Assistant Professor - Plant Resilience

Date Posted: 12/14/2021
Closing Date: 01/31/2022, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 21888
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Biological