"Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Vegetable Genetics and Production Technologies (Requisition 2060)"

Requisition 2060

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

The Impact+ program provides opportunities for internationally renowned scholars and scientists in areas of strategic importance to Canada. 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.

Nominees must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels.

Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Vegetable Genetics and Production Technologies

The Ontario Agricultural College is recruiting a Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Vegetable Genetics and Production Technologies, at an award value of the $500k/year; of this, a minimum of $320k/year will be available to fund the direct costs of the research activities of the chairholder and their team. The term is for 8 years, with a possibility for a four-year funded extension, at 50% of the original award value.

The Chair in Vegetable Genetics and Production Technologies is aligned with the federal strategic priority area of food and water security. ... [description of challenges] ...

Through the Impact+ recruitment program at the University of Guelph, we seek a dynamic researcher and educator who will contribute to advancing vegetable production to support national and global food security. The chairholder will hold a PhD (this is a University of Guelph requirement) and be an established leader in any area of science directly relevant to this goal, such as (but not limited to):

• Leading-edge plant breeding methods, including genome editing and quantitative genetics technologies
• Emerging technologies in field or greenhouse crop production systems (e.g. robotics, artificial intelligence)
• High-impact advancements in plant protection (e.g. plant pathology, insect management)
• Plant physiology with a focus on climate-resilient crop production systems

The successful applicant will have an established record of research excellence, recognized internationally, and with proven ability to translate research findings into impactful solutions that address recognized challenges in crop production.

The program’s evaluation criteria are:

• Research/academic merit and leadership skills of the nominee
• Quality of the institutional support
• Quality of the research program
• Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem
• Potential for knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results

Application Process

The Impact+ nomination process consists of two stages. First, candidates apply to an open job posting at the University of Guelph. The U of G will then support the successful candidate in development of an application for the federal funding program. Appointment to an Impact+ Chair position is contingent upon receiving an Impact+ Chair award. Awardees must begin their appointment within 12 months of accepting the award.

Interested external applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID#2060) by submitting the recommended materials (in one merged PDF file uploaded to cv).

RECOMMENDED COMPONENTS OF APPLICATION

1. Cover letter that identifies alignment of research with the federal strategic priority
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Brief description of the proposed research program, including a description of how equity, diversity and inclusion has been incorporated into research design and research team and how your research will contribute to knowledge translation, mobilization and application of research results. (maximum four pages)
4. Career highlights describing most significant contributions to the applicant’s field, including how they have led to societal benefits, and how they connect with your research plan. (Maximum two pages)
5. The names and email addresses of three references, two of which are arm’s length (not in conflict of interest)