Canada Excellence Research Chair in Biodiversity Genomics

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious Canadian university in Guelph seeks an Associate or Full Professor and CERC Chair in Biodiversity Genomics. The role involves leading transformative research with significant societal impacts and integrating with the university’s existing strengths. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. and proven records in academic leadership, collaboration, and securing research funding. Applications are due by October 6, 2025.

Qualifications

• Full professors or associate professors expecting promotion to full professor.
• Strong record of collaboration with industry, government, or community partners.
• Demonstrated success securing substantial research funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead research programs in Biodiversity Genomics.
• Integrate with existing strengths of the University and Department.
• Training the next generation of scientists.

Skills

Biodiversity Genomics

Research funding acquisition

Equity, diversity and inclusion advocacy

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Publications in relevant fields

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or related field

Job description

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Canada Excellence Research Chair in Biodiversity Genomics

Location: Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Faculty, Librarian and Veterinarian

Division: College of Biological Science

Requisition ID: 1617

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. A Ph.D. in Biology or a related field is required by the University of Guelph.

The CERC program offers awards of either $8 million or $4 million over eight years to support world‑renowned researchers and their teams. The CERC in Biodiversity Genomics has a value of $4 million over 8 years.

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.

Areas of Interest and Innovation

• 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

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.

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 October 6, 2025, with a goal of hosting candidates for on‑campus interviews in November. 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
• 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: (not provided in text.)

Date Posted: 08/13/2025
Deadline: 10/06/2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Applications are closed when the position is filled.