Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Cell Engineering and Biomanufacturing

National Society for Black Engineers; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Ontario is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor with a specialization in Cell Engineering and Biomanufacturing. The successful candidate will conduct innovative research, teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration. Expertise in areas such as genome editing and synthetic biology is essential, along with a commitment to academic excellence. Applicants should demonstrate an ability to work in a diverse environment, with applications encouraged from underrepresented communities. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Access to a $5M state-of-the-art laboratory

Collaborative research opportunities with local industry

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field.
• Expertise in cell engineering, genome editing, or synthetic biology.
• Experience in closed system biomanufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative cell therapies for research and clinical trials.
• Contribute to the departments through high-quality research.
• Ensure collaborative work in a student-centered environment.

Skills

Cell engineering

Genome editing

Synthetic biology

Outstanding teaching contributions

Collaborative work

Education

PhD or equivalent degree

Job description

Queen’s University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory. Ne Queen’s University e’tho nowe nikanónhsote tsi nowe ne Haudenosaunee tánon Anishinaabek tehatihsnónhsahere ne óhontsa. Gimaakwe Gchi-gkinoomaagegamig atemagad Naadowe miinwaa Anishinaabe aking.

The Department of Chemical Engineering (CHEE) invites applications for a tenure‑track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with specialization in Cell Engineering and Biomanufacturing, and cross‑appointment to the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (DBMS), with a preferred starting date of January 1, 2027.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree, and relevant post‑doctoral or equivalent research experience prior to the start date of the appointment. The successful candidate will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: cell engineering, genome editing, and synthetic biology approaches to develop novel cell therapies; related expertise will also be considered. Research programs that link CHEE and DBMS research foci such as biomaterials, immunology, immunotherapies, and cancer modelling will be considered an asset. The candidate will have experience with closed system biomanufacturing methods and develop innovative approaches to produce novel cell products for testing in research models and in future clinical trials. The candidate will have access to a new $5M state‑of‑the‑art cell biomanufacturing laboratory in the Sinclair Cancer Research Institute (SCRI) that includes dedicated cell culture equipment, spectral flow cytometer and automated cell culture systems. In addition, the position offers the potential to collaborate with local industry with automated cell manufacturing platforms that allow immune cell manipulation and expansion for production of cell therapies.

• evidence of high‑quality scholarly output that demonstrates potential for independent research leading to peer‑assessed publications and the securing of external research funding;
• strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• demonstrate an ongoing commitment to academic and pedagogical excellence in support of the Departments’ programmes;
• evidence of an ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and student‑centred environment;
• evidence of embedding best practices related to Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti‑racism, and accessibility (I‑EDIAA) into the research and learning environment;
• Professional engineering licensure in Canada, or the eligibility to obtain licensure, is a requirement. Note that all forms of engineering licensure in Canada are considered acceptable (e.g., P.Eng., temporary engineering licence, provisional engineering licence, etc.).

The successful candidate will also be expected to make contributions through service to the Department, the Faculty, the University, and/or the broader community. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

*Note: the requirement for a PhD is that of the University and not the CRC programme.

Canada Research Chairs were established as part of a national strategy to foster research excellence. The successful candidate must submit an external application to the Tri‑agency Institutional Program Secretariat that meets the requirements for the successful nomination of a Tier 2 Chair as defined by the Canada Research Chairs Program. The candidate will need to demonstrate the following:

• 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;
• have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers;
• be proposing an original, innovative research programme of high quality.

Tier 2 Chairs 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). 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 programme’s justification process. Please contact [e-mail] for more information.

CRC nominees are required to comply with the Government of Canada’s Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC), which applies to this funding opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Government of Canada’s safeguarding your research website for further information on the identification and mitigation of security risks.

Decreased teaching and administrative responsibilities will be associated with this position to enable the candidate to develop a world‑class research programme.

Vaccination Requirements

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID‑19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in‑person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

Application Instructions

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialised/visible minority and Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

Applicants who self‑identify as members of these groups are strongly encouraged to do so to ensure equitable consideration in accordance with Canada Research Chairs Program guidelines. Self‑identification is voluntary and confidential, managed by the Human Rights and Equity Office and one member of the selection committee who acts as the Employment Equity Representative.

We recognise that certain circumstances, including career interruptions, caregiving responsibilities, health conditions, or systemic barriers, may affect a nominee’s record of research achievement. Applicants are welcome to describe any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have shaped their research trajectory, within any part of their application package.

Queen’s is committed to providing support and accommodation for applicants with disabilities at all stages of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation for submitting your application or during the interview process, please contact April Hiles, Administrative Assistant, in the Department of Chemical Engineering at [e-mail].

Those interested in this position should submit a complete application package, including the following documents:

• a cover letter, including whether or not you have a valid legal work status in Canada; whether your proposed research is advancing a Sensitive Technology Research Area; and if so, whether you have any active affiliation with a Named Research Organization.
• a current Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications with students clearly indicated and grant funding, secured and pending);
• a statement of research interests, including vision for the next 5 years;
• a statement of teaching interests and experience (including teaching outlines and evaluations if available);
• a statement of experience with, and commitment to, facilitation and promotion of Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti‑racism, and accessibility; and
• Names and contact information for three references.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to apply and upload all documents in their application packages electronically as PDFs on the Interfolio website.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialised/visible minority and Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority, including any qualified individuals who have a valid legal work status in Canada. Please indicate in your application if you have a valid legal work status in Canada. Applications from all qualified candidates will be considered in the applicant pool.

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs.