Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Tree Ecophysiology

Competition 2149

This competition is restricted to faculty members holding tenure-track academic positions in the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta is committed to working for equity, diversity, inclusion, and access and to deepening and living out commitments to Indigenization and decolonization. The University of Alberta thus strives to remove barriers that some people in Canadian society and in postsecondary environments continue to experience and to build an accessible, equitable, and inclusive culture in support of the full participation of its diverse workforce. The CRC Program has identified four designated groups (FDGs): women and gender minorities; Indigenous Peoples; members of racialized minorities; and persons with disabilities. To support its commitments, the University of Alberta welcomes applications from all qualified persons who self-identify as a member of one of the following group: racialized minorities. Additional information about the specific actions set out by the University of Alberta for the CRC program can be found in the University of Alberta CRC EDI Action Plan.

Job Description

We invite applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Tree Ecophysiology.

Position Description

The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program in tree ecophysiology, focusing on tree responses to climate extremes, stressors, silvicultural treatments, and land degradation. Their research will explore tree species interactions, physiological mechanisms, and ecosystem processes that enhance forest resilience under climate change, with a focus on tree diversity and ecosystem function under stress conditions like drought and excess light. The candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research, integrating plant physiology, ecological theory, and forest management, and develop techniques like hyperspectral imaging for large-scale forest health monitoring. Collaboration with remote sensing researchers, soil scientists, climate modellers, and foresters will be crucial for providing actionable insights for land managers and policymakers. The candidate will publish high-impact research, secure external funding, and contribute to advancements in tree ecophysiology. Teaching responsibilities include developing and delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in tree structure and function and tree ecophysiology, focusing on experiential learning. The candidate will mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in an inclusive, collaborative research environment. Additionally, the candidate will engage in interdisciplinary collaborations addressing challenges such as drought, pest outbreaks, and land reclamation, and will contribute to service within the University and collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and Indigenous communities to advance sustainable forest management.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in tree physiology, tree ecophysiology, or a related field, with a strong research record in tree ecophysiology demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and competitive funding. Expertise in field and laboratory techniques, including high-throughput phenotyping, molecular approaches, and hyperspectral remote sensing, is required. A minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience and the ability to secure extramural research funding are essential. The ideal candidate will have university-level teaching experience or strong potential for effective instruction, with a focus on pedagogical innovation, active learning, and field-based teaching. They should have experience mentoring graduate students in an inclusive, collaborative research environment and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in science. Strong potential for interdisciplinary collaboration on topics like climate change adaptation, forest resilience, and biodiversity conservation is also required. Experience working with forest managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to ensure research informs sustainable forest management will be considered an asset.

Tier 2 CRC Eligibility

Tier 2 CRCs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars who have been active researchers in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination. Candidates beyond this timeframe but have experienced career interruptions, such as parental or extended sick leave, may have their eligibility assessed through the Tier 2 Justification Process. All candidates must meet the CRC eligibility criteria, and applicants are encouraged to consult the CRC Coordinator, Glen Thomas (crcadmin@ualberta.ca), for further details. Comprehensive program information, including specific eligibility requirements, can be found on the CRC website: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx.

The successful applicant will be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Nominations are subject to review by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a Canada Research Chair is conditional upon their approval

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Other individuals will be considered if suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found.

Your application should include the following in one .PDF document:

• cover letter (max two pages) outlining how their research aligns with the position description
• curriculum vitae
• research statement (max three pages) detailing past research achievements and the proposed CRC Tier 2 program of research.
• one-page teaching philosophy statement describing their teaching experience and approach,
• contact information for three academic references (letters of reference will be requested from applicants selected for interviews),
• two-page statement on how they plan to incorporate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) principles into their teaching, research, and service.

All applicants to this job posting are required to self-identify. You will be able to view and answer the survey by clicking the "Apply" button. For any questions or concerns, please contact equity@ualberta.ca.

Candidates should submit to the online portal by clicking the “Apply Online” button below by April 30, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed on or shortly after April 30, 2025. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. The application or questions about this competition should be sent electronically to the Chair of the Department of Renewable Resources, Nadir Erbilgin, at erbilgin@ualberta.ca or 780-492-6722.

The University of Alberta recognizes the legitimate impact that life circumstances such as disability, leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness), and other family and community responsibilities can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These life circumstances will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Applicants who require an accessibility arrangement for their application, interview, and/or subsequent recruitment meetings can contact (hrpales@ualberta.ca) to arrange appropriate accommodations. 

Posted: March 26, 2025