Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Brain Circuits

Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Brain Circuits

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology

Cumming School of Medicine

The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/departments/physiology-pharmacology/) and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI; http://www.hbi.ucalgary.ca/) with the support of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI; https://research4kids.ucalgary.ca/) invite applications for an appointment with Tenure at the Professor level. The selected candidate will be nominated for a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) Tier I Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Brain Circuits. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx) including eligibility criteria. A competitive salary and an attractive start-up package will be available through the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), the HBI and ACHRI.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent), be a Full Professor (or eligible for promotion to this rank) and have an outstanding record of research productivity with publications in high impact journals and demonstrated success in the acquisition of external research funding and awards. The applicant must also meet the requirements outlined for the Canada Research Chair at the Tier I level. Demonstrated leadership ability through research program development and implementation will be valued. A documented series of progressively advancing contributions to trainee supervision, mentorship and teaching is expected. A proven ability to initiate partnerships and to work in multidisciplinary teams is essential. Candidates must show evidence of productive, externally funded research programs, and demonstrate a fit ideally within the Epilepsy or, potentially, with one of the other nine Brain and Mental Health Teams of the HBI (https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/research/brain-and-mental-health-teams), or within ACHRI’s Child Brain and Mental Health Program (https://research4kids.ucalgary.ca/research/programs).

The successful candidate will join an established, multidisciplinary, and cross-faculty group of scientists and clinician-scientists. They will develop a program in foundational or translational neuroscience, with a clear focus on brain circuits. More specifically, we seek an individual with leading expertise in one or more of the following areas: molecular, cellular, synaptic, physiology and pharmacology applied to understanding brain circuits in health and disease. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with the team of basic scientists, clinician investigators and clinicians conducting a broad spectrum of research in the brain research environment, as well as other institutes and departments in the Cumming School of Medicine to develop a world-class research program.

The position provides 75% protected time for research with the expectation that the candidate establish a vigorous, sustainable, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching and graduate student supervision within a dynamic and collaborative environment. The appointee will have access to state-of-the-art core infrastructure including key neurotechnologies located at the HBI advanced microscopy and CSM optogenetic facilities and strong pre-clinical and human neuroimaging, bioinformatics, genomics, non-invasive neuromodulation, and MR-guided focused ultrasound programs. These world-class facilities are partially supported through a recent $12M 5-year investment by the CSM through the Cumming Medical Research Fund. Outstanding opportunities for collaboration are also available with established research programs within the HBI and ACHRI, particularly in complementing our existing efforts in epilepsy.

The CSM, its departments and institutes are committed to fostering diversity through cultivating an environment where people with a variety of backgrounds, genders, interests, and talents feel welcome and included. This includes the provision of a formal mentoring program, internal grant review programs that enhance success in research grant applications, pilot funding programs and other support programs. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups who will be able to thrive in this supportive environment.

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 country’s most enterprising city, the university has a goal through its  “Eyes High” journey to become one of Canada’s top five research universities. The University is grounded in innovative learning and teaching and is fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. Ranked as the top young university in Canada and North America, the University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

Ranked among the most livable cities in the world, Calgary is a safe city and one of the best in Canada to raise a family. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from excellent dining, sporting and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city.  It boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America and is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and their unapparelled recreational opportunities.

The University of Calgary, through its Cumming School of Medicine, its health research institutes, and its academic departments seeks to recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce that will contribute to creating the future of health. We are committed to fostering diversity through cultivating an environment where people with a variety of backgrounds, genders, interests, and talents feel welcome and supported.

The University 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 consider, and be sensitive to, the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via University of Calgary Careers webpage using the “Apply Now’ link.  Please be aware that the application process allows for a maximum of four attachments. Your application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

• Cover letter and academic CV including the names and contact information for three referees
• Statement of research interests
• Statement of teaching interests

Questions about this position may be directed to::

Robert Newton, PhD

Head, Physiology and Pharmacology

c/o Chloe Fowler (jonec@ucalgary.ca)

To view full posting and apply: https://medicine.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/8185218-canada-research-chair-tier-i-in-brain-circuits-department-of-physiology-and-pharmacology-cumming-school-of-medicine

The closing date for applications is. January 31, 2022

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (http://careers.ucalgary.ca/).  For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine (http://medicine.careers.ucalgary.ca/).

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

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; in particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity or requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).