The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science, at the University of Calgary, invites applications for the Svare Research Chair in Integrated Watershed Processes

Position Description

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science, at the University of Calgary, invites applications for the Svare Research Chair in Integrated Watershed Processes. The successful candidate will be appointed a limited term appointment at the rank of Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. The funding is for a five-year term, renewable for 3 years and will be a part-time appointment (50%). The anticipated start date for the position is July 1st, 2020.

Canada’s land and water resources are under increasing pressures from multiple environmental stressors arising from a combination of both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Changes in global and regional hydro-climatic regimes, landscape alterations (deforestation, land conversion, mining, fire), point and non-point sources of pollution (chemical contamination, surface runoff, agriculture) and flow modification through dams/diversions collectively affect the quantity and quality of land and water resources and associated watershed ecosystem properties (ie., aquatic biological community structure and function) and processes (ie., productivity, energy flow). Using inter-comparative riverine and lake catchment studies and the application of novel experimental approaches including the use of innovative monitoring technologies (e.g., automated sensor systems), the research conducted under this Chair is aimed at advancing integrated analytical and methodological approaches to better discriminate and predict the impacts of multiple environmental stressors on the hydrology, water quality and ecology of aquatic ecosystems. A collaborative, interdisciplinary and multiple evidence-based approach will be used to inform the design and implementation of the studies to ensure the outcomes are relevant to improving integrated ecosystem-based regional planning and management of Canada’s land and water resources.

The Chair will collaborate with government, industry, academic and indigenous partners in Canada and international organizations and experts. The Chair will link with and contribute to enhancing the existing University of Calgary expertise in aquatic and hydrological sciences, geography and geospatial sciences and engineering. Additional cross-disciplinary linkages will be made with relevant researchers associated with the University of Calgary’s Water and Energy related programs, the School of Public Policy and the Arctic Institute of North America. Candidates must have the necessary credentials to deliver on the mission of the Chair to lead a novel and innovative research program within the strategic plan of the Faculty of Science and the University of Calgary Eyes High Strategy.

Qualifications:

• Candidates will be required to have a PhD in Aquatic Ecology / Environmental Science and academic qualifications that commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Professor and an internationally distinguished research and teaching record.
• Leading Aquatic/Watershed scientist with recognized expertise at the provincial, national and international levels of designing and implementing integrated, inter-disciplinary research programs assessing the effects of multiple environmental stressors on the hydrology, water quality and ecology of freshwater ecosystems (both lentic and lotic).
• Experience in leading the development and application of novel field-based environmental monitoring technologies assessing watershed processes.
• Expertise in cold regions hydro-ecology is an asset.
• Outstanding and well-funded research programs assessing multiple environmental stressor impacts on watersheds in Alberta and Canada.
• A demonstrated track record of capacity-building, knowledge translation, and working collaboratively and effectively with government, academic and Indigenous partners.
• Strong experience in establishing cross-disciplinary research collaborations / networks.
• Experience in working with the application of multiple knowledge systems involving indigenous knowledge holders, including community-based monitoring programs.
• Knowledge of watershed-related policy and regulatory constructs in Alberta and Canada.
• Knowledge of current and emerging research priorities and knowledge gaps in Canada (with a focus on Alberta) required to better inform relevant decision-making processes associated with integrated watershed management.

The University of Calgary is Canada’s a young and ambitious comprehensive research institution. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The student body includes 25,000 undergraduate and 6,000 graduate students enrolled across 100 different undergraduate, graduate or professional degree programs. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

How to Apply

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents, such as publications):

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests
• Statement of teaching philosophy/teaching dossier
• Statement on equity, diversity and inclusion

Questions may be addressed to:

Lesley Rigg, Dean, Faculty of Science
Phone: +1-403-220-3293
Email: lesley.rigg@ucalgary.ca

Applications are accepted until April 23, 2020

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Science visit Careers in the Faculty of Science.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.