profile and expertise with this CERC position; and definition that you hold for research excellence and impact.

2) A description of your program of research, including your short-term and long-term vision for your future research program as a CERC at Brock; novel opportunities for training/supporting scholars and/or students; and the potential for the Chair to enhance your scholarly leadership and innovation capacity.

3) An updated and complete curriculum vitae.

4) A statement of mentorship philosophy, teaching philosophy, interests related to departmental programs, and strategies to support diverse students.

5) A statement of strengths and experiences in supporting Indigenous engagement, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

6) The names and contact information of three referees.

The closing date for the position is September 8, 2025.