Applied and Environmental Microbiology – Assistant Professor; University of British Columbia

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the Faculty of Science at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor to start no earlier than July 1, 2024. Applicants conducting research in the areas of microbial physiology, metabolism or ecology are encouraged to apply, including research focused on the discovery, cultivation, isolation or engineering of microorganisms with diverse and important metabolic capabilities. Research with applications that strengthen Canada’s natural resource sectors or facilitate climate adaptation or mitigation will be favorably considered. The ability to teach courses in the areas of environmental microbiology, microbial physiology or microbial ecology will be considered an asset.

The position requires a PhD, postdoctoral experience, and a strong record of research achievements and publications in this field. The successful applicant will be expected to develop an innovative, externally-funded and internationally-competitive research program; supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; collaborate with faculty members; teach undergraduate and graduate courses in microbiology; and participate in service to the department, university, and academic/scientific community. Candidates will have strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized.

The successful candidate will become a member of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (mbim.ubc.ca). The Department includes 25 research faculty with strengths across the disciplines of microbiology, virology, and immunology including microbial genomics, data science, functional screening, microbial ecology, as well as bacterial metabolism and physiology. The successful applicant will establish their laboratory in the Life Sciences Institute (lsi.ubc.ca), which houses 85 laboratories across 10 departments, providing ample opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaborations. The new hire could be part of the multi-faculty BioProducts Institute (bpi.ubc.ca), which brings together interdisciplinary researchers comprised of scientists, engineers, and market and policy experts to unlock the full potential of materials, chemicals and fuels produced in Nature. The new hire will have access to outstanding core resources for acoustic liquid handling and microfluidics, high-throughput screening, cell sorting, plurality and single-cell sequencing, microscopy, metabolomics, and proteomics.

Applicants should submit as a PDF document:

1. Cover letter (up to 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of teaching philosophy and accomplishments (up to 2 pages).
4. Summary of research interests describing two potentially fundable projects (maximum 4 pages).
5. Diversity statement describing your lived background experiences (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion.  (up to 1 page).
6. Names and contact information for 3 individuals willing to serve as references.

Apply through Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25672 The closing date for applications is October 15, 2023.

UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. The UBC Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. UBC is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded throughout the university’s academic and work life, recognizing that significant work remains to be accomplished. For example, UBC’s vision is to be a world leader in the implementation of Indigenous people’s human rights and is guided in a mission of reconciliation as articulated and called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It is firmly committed to recruiting Indigenous faculty, students, and staff as outlined in its Indigenous Strategic Plan.  As one of the world’s leading universities, UBC creates exceptional research and learning environments to foster global citizenship, advance a civil and sustainable society, to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

Also, within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short listed by contacting Hannah Wong at micb.headasst@ubc.ca