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University of Manitoba 
Department of Biological Sciences 
Faculty of Science 

Assistant Professor – Synthetic Biologist  
Position number 34650 

The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a Probationary (Tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning as early as January 1, 2025, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Department seeks an outstanding and visionary early career scholar committed to the study of Synthetic Biology with novel applications to eukaryotic systems including but not limited to regulatory networks and circuit design, metabolic engineering, molecular pharming, or RNA biology and applications. The candidate will demonstrate research excellence, hold a PhD or equivalent, and have relevant postdoctoral experience or equivalent. Expertise in experimental approaches in gene/genome editing, DNA assembly and design, modelling gene expression or eukaryotic genetic circuits is a major asset. Duties will include meaningful contributions to the research, teaching, and service activities of the Department. The successful candidate will have a track record of high-quality scholarly research leading to peer-assessed publications; will either have, or demonstrate the potential to, establish an independent and innovative externally funded research program; will have demonstrable strength in, or strong potential for, outstanding teaching contributions; and will exhibit evidence of the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

The Department is committed to creating a diverse and welcoming working environment. We particularly invite applications from diverse gender and sexual identities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQIA+ and those committed to cultivating an inclusive research and teaching environment.

The Department currently has 29 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and, 10 Instructors, and offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Faculty of Science has a strong tradition in undergraduate education in Synthetic Biology with the International Gene Engineering Machine (iGEM), RNA Salon and Manitoba group for protein structure and function. The Department of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Science are well- equipped with research facilities including: microscopy (cryoTEM and cryoEM), CCAC approved animal holding facilities, and; modern tissue culture and plant growth facilities. The Department is supported by strong research links with other departments and facilities including: Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Manitoba Institute of Materials Science, Data Science Nexus, and off-campus agencies such as the National Microbiology Laboratory and Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada.

Application materials should include: a cover letter; a curriculum vitae; two-page teaching statement outlining experience, interest and philosophy; three-page research statement outlining accomplishments and research plan; and one-page description of how you would integrate a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion into your research, teaching and service. Include contact information for three references. The entire application package should be sent in PDF format to: BIOSCIBR@umanitoba.ca. Please ensure to specify position number 34650 in the application. For further information, contact the search committee Chair Dr. W. Gary Anderson (gary.anderson@umanitoba.ca).

The closing date for receipt of applications is April 22 2024.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or +1-204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

About UVic

For over 60 years, UVic has proven its unwavering commitment to providing an excellent student experience in a supportive teaching and learning environment, to partnering with communities, and to pursuing research and creative activities that make an impact, both locally and globally. We are prepared to face a changing world with renewed commitment, enthusiasm, compassion and humility.

Inspired by and honouring place, we are a community-minded, globally engaged university where we transform ideas into meaningful impact.

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We invite applicants to watch the “Welcome to the Territory” video and to visit the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations’ websites to learn more about these vibrant communities. To learn more about the Indigenous community on campus, please see the Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) office’s website.

Indigenization and Decolonization at UVic

The University of Victoria is committed to the ongoing work of decolonizing and Indigenizing the campus community both inside and outside the classroom. UVic released our second Indigenous Plan in 2023 and the Faculty of Science has drafted its Indigenization Implementation Strategy (2022-2026) as we prepare ourselves for the work ahead. Decolonization and Indigenization are integral aspects of the 2023 UVic Strategic Plan and the 2022 Faculty of Science Strategic Plan.

To advance our work on Indigenization and decolonization, the Faculty of Science is excited to invite Indigenous applicants for three faculty positions in any field of Science. The three available positions are at the tenure-track assistant professor level and are cross-posted across our six departments: Biochemistry & Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics & Astronomy.

UVic has a vibrant Indigenous community with over 1,400 Indigenous students as of 2023 and over 65 Indigenous faculty. In 2022, Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Dr. Robina Thomas was appointed as the first Vice President Indigenous and she is leading the work of decolonization at UVic. In the same year, Marion Buller, renowned legal scholar and the first First Nations woman to be appointed as a judge in British Columbia, has been appointed chancellor of the University of Victoria. Not surprisingly UVic has been ranked #1 in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility (Maclean’s 2022).

