The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Faculty of Medicine (FoM), and the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science (FoS), at the University of British Columbia (UBC) invite applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Synthetic Solutions for Bioactive Compounds. Tier 1 CRC nominees must be Professors or Associate Professors who are expected to be promoted to full Professor level within one or two years of the nomination. Nominations are subject to review by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a CRC is conditional upon their approval. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website www.chairs.gc.ca for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria.
UBC is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and is a renowned global centre for teaching, learning and research. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world. Today, our students, faculty and staff come from around the world and our international research partnerships and publications help us collaborate on a global scale. UBC is proud to nurture and transform the lives of more than 65,000 students from Canada and 140+ countries around the world.
The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of thexÊ·m ÉΞkÊ·ÉyÌÉm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.
For more than fifty years, the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) has played an active and important role at UBC and in the greater scientific community. The Department is located at the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) that is home to approximately 90 research laboratories from 15 Departments organized into nine research clusters, fostering a strong foundation for innovation and collaboration. All members of the Department maintain active, well-funded research programs that encompass many areas of modern biochemistry, molecular and structural biology. The Department hosts an active Graduate program with more than 90 students and offers over 15 undergraduate courses and laboratory courses for honours, major and minor Undergraduate programs.
The successful candidate will be cross-appointed between the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemistry, and is also expected to be affiliated with the BC Cancer Research Institute (BCCRI). As the home department of Nobel Laureate Dr. Michael Smith, BMB is held in high esteem across Canada for its high-quality research faculty and environment. The Department is home to many experts in their field including a Canada Excellence Research Chair, five other Canada Research Chairs, five members of the Royal Society of Canada, one Laureate of the Canada Medical Hall of Fame, and two members of the Order of British Columbia. BMB faculty have a strong record of publishing in top-tier journals and these achievements are reflected in a high rate of success at obtaining funding from Tri-Agencies and other sources. In the Faculty of Science, the Department of Chemistry is very highly regarded around the world for its high-quality research faculty and strong graduate program. The Department currently boasts four Canada Research Chairs and one CERC Chair (joint with Forestry and Chemical and Biological Engineering), eight members of the Royal Society of Canada, and three members of the Royal Society (UK). Faculty from both Departments consistently publish in top-tier journals and are among the most-cited researchers in the country.
Reporting to the Heads, Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemistry, the successful candidate will be expected to lead a strong, innovative, and internationally recognized research program in synthetic solutions for bioactive compounds, which will produce leading-edge results that can make a significant impact at the international level. As the Chair holder, the individual will be expected to pursue research questions related to catalytic methods development for the synthesis of complex natural and unnatural compounds of biological relevance. This should include translational innovative synthetic solutions to address emerging chemical biology questions in the fields of cancer therapies, inflammation and tuberculosis treatments. The successful candidate will also be expected to continue to participate in the teaching activities of the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Chemistry, as well as provide mentorship and training to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate learners.
The successful candidate must hold both PhD in chemistry or biochemistry, and (a) be acknowledged by their peers as a world leader in the field, (b) have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in developing bioactive compounds or related fields, and (c) have a proven track record of leading an internationally recognized research program in devising synthetic solutions for bioactive compounds. At the rank of Professor, the successful candidate must show evidence of excellence in teaching, have received wide recognition in their sustained and productive scholarly activity, and have participated significantly in academic and professional affairs. At the rank of Associate Professor, the successful candidate will have demonstrated evidence of successful teaching and ability to direct graduate students, evidence of sustained and productive scholarly activity, and must be willing to participate in the affairs of the Department and the University. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with empathy, understanding and, respect of diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviours.
Inclusion, innovation, and collaboration have been identified as our key themes in UBCâs Strategic Plan: Shaping UBCâs Next Century. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce, and in particular, for its employees with disabilities. Additionally, an inclusive work environment for employees with disabilities presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes.
We welcome colleagues with the experiences and skills to contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity throughout campus life. Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process. To confidentially request disability-related accommodations or accessibility support, please contact The Centre for Workplace Accessibility (www.hr.ubc.ca/CWA) via email at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.
A complete application package includes:
- A letter of interest consisting of the following sections:
- A statement by the candidate outlining their work as an internationally recognized, outstanding and innovative world-class researcher whose accomplishments have had a major impact in their field (maximum one-page)
- Research Program (maximum six-pages):
- Context
- Methodology
- Engagement with research users and communication of results
- Description of training strategies
- References – Attach a list of all references cited in the proposed research program (maximum two-pages)
- A full curriculum vitae
- Provide the names of four armâs length references
Applications should be directed to:
Zaira Khan
Director of Administration, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Email: zaira.khan@ubc.ca
Subject Line: CRC Tier 1 in Synthetic Solutions for Bioactive Compounds
Review of applications will begin on December 8, 2022, with the goal to enter the spring of 2023 national competition.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students, and is essential to fostering an outstanding work environment. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., maternity leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidateâs record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
In accordance with UBCâs CRC Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan, and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, the selection will be restricted to members of the following designated groups: women and gender minorities, visible minorities (members of groups that are racially categorized), persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. Applicants to Canada Research Chair positions are asked to complete the equity survey (https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9) as part of the application, and candidates from these groups must self-identify as belonging to one or more of the designated equity groups to be considered for the position. Because the search is limited to those self-identifying as members of designated equity groups, candidates must also provide their name to be considered. This information will be stored in a secure database and made available only to members of the adjudication committee.
Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 26(a) and 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information you provide will only be used to determine whether you qualify for participation in this hiring process. Data will be collected by the Equity & Inclusion Office and only the names of those who identify as women and gender minorities, visible minorities (member of groups that are racially categorized) and/or Indigenous peoples will be shared with the search committee. Currently, UBC has a gap in representation for people with disabilities. Until such time as this is remedied, the names of those self-identifying as having a disability will be provided separately to the search committee. Responses will be stored in a secure database.
Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone.
Ranked among the worldâs top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 11,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.
The Faculty – comprised of approximately 2,200 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 650 full-time academic and over 10,000 clinical faculty members – is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, three schools, and 24 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. 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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.
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