"Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Translational Crop Genomics in Sustainable Agriculture"

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in the area of Translational Crop Genomics in Sustainable Agriculture. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Associate or Full Professor and will be nominated for a Tier I Canada Research Chair. The candidate's research program is expected to use genomic approaches to map the basis of complex traits in species of importance for agriculture in Alberta and contribute to applications in crop improvement. The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2026.

Research area

New crop varieties are required to maintain agricultural sustainability and global food security in response to climate change and a reduction in fertile land and water resources. The proposed Tier I CRC will leverage the power of crop genomics and genome-assisted breeding strategies to contribute to the sustainability of agricultural production in Alberta. Research should include a focus on traits that include climate-resilience, yield, disease resistance, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, or other traits of agronomic or nutritional importance. The ideal candidate will work in the areas of crop genomics that include sequencing and assembling of relevant crop genomes, pan-genome data analysis and molecular breeding strategies such as gene editing, tilling, GWAS scanning or QTL mapping. The research program should integrate with the local agricultural context in Alberta and focus on oilseeds, cereals, forage, pulse crops, or close relatives to these crop species. The CRC candidate is expected to work closely with government agricultural agencies (e.g., Results Driven Agriculture Research, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Canola Council and Alberta Wheat Commission) and agritech companies (e.g., Nutrien, Corteva, Bayer, BASF and Syngenta) to develop and bring the next generation of robust and productive crop varieties to market.

Eligibility criteria

CRC Tier I Chairs are intended for exceptional scholars with outstanding leadership ability and an already established research program. Candidates for this position must hold a PhD in Plant Biology, Agronomy, or a related field, with a proven record of research using genomic approaches in plants that demonstrates excellence commensurate with their career stage. Interdisciplinarity is essential to success in this role. The CRC is expected to develop a world-class research program supported by federal and provincial funding agencies such as NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada), Alberta Innovates, Genome Canada, and private industry. The successful candidate should have a track record of scientific publications and/or other outputs (popular press, interviews, public or online seminars, scientific social media, clinical trials, online database development, software development, etc.). Prior experience in obtaining grants from external research funding programs (including peer-reviewed fellowship programs), and evidence of effective student mentoring are highly valued qualifications. The successful candidate should have prior experience in being part of and leading large group grants.

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. Appointment at the rank of Professor is reserved for individuals whose academic achievements are recognized nationally and internationally as outstanding within their community, discipline, or field, and who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in research and scholarship, teaching, and service.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the UCalgary Careers site. Please note that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following: Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of three referees; Statement of research interests (1-3 pages); Statement of large initiatives/grants participated in and led (1 page); Statement of mentorship and teaching philosophy and experience (1-2 pages); Statement describing prior contributions and/or philosophy in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This should include a description of your ability to work within a culturally diverse and international student, staff, and faculty body (up to 1 page).

Questions may be addressed to: David Hansen, Head, Department of Biological Sciences at dhansen@ucalgary.ca. Applications will be accepted until November 9, 2025.