"Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security"

Position Summary
The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in the area of Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or in exceptional cases Associate Professor (with tenure), and will be nominated for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. The emerging scholar is expected to develop an innovative soil science research program that supports sustainable agriculture and improves food and water security across scales through advancements in understanding of soil-plant-water interactions. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

Research Area
Healthy soils are critical to sustainable food production as well as human and planetary health. The Tier 2 CRC will lead research on soil science and the study of soil-plant-water dynamics essential for resilient food systems and water security. In the context of soil, crop and land management, this may include research on soil physics and chemistry, fertility, soil structure, salinity and remediation, water usage and irrigation, erosion, organic matter, carbon cycling, climate change responses, soil health and sustainability, soil-plant interactions, or ecosystem services. The research program should contribute to broader understanding of agroecosystem function and environmental sustainability within the regional agricultural context. The ideal candidate will perform field or process-based research that integrates modern tools and techniques, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, remote sensing or drones, digital sensors, spectroscopic methods, advanced testing/analytical methods, pedometrics, or computational modeling. Research should address gaps in understanding soil systems across scales. The CRC will benefit from, and contribute to, the strong innovation ecosystem at UCalgary and is expected to work closely with relevant government agencies and agribusiness (e.g., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Innovates) to ensure a flourishing research community in Alberta and across Canada.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
Tier 2 Chairs, which are tenable for five years and renewable once, are intended for exceptional emerging scholars who have the potential to lead in their field. CRC Tier 2 nominees should be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree at the time of Chair nomination. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program, including eligibility, can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website: https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Soil Science, Earth Science, Geography, Agricultural Science, or a related field, and have a strong record of impactful research that is commensurate with their career stage. The ideal candidate would show evidence of transdisciplinary scholarship and field-based research experience. The CRC is expected to develop an internationally recognized sustainable soils research program that is supported by external funding from provincial and federal agencies, private industry, and other agriculture-related partners. The successful candidate should have an outstanding track record of scholarly excellence, as evidenced by impactful publications in leading journals and/or relevant scientific forums, innovative and creative research activity, awards and accolades, documented research collaboration ability, and strong endorsements by recognized experts in the field. UCalgary places value on diverse scholarly activities, including (but not limited to) community outreach (interviews, public and online forums, scientific social media), policy and regulatory guidance, entrepreneurship, and scientific resource development (e.g., mapping, databases, software).
The candidate will play an important role in mentorship and supervision of trainees at the undergraduate (BSc), graduate (MSc, PhD), and post-doctoral levels. The successful applicant must demonstrate clear potential for excellent teaching at the post-secondary level and will be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses across our diverse programs in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment. The desire to pursue pedagogical and curricular development in an academic setting is expected.
Additionally, the candidate should provide evidence of service, leadership and outreach contributions within their organization and their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), since they will be expected to fully engage in departmental and university service, and work effectively with people from diverse communities and cultures.
Appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor normally requires demonstrated achievement or clear potential for original, high-quality research and scholarship, along with the capacity for continued development as both a scholar and a teacher, and a willingness to contribute to service appropriate to career stage. Where aligned with the proposed program of research and scholarship, the ability or potential to secure external funding may also be required. Appointments at the rank of Associate Professor require evidence of an established academic program and recognition as an internationally respected scholar, demonstrated through a record of high-quality research and scholarly activities appropriate to the discipline, as well as evidence of teaching effectiveness and a substantive record of service.

Description of Work Environment
The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at UCalgary was established to address the complex and pressing challenges facing our planet, which includes food and water security for a growing population. We are building a community of change-makers: a group of people who will leverage existing expertise and approach problems from every angle to find creative solutions. We have an audacious growth plan that will see us expand into new areas of research and teaching, with a focus on mobilizing science and creating positive impact. We are excited to have the CRC join in our ambitious vision for Earth@UCalgary.
More broadly, the CRC will join a vibrant and growing agricultural research community within the Faculty of Science and across the university, and will contribute to the development of research and educational programs designed to strengthen the agricultural sector. The Tier 2 CRC will have diverse opportunities for collaborations with leaders in AI and machine learning for agricultural applications, crop biotechnology and genomics, ecosystems services for agricultural sustainability, geomicrobiology, plant physiology and plant-soil interactions, geospatial analysis and geomorphology, surface and groundwater hydrology, and soil remediation. In addition, UCalgary is currently seeking a related Tier 1 CRC in Translational Crop Genomics in Sustainable Agriculture that will provide further opportunities for research collaboration in support of sustainable agriculture.
The CRC will be able to leverage two major University of Calgary initiatives promoting innovative solutions in agricultural research: the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the School of Public Policy, which focuses on policymaking in Canada to realize a more sustainable agricultural industry; and the Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability (CPAS), a network that promotes innovative solutions and sustainable agriculture through collaborative efforts between researchers, communities, and industry leaders. In addition, the CRC will have access to key agricultural research infrastructure and facilities, including a new state-of-the-art greenhouse being developed as part of the Science District and the Multi-Disciplinary Science Hub, and the large (19,000 acre) W.A. Ranches facility, an operational cattle ranch whose mission is to support a variety of ranching, research, teaching, and outreach activities related to sustainable/regenerative agriculture.

How to Apply
Please apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments (which may require you to merge documents). Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following:

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of three references
• Statement of research interests and vision (maximum 4 pages)
• Statement of mentorship and teaching philosophy/teaching dossier (maximum of 2 pages)
• Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). This should describe your prior contributions to EDI and ability to work within a culturally diverse university setting (maximum 2 pages)

Questions may be addressed to the Search Committee at earth@ucalgary.ca. The committee will be chaired by Edwin Cey, Head, Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, Faculty of Science.
Applications are accepted until December 1, 2025 and reviews will continue until the posting has been filled.