NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Ecohydrology

Position Title / Rank: NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Ecohydrology
Department: Environmental Sciences 

Position Description:
 

The University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Ecohydrology. Nominees for Tier 2 Chair positions must be emerging scholars. They should, at a minimum, be assistant or associate professors, or possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed to these levels. Tier 2 Chairs, tenable for five years and renewable once, are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination).

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Hydrology, Ecosystem Science, or a related discipline and have the potential to achieve international recognition in the field of ecohydrology and a strong potential to lead in their field. 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.  For more information about eligibility and the Tier 2 Justification Process, please contact Ailsa Kay, Manager, Strategic Programs at ailsakay@uoguelph.ca . Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information.

To meet the criteria of the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP), candidates must:  

• be excellent emerging world-class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity;
• have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields in the next five to ten years;
• as chairholders, have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and
• be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality.

The position will require the development of a strong federally and provincially funded research program involving the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. It will involve teaching courses, both at undergraduate and graduate levels, related to ecohydrology. The successful candidate will therefore have strong communication skills and a clear potential for effective teaching, with classroom experience considered an asset. Collaboration in research and graduate training with colleagues in SES, the Ontario Agricultural College, and the University, as well as with federal and provincial ministries is encouraged.  Faculty in SES are expected to provide service to the University, to the scientific community, and to society at large. SES is a multi-disciplinary academic unit with researchers in a range of fields including soil science, geology, agricultural meteorology, forest ecology, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem science, environmental microbiology, environmental toxicology, entomology, and plant pathology. Researchers in SES have links to colleagues across campus including in Geography, Environment & Geomatics, The College of Engineering, Integrative Biology, the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute, Animal Biosciences, Ridgetown Campus and Plant Agriculture, as well as with producer organizations and members of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In addition, SES has advanced analytical facilities in-house, and access to research stations across the province, including the nearby Elora Research Station. SES sits within the Ontario Agricultural College and is located on the main campus in the city of Guelph, 80 km west of Toronto, Ontario. More information about SES, the College and the University can be found on their respective websites (www.uoguelph.ca/ses, www.uoguelph.ca/oac, www.uoguelph.ca). 

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 supports the Canada Research Chairs Program’s commitment to EDI. The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and is promoting exemplary practices with respect to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The goals of research excellence can only be met when equity and diversity are integrated into the research initiative. The CRC program reflects the 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 Peoples and racialized persons.

For each Tier 2 Chair, the institution receives $100,000 annually for five years (which can be used for salary and research).  In addition to this, in their first term, the Chair receives a $20,000 annual stipend for research. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat. Review of applications and nominations will begin on September 25, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

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 Initiatives Strategy.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 144,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 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, 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 CRCP imposes no restrictions on nominees with regard to nationality or country of residence. Procedures to allow non-Canadian chairholders to work in Canada have been established by Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

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 recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

We are committed to working towards decolonization and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and enhancing the engagement of and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. 

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Assessment of applications will begin on September 25, 2025  and continue until the position is filled.  Interested applicants should create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and apply for the advertised faculty position (Requisition ID #1631) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file uploaded to cv): 

1. A full curriculum vitae and, additionally, the following CV documents:
   • Publication conventions (max. 1 page)
   • Significant contributions (max. 2 pages). 
   • Leadership (max. 1 page)

NOTE: For the Significant contributions and Leadership sections, provide evidence and use examples. You may include less traditionally recognized contributions where applicable, such as community engagement or outreach activities.

2. A description of the proposed research program (Maximum 3 pages), including a description of how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has been incorporated into the research design and research team that demonstrates that you meet the CRC criteria for Tier 2 (for information on EDI in research, see Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research (sshrc-crsh.gc.ca)) and how the proposed research program aligns with the U of G’s Strategic Research Plan and existing or emerging areas of research strength in SES and the U of G.
3. A maximum 2-page teaching statement, including teaching philosophy and evidence of effective teaching (e.g., course syllabi, teaching plans), and how EDI is incorporated into your teaching approach.  
4. The names and email addresses of three references, two of which must be arm’s length (not in conflict of interest). Please see the CRCP’s conflict of interest definition and requirements.

Applications should be addressed to the attention of: 

​​Dr. Paul Sibley​ 

​​Director and Professor​ 

​​School of Environmental Sciences​ 

University of Guelph 

Guelph, ON, CAN N1G 2W1 

​​

Questions about the application process can be sent to directorasst.ses@uoguelph.ca​.

Date Posted: 07/25/2025
Deadline: 09/25/2025 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.