Assistant Professor, Azrieli Professorship in Microbiome and Neurodevelopment in Systems Immunology

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6). 

The Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the field of Microbiome and Neurodevelopment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The selected candidate will hold an Azrieli Accelerator Professorship for a period of five years, and will also become a member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases (https://snyder.ucalgary.ca/) and the Owerko Centre for Neurodevelopment and Child Mental Health (https://research4kids.ucalgary.ca/owerko) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute(https://research4kids.ucalgary.ca) at the University of Calgary.

Applications are especially encouraged from candidates that have investigated the impact of the microbiome on neuroimmunology or neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on elucidating mechanisms. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct a vigorous, externally funded research program (for which 75% time will be protected) that augments our existing priorities in microbiome, neuroimmunology and neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate topics in microbiome - brain interactions and the supervision of graduate students. The program will be potentially complementary and collaborative with current strengths in the Cumming School of Medicine built around cutting-edge core facilities such as the International Microbiome Centre (https://imc.ucalgary.ca/), the Wild Microbiome and Immunity Centre, the Perkins Microbial Communities Core, Live Cell Imaging Facility, and the recently established Human Organoid Innovation Hub.

Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) in Microbiome, Neuroinflammation, Neurosciences, or Immunology and postdoctoral research training. A record of research/scholarly activity as demonstrated by grant funding, national/international presentations, and peer-reviewed research publications is required. Experience in microbiome research is essential.

The Azrieli Accelerator at the University of Calgary seeks to transform neurodevelopment research across the lifespan. With funding from the Azrieli Foundation, this initiative uses strategic investments to strengthen multi-disciplinary collaborations and launches big and bold research in the areas of neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental conditions, and neurodiversity as they relate to all stages across the life course. The Azrieli Accelerator Professorships will bring new strengths to the University of Calgary, and the successful candidates will join a dynamic group of researchers who are engaged in the university’s transdisciplinary research strategy.

The Cumming School of Medicine values the unique contributions that can come about by employing a diverse staff and 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 by cultivating an environment where people with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and talents feel welcome and supported. 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.

The University of Calgary recognizes that many candidates with a demonstrated record of excellence have had varying career paths and/or experienced career interruptions. The selection committee has been provided instruction to carefully consider the impact of career interruptions on perceived academic productivity and other potential biases to allow for a fair assessment of each application.

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the 'Apply Now' link via the University of Calgary Careers site. Please be aware the application process allows for only four attachments. Your attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests, including a brief statement on current and future efforts to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion, into their research program
• Statement of teaching interests a description of a proposed 5-year research plan for the Chair (4 pages), and a statement on current and future efforts to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion, into their research program (1 page).

View full posting and apply: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/13912893-assistant-professor-azrieli-professorship-in-microbiome-and-neurodevelopment-in-systems-immunology-department-of-microbiology-immunology-and-infectious-diseases-cumming-school-of-medicine

Questions about this position may be directed to:

Dr. Nathan Peters, PhD
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases
C/O Marcy Brett ([email protected])

Application deadline: April 5, 2024

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 Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary (ucalgary.ca).

The University of Calgary strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)