The Faculty of Science at UVic

The six departments in the Faculty of Science at UVic host over 140 research-active faculty members, 400 graduate students and several dozen professional researchers and support staff. All of us are deeply committed to diversification across our ranks, particularly, although not limited to people who are Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and/or have marginalized sexualities and gender identities.

We educate 3000 undergraduate students in 30 different degree programs, and confer degrees from the bachelor to doctoral level. The Faculty of Science also supports six research centres – from forest biology to particle physics – and is host to 12 Canada Research Chairs. The University of Victoria is ranked #3 in the world for climate action (2023 THE Impact Rankings), and UVic is ranked 5^th in Canada and #220 globally for research impact across all sciences (2023 Times Higher Education). All high rankings are in no small part due to the research and education conducted by researchers and instructors in our six departments.

The UVic Faculty of Science is the destination of choice for curious minds.

THIS JOB OPPORTUNITY

The Faculty of Science invites applications from Indigenous scholars for three tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant Professor to commence as soon as possible.

Qualified candidates will have:

• A PhD degree in either life sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, or related discipline; or expect to obtain that degree soon (“all but dissertation”).
• Potential to develop an impactful, independent research program as demonstrated for example through high-quality research shared through outlets such as academic publications, interdisciplinary projects, and community-based projects.
• A commitment to undergraduate and graduate education (such as supervision/mentorship) including
  • potential to develop and teach courses.
  • potential to implement new teaching initiatives.
  • potential to supervise diverse personnel effectively and create an equitable and inclusive working environment.
• Record of, or potential for excellence in teaching, mentoring and advising at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• A record, potential, or desire to support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in teaching and learning, including a potential to supervise diverse research personnel effectively and create an equitable and inclusive working environment.
• A positive attitude about collaborating and participating in activities across the department, faculties and universities.
• Demonstrated respect for different opinions and consideration for different point of views.

The following are considered assets:

• The candidate has interest, potential or experience in either (a) working with Indigenous ways of knowing, or (b) in infusing Indigenous science approaches and perspectives into science.
• Postdoctoral experience is
• Potential for, and interest in mentorship, representation, and guidance of Indigenous students.
• Potential for, and interest in land and water-based teaching, community-engaged scholarship, Indigenous scholarship, and engaging with UVic’s First Peoples House.
• Record of, potential for, and interest in improving the participation of underrepresented groups in science.
• Potential for, and interest in implementing new teaching initiatives including land, water, and community-engaged teaching.

In accordance with the University’s Equity Plan and pursuant to section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be limited to Indigenous peoples. Our search committee will review the pool of applications from those who self-identify with this designated group. Candidates from this group must self-identify in their cover letter to be considered for this position.

The candidate’s qualifications, experience, overall market demand, discipline, and the unit appointed to will determine a candidate’s final salary offer. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of $102,380 – $143,204. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves, and pension plan.

APPLICATION

To be considered please send:

• a cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements and includes Indigenous self-identification,
• a curriculum vitae,
• a brief statement of interest in engaging with Indigenous knowledge and research
• a statement on equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization.
• appropriate evidence of research (for example, up to five publications or equivalent work – either completed or in progress),
• a brief teaching dossier containing e.g. teaching philosophy, syllabi of courses taught, and/or teaching interests,
• contact information for four references.

Application packages should be addressed to Dr. Peter Loock, Dean, Faculty of Science (scieoff@uvic.ca) and will be reviewed starting from March 4^th, 2024. Applications will be accepted until all three positions are filled.

Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity, and in particular we are seeking for this Limited Hire search candidates who are Indigenous.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement.  Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; if you are neither a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, please indicate if you are authorized to work in Canada and be prepared to provide a copy of your permit authorizing same.