Assistant Professor (Immunology)

Position Description:

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of Immunology. The anticipated start date for this appointment is July 1, 2025, or another mutually agreed-upon date in 2025.

This position is part of a strategic cluster hire in infection, immunity, and therapeutic innovation, which includes recent and upcoming recruitment of immunology, biochemistry, and teaching-focused faculty. These hires support the Department’s newly expanded undergraduate Microbiology and Immunology major and the development of course-based Master’s programs in Immunology, Vaccines, and Therapeutic Design.

We seek outstanding candidates whose research interests align with and complement the department’s strengths. Applicants in all areas of immunology will be considered, including, but not limited to, cellular immunology, vaccine development, immune evasion mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions in chronic infections. Other areas of interest include fundamental studies on immune cell signalling, investigation of immune cells of the nervous system, innate and adaptive immune response regulation, immune memory, and development of novel immunotherapies. Candidates conducting translational research on immune system modulation for infectious disease prevention, treatment, or control and those leveraging advanced methodologies such as computational or systems immunology to study complex immune networks are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate is expected to develop an innovative and sustainable research program that advances our understanding of immune responses in health and disease, fosters new approaches to addressing immunological challenges, and creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications:

1. A Ph.D. in immunology or a related field.
2. A preferred minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience.
3. A proven record of research excellence, as evidenced by high-quality publications.
4. Demonstrated potential to establish a competitive, externally funded research program.
5. A commitment to effective and innovative teaching in virology to diverse undergraduate and graduate student populations.

Research and Teaching Environment:

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and research-intensive department with over 40 faculty members who study a wide range of biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The Department has research strengths in Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Neuroscience, as well as the Biological Science, Biomedical Science, and Plant Science programs.

Faculty within the College of Biological Science have access to cutting-edge facilities for mass spectrometry, electron and confocal microscopy, genomics, and NMR spectroscopy. The successful candidate will also benefit from shared virology and cellular biology equipment and CL2 facilities, fostering an exceptional environment for groundbreaking research.

As part of the University of Guelph, successful candidates will join a robust research community that includes prominent immunological and virological research programs in neighbouring campus departments, fostering an exceptional environment for groundbreaking collaborative research in these areas.

The new hire will be pivotal in supporting the redesigned Microbiology and Immunology major and developing course-based MSc programs in Immunology and Therapeutic Design.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

The University of Guelph is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion as an institutional imperative. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through their teaching, research, and mentorship activities.

The Department is a collegial, inclusive, and welcoming environment that values diversity and wellness as critical components of its success. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversifying our institution.

Application Process:

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. Assessment of applications will begin on May 1, 2025 and will 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 #) by submitting the following materials (in an integrated Single PDF file):

1. Cover letter (1 page): Describe your background, credentials and interest in the position.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Proposed research program (4 pages max): Detail your specific area of expertise and contributions to the field. Present a vision for your short- and long-term research goals. Provide a detailed plan for your independent research program and strategies to secure external funding. Explain how your research program will synergize with the Department’s strengths.
4. Teaching statement (2 pages max): Outline your teaching philosophy and experiences. Describe potential contributions to the Department’s teaching programs.
5. Diversity statement (1 page max): Highlight your history of advocacy for EDI and strategies to foster inclusivity in teaching, research, and mentorship.
6. Contact information for three references.

Applications should be addressed to:

Dr. Cezar Khursigara
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Deadline: 04/27/2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.