Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in Protein Science for Pathogen Defense

The College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Protein Science for Pathogen Defense.   The Canada Research Chair (CRC) Program is the flagship of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries in research and development.

We are looking for an outstanding early career scientist to establish and lead a groundbreaking research program in protein science to understand the mechanisms of bacterial and viral infection in humans or animals, investigate host-pathogen interactions, or discover novel mechanisms of defense against known and potential future pathogens. Within this broad scope, specific areas of interest include synthetic antigen design, molecular basis of immune response to pathogens, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, and prediction-guided design of artificial antibodies. We are interested in hiring a world-class expert in one or more of the following areas: (i) protein structure prediction and structural bioinformatics, (ii) protein design, and (iii) cryo-electron microscopy.

Research in Protein Science at the University of Saskatchewan is enabled by the Protein Characterization and Crystallization Facility , Canadian Light Source  and Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre . Access to high performance computing is available locally and through the Digital Research Alliance of Canada . The new chairholder will be at the center of the collaboration between the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) , home to the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and, in the near future, BSL-4 research facilities, and the Vaccine Development Centre. An electron microscope suitable for sample optimization by negative staining is available on campus. Access to a cryo-EM microscope can be obtained at multiple electron microscopy facilities in Canada and in the US.

The new chairholder will receive a highly competitive startup package and will benefit from multiple funding opportunities that favor new faculty.  The successful candidate will join the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology complementing our historical strength in structural biology and the multiple recent hires in microbiology and immunology. The department has a strong graduate program and offers excellent opportunities for student recruitment through many undergraduate courses, and honors and summer research projects. Teaching responsibilities are introduced through a phased process that takes into account career stage, research intensity and administrative responsibilities.

Qualifications

We invite applications from both Canadian and International candidates who hold a Ph.D. degree in biomedical or natural sciences or computer science and have relevant postdoctoral experience. Candidates at the postdoctoral or junior faculty level will be considered. They must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and leadership in research as demonstrated through an exceptional publication record, invited conference talks, awards and recognitions, and funding success.

Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars, typically within 10 years after earning their Ph.D. degree.  Applicants beyond 10 years from earning their Ph.D. degree may be eligible if their career was interrupted by parental or extended sick leaves, clinical or other training, and in certain other circumstances. Please contact the Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI) unit for more information ([email protected] ).  The impact of leaves will be also carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement.

The successful applicant will be appointed as a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the College of Medicine and will be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. The CRC nomination is subject to review and approval by the Canada Research Chairs Program. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package, with a dental, health and extended vision care plan, pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program. Daycare for preschoolers is available on campus.

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities. Its main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and in Saskatoon, a city on the banks of the beautiful South Saskatchewan River, known for its Canadian prairie spirit, quality of life and affordable living, diverse and thriving economic base, vibrant arts community, and a full range of leisure opportunities.

How to Apply

Applications must be made using the University’s online application portal .  Complete applications will include a curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, and an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement with a one-page limit for each. Applications will also include a. statement of  future research plans (3 page limit) and the names and contact information of three references.  In preparing the EDI statement, applicants may find it helpful to review the USask EDI guidelines . Review of applications will start on April 1, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is on or before January 1, 2025.

For questions related to this position or the selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected]