The Department of Botany in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Fungal Diversity with an expected start date of July 1, 2024. Applicants conducting innovative research in the area of fungal diversity are encouraged to apply, including those who employ cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, taxonomy, phylogenetics, or related techniques, and whose research includes the collection and use of field samples, and/or museum collections to address fundamental questions on the diversity, ecology, comparative genomics and/or evolution of fungi.
The position requires a Ph.D. degree postdoctoral experience and an exceptional research track record. Responsibilities include establishing and conducting an internationally competitive and externally funded research program, commitment to and excellence of teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervising graduate students, and participating in service roles contributing to the department, university and academic/scientific community. The successful applicant will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically marginalized or disadvantaged. In evaluating candidates, we may also consider evidence of leadership within the candidate’s community, contributions to fostering diversity equity and inclusion, and demonstrated interest in evidence-based teaching approaches. The position includes opportunities for strong interaction with UBC’s Biodiversity Research Centre, Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL), Beaty Biodiversity Museum, UBC Botanical Garden, Faculty of Land & Food Systems, and the Faculty of Forestry.
The UBC Department of Botany has 30 research faculty members and is one of the strongest botanical/plant-science-focused departments in North America. We offer a wide range of research and educational programs (https://www.botany.ubc.ca/). The Department of Botany embraces research, teaching and learning at the frontiers of plant, algal, fungal, and protist biology. This organismal diversity is studied at all biological levels, from biochemical, molecular, genomic, and cellular levels, to the evolution of species and domains of life, and the ecology of populations, communities, ecosystems through to the biosphere as a whole. The department collaborates with the Department of Zoology to teach the UBC Biology undergraduate teaching program. The department has a strong tradition of enhanced educational experiences that engage students in research and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Research in the department is supported by the UBC Herbarium, microscopy infrastructure in the Bioimaging Facility (BIF), the Sequencing Consortium, and the Centre for Plant Growth. Botany Faculty occupy research labs located primarily in two adjacent modern research facilities, the Biosciences Building and the Biodiversity Research Centre.
Applicants should submit via Academic Jobs Online:
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26297
1. Cover letter (up to 2 pages) that summarizes:
• Your research vision and accomplishments.
• How your expertise, scholarship, and planned research will integrate with the Department of Botany.
• How you have displayed leadership through existing or proposed research, teaching service, community engagement, outreach contributions to equity diversity and inclusion, or other relevant activities.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications
3. Statement (up to 2 pages) describing your current and proposed research program.
4. Statement (up to 1 page) of teaching philosophy/interests and accomplishments, addressing how you would teach core undergraduate courses in the UBC Biology program.
5. A diversity statement (1 page) describing (1) your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion, and (2) your lived background experience (if comfortable discussing this – not including this will not count against your application).6. Up to three representative publications in PDF format.
7. Names and contact information for three referees.
Applications must be addressed to Botany Head Shawn Mansfield and submitted via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26297. The closing date for applications is December 15, 2023 at 5pm (Pacific Standard Time).
Additional Information:
The Vancouver campus of UBC is situated on traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). 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, Métis, Inuk, 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 Jessica Sui, Faculty HR Manager at jessica.sui@botany.ubc.ca.