Global Animal Migration Ecology – Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1

Western University

The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at Western University invites applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Global Animal Migration Ecology. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor with Tenure in the Department of Biology (www.uwo.ca/biology). Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date of the appointment is July 1, 2024, or as negotiated.

The candidate will be nominated by Western University for the Tier 1 CRC in Global Animal Migration Ecology and in keeping with the CRC Tier 1 status of this position, the successful candidate will be expected to focus a greater proportion of their time and efforts on research and research leadership.

Western University is world-leading in the study of animal migration, with faculty from five Departments involved in the Centre for Animals on the Move (CAM: uwo.ca/cam), and world-class facilities including the Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR: birds.uwo.ca/) and the LSIS-AFAR stable isotope lab. Western researchers are heavily involved in the Motus Wildlife Telemetry System (motus.org/). Western is also an international leader in space exploration and Earth observation, offering opportunities for building innovative instruments for animal tracking, physiological measurement, remote sensing, and applying big-data analytics for Earth Observation using animals as biosensors (Western Space: www.space.uwo.ca ).

We seek an established scholar who uses experimental, observational, and/or modelling approaches to address fundamental questions about animal migration and movement. Preferred candidates’ research programs should consider multiple spatial scales, including global or trans-hemispheric scales, in any non-human animal taxa. Preferred candidates should apply innovative methodologies in field and/or lab studies. The ability to leverage local and regional infrastructure, such as the AFAR, LSIS-AFAR, Motus, or Western Space, establish local collaborations, and expand expertise in the CAM will be considered assets.

In accordance with the criteria for a Tier 1 CRC appointment (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/) the successful candidate must be an outstanding and innovative world-class researcher who is recognized internationally as a leader in their field. The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent, and have demonstrated excellence in research, a record of external research funding, research impact, leadership in collaborative research environments, and high-quality training of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Western University recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader. Western understands that our pursuit of research excellence and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting. As such, Western is committed to achieving and maintaining an equitable representation amongst our Canada Research Chair holders, as well as within Western’s broader research enterprise. The successful applicant should show evidence of contributing to equity, diversity and inclusion in academia.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth to better serve our communities. With a full-time enrolment of 32,000, Western University is a leading research-intensive university with a full range of academic and professional programs. General information about Western can be found at www.uwo.ca. The university campus is in London (www.london.ca), a thriving city with a metropolitan census of 530,000 located midway between Toronto and Detroit. It is proximate to several other leading research institutions which provides additional collaborative opportunities.

Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities, and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Further details can be accessed at: http://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html. Western’s Recruitment and Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families.

Western University recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record, and to submit a full career or extended CV to a chairholder position in cases where they have had career interruptions.

Applicants are required to complete the Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form available at http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position-Form.pdf , along with (1) a detailed and current curriculum vitae, (2) a cover letter of interest that includes a statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in relation to your teaching and research, (3) a research statement outlining past and current research program contributions, and future plans (no more than three pages) with links to representative publications, and (4) names and contact information of three Academic referees. Note that only the references of candidates that are shortlisted for the position will be contacted to provide reference letters.

Complete application packages are to be submitted as a single PDF file by e-mail to the attention of:

Dr. David Coltman, Professor and Chair
Department of Biology
The University of Western Ontario
London Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
EMAIL: hrbio@uwo.ca

Consideration of applications will begin October 21, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Sherri Fenton at hrbio@uwo.ca .

Posted on Faculty Relations website September 21, 2023.
Posting number: 2023-059