Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs

Updated: 25 days ago
Location: Saskatoon, SASKATCHEWAN

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan  is pleased to invite applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair appointment in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs.   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. 


Primary Purpose:
 We are seeking to nominate an emerging scholar who will lead a world-class research program focused on zoonotic viruses and their interplay (evolution, susceptibility and host response) in animal reservoirs. The position will establish new research tools and provide fundamental understanding of virus biology and host responses in zoonotic reservoirs. The work is expected to contribute to understanding of novel mechanisms of defense and ultimately the development of novel control strategies directed at viral emerging pathogens. Appointed candidates will receive generous start-up support and a starting salary highly competitive with comparable academic positions in Canada. 
Nature of Work: 
One Health  is one of nine Signature Areas  of research investment at the University of Saskatchewan seeking to find solutions at the animal-human-environmental interface.  The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. VIDO is home to one of the largest and most advanced containment level 3 facilities in the world and is expanding infrastructure to include containment level 4 capacity, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and a new animal housing facility supporting a variety of large and small animal models including wildlife models. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals. Our campus is extremely well positioned to support One Health research as home to the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine , Western College of Veterinary Medicine , College of Engineering , College of Agriculture and Bioresources , the School for Environment and Sustainability , as well as facilities and research centers such as the Global Institute for Food Security , Global Institute for Water Security , The Toxicology Centre  and the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative . The Protein Characterization and Crystallization Facility , Canadian Light Source   and Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre. 


Typical Duties or Accountabilities: 

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 University of Saskatchewan and VIDO are committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and are proud to support career opportunities that address the under-representation of members of the Four Designated Groups defined under the Employment Equity Act among chair allocations. In consideration of the University’s strategic directions and to achieve the EDI targets and goals of USask’s CRC EDI action plan, this position is restricted to individuals who self-identify as a racialized individual. The University of Saskatchewan relies on section 56 of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give this preference in employment. Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices . Related to this, the University of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting employees in need of accommodation in an employment context. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact   Abdur Rehman Ahmad, Talent & EDI Consultant, [email protected]

The successful applicant will be appointed as a full-time permanent Principal Research Scientist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan and subsequently nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Current salary bands are $99,945-$120,099 for Principal Research Scientist II and $120,099-$140,253 for Principal Research Scientist III with additional increments, when appropriate. A CRC stipend is awarded following a successful nomination. This position also 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 and family assistance program.

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. 


Education: 
The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in biomedical or natural sciences and have relevant postdoctoral experience or hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or Medicine (MD) degree with equivalent research experience. Candidates at the postdoctoral or early career level will be considered.
Skills: 
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. 


Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to VIDO Human Resources at [email protected].

Department: VIDO
Posted Date: 3/28/2024


The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments, and we are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

Similar Positions