Canada Excellence Research Chair in Biodiversity Genomics

Position Title / Rank: Associate or Full Professor and CERC Chair in Biodiversity Genomics
Department: Integrative Biology 

Position Description:
 

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is Canada’s most prestigious Research Chair program. It is designed to attract the top tier of world-class researchers and their teams to launch ambitious research programs at Canadian universities, with the goal to advance the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities. 

The University of Guelph welcomes applications from world-leading researchers in the field of Biodiversity Genomics to the 2026 CERC competition, offering chairholders the opportunity to launch ambitious and impactful research programs, and build a critical mass of expertise to further Canada’s growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. Preference will be given to applications from individuals whose country of residence and current appointment/employment is outside of Canada at the time of nomination; however, strong applicants currently employed in Canada will also be considered.  Applicants currently employed in Canada must demonstrate how moving from their current institution to the University of Guelph will result in a net benefit to Canada. 

Candidates must be full professors (or equivalent) or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination.  Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, candidates must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at this level.  Please consult the CERC website for full program information, including details on eligibility.

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Biodiversity Genomics
The University of Guelph invites applications for a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Biodiversity Genomics. This position aims to advance fundamental and applied research in biodiversity genomics, addressing critical challenges related to global change and environmental sustainability.

Building on Our Strengths and Forging New Frontiers

Applicants should demonstrate how their research can integrate with and enhance the existing strengths of the University of Guelph’s and Department of Integrative Biology’s biodiversity and genomics initiatives, particularly the world-renowned Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). The CBG provides global leadership in biodiversity discovery and will be a key institutional partner in supporting the research vision and long-term success of the CERC. We seek researchers who can extend current DNA barcoding and derived technologies in which we have world-leading strengths and incorporate comprehensive, integrative genomics research and cutting-edge technologies that expand our understanding of biodiversity.

Areas of Interest and Innovation

Applicants are encouraged to investigate current faculty profiles in the Department of Integrative Biology and College of Biological Science and propose novel research directions that fit within, integrate among, or otherwise complement the Department of Integrative Biology’s three primary research pillars of ecology, evolution, and comparative animal physiology.  We invite candidates whose work is interdisciplinary, and we are eager to advance research that addresses the global biodiversity crisis, supports environmental resilience, and informs policy and management strategies.  These themes may include, but are not limited to: 

• Population, community and landscape level genomics, addressing evolutionary responses and adaptation under global change

• Genomics applications in conservation, sustainable land management, and ecological restoration

• Whole-genome sequencing across diverse taxonomic groups and ecosystems, exploring microbial, plant, animal, and fungi biodiversity—in aquatic, terrestrial, polar, urban (etc.) ecosystems—through innovative and broadly applicable genomic approaches 

• Developing new technologies and methodologies in biodiversity genomics to facilitate real-world applications in industry, government, and policy

• Environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and other high-throughput genomic tools for ecosystem-wide assessments

• Syntheses of genomic databases using advanced bioinformatics and data analytics

The University of Guelph offers extensive research infrastructure to support the CERC’s vision. Chief among these is the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG), which anchors Canada’s leadership in biodiversity genomics and will play a central role in enabling the success of the CERC. In addition, candidates will benefit from the Advanced Analysis Centre (Genomics facility, Phytotron, Mass Spec, Imaging facility, NMR, etc.), Centre for Ecosystem Management, Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis, Microbiome Preservation and Analysis Research Center (MiPARC), Hagen Aqualab, Arboretum, and field research stations including Ontario Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) sites, among others.   

Candidate Profile 

We welcome applicants across the biological sciences, genomics, biotechnology, and related disciplines. This CERC position offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative research with far-reaching societal impacts. A successful applicant will be an established and internationally distinguished leader in the field of biodiversity genomics with a record of excellence, innovation, and impactful work.  Applicants should demonstrate their ability to develop and lead large-scale, interdisciplinary collaborative projects, including demonstrated success securing substantial research funding, and provide evidence for fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in project teams.  Further, a strong record of collaboration with industry, government, or community partners is an asset.  Finally, applicants should demonstrate their commitment to training the next generation of scientists and building inclusivity and equity in biodiversity science.

Join Us in Shaping our Departmental Community 

The University of Guelph is committed to an Employment Equity Program that includes special measures to address the underrepresentation of individuals from four groups designated by the Employment Equity Act (women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups) within its allocation of Canada Research Chairs. The university especially seeks applications from applicants from these four groups. The identification of outstanding candidates from the designated groups is central to the University’s commitment to excellence, as well as to its capacity to fulfil the objectives of the University’s Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan. 

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people, and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion is an institutional and social imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of a successful post-secondary institution.  The University of Guelph is committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment.  In the Department of Integrative Biology, we value diversity and inclusivity because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, and the creation of a modern, representative academic community (EDI statement). The Department actively fosters a culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued along with (and indeed, contribute to) excellence in research and teaching. To support an inclusive and vibrant departmental culture, the Department maintains standing committees focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Mental Health and Wellness and has developed specific recommendations for faculty hiring that incorporate these important issues. 

The CERC program reflects the Canadian federal government’s commitment to equity and diversity in employment.  It aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, and racialized people.  

The Department of Integrative Biology is in the College of Biological Science, a vibrant and exciting center for discovery-based and applied research that regularly brings in funding in excess of $20M per year. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, multidisciplinary department with 37 faculty and an excellent record in teaching >50 courses per year across physiology, evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology, and biodiversity science, encompassing a wide range of taxa and levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems. 

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 Intitiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. The University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of over 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, both 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

The CERC recruitment process consists of two stages. First, candidates apply to an open job posting at the University of Guelph. The successful candidate will then work with the University of Guelph to co-develop an application for the federal funding program. Appointment to a CERC university position is contingent upon receiving a CERC award. CERC awardees must begin their appointment within 12 months of accepting the award. The term is for eight years, after which other funding sources may be leveraged to facilitate a permanent position within our faculty. 

Assessment of applications will begin on September 1, 2025, with a goal of hosting candidates for on-campus interviews in October.  Interested external applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID# 1617) by submitting the following materials in one merged PDF file uploaded to cv:

1) Cover letter that identifies alignment with the CERC position in Biodiversity Genomics

2) Curriculum Vitae

3) Diversity Statement (1 page max) that describes the applicant’s philosophy and strategies for incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations into research design, team building, teaching, and mentorship activities.  It should explain how the applicant provides equitable opportunities for collaborators and students from diverse backgrounds and how they foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.

4) Research and Training Vision Statement (3 pages max) that details the short (1-2 years) and long-term (5+ years) research vision for elevating U of G’s existing strengths, and for pioneering new directions in biodiversity genomics via the CERC position. The statement should highlight why the applicant is competitive for this position based on the profile criteria mentioned above.

5) Career Highlights (2 pages max) that describe the most significant contributions to the applicant's field, how they have led to societal benefits, and how they connect with the research plan. 

6) Names and contact information of three references.  

Applications should be addressed to the attention of: 

Dr. Amy Newman

Chair and Professor  

Department of Integrative Biology

University of Guelph 

Guelph, ON, CAN N1G 2W1 

Questions about the application process can sent to ibadmin@uoguelph.ca.

Date Posted: 08/06/2025
Deadline: 10/03/2025 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.