Simon Fraser University, Canada’s leading comprehensive university, is investing in research programs that highlight the power of transformational research that impacts society.  As part of a strategic initiative, SFU now seeks to appoint two Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs (CRC)[1], research-intensive faculty positions, in stem cell biology with a potential start date of September 2020. One chairholder will work in the area of developmental neuroscience or neurodegeneration, while the other is open, with a preference for cancer, cardiac, or immunological stem cell research. This CRC appointment opportunity is intended for emerging scholars in stem cell biology, at the rank of assistant or associate professor (or those who possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed to these levels).

We seek candidates who engage in basic stem cell biology and investigate mechanisms with translational research opportunities relevant to disease. The successful candidates will join a vibrant and growing community of neuroscientists, and cell and molecular biologists conducting fundamental to translational research across multiple departments. Successful candidates are expected to be highly collaborative with SFU faculty, regional hospitals, and industry partners, such as StemCell Technologies (Burnaby, BC). They are also expected to bring innovative experimental approaches or novel modes of exploiting existing methods to complement and expand existing strengths at SFU. Candidates with experience, or an interest, in applying automated high-throughput screening and/or analysis to stem cells are preferred (see https://www.sfu-htcb.ca). Faculty appointed to these positions are expected to gradually assume leadership roles in bridging existing research strengths in molecular, cellular, and systems-level biology at SFU. Though teaching relief will be provided during the course of the Tier 2 Chair, successful applicants will also be expected to contribute to the teaching mission of their home department.

These positions are contingent upon the applicants receiving a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair; therefore, investigators with outstanding publication records will be considered. The positions are subject to the availability of funding and to final approval by the University Board of Governors and the CRC Secretariat. Each Canada Research Chair is tenable for five years and may be renewed once. Interested applicants are invited to review the initial appointment and chair renewal details of the CRC Program http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/index-eng.aspx.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, a CV including a list of publications, the names of 3 referees, a 1 page teaching statement, and a 3-4 page document summarizing their qualifications and vision for a 5-year research program. This latter document should also indicate how their research program would capitalize on and enhance existing research strengths at Simon Fraser University. Candidates will be evaluated based on their ability to bring diversity to Simon Fraser University, research merit and potential, and their fit to stem cell biology in basic and health research.

Applications should be submitted at: https://advance.science.sfu.ca/science/application/

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Michael Silverman

Chair, Stem Cell Search Committee

Associate Dean of Research | Faculty of Science

Simon Fraser University

Email:  sciadr@sfu.ca

Screening of applications will commence on October 15, 2019. The competition will remain open until the positions are filled. The successful candidates could be appointed as early as September 2020. The Search Committee will recommend candidates for ratification by the appropriate home department; each candidate’s home department will be determined based on the candidate’s research program and interests, and likely will be Biological Sciences, Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Chemistry, and/or Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Cross-departmental appointments among these and other departments, e.g., Engineering Science, are also possible.

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. maternity leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs; demonstrated experience in increasing diversity in the previous institutional environment, and in curriculum, is also an asset.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty, please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Service page for more details. SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants; if you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations please contact the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Faculty Relations.

Under the authority of the University Act personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see the Collection Notice.

SFU respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the unceded ancestral and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Katzie, and Kwikwetlem Nations.

[1] Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars, i.e. candidate must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination. Applicants who are more than 10 years from their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 CRC assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process; please see the CRC website for eligibility details or contact the office for Institutional Strategic Awards:  https://www.sfu.ca/strategic-awards.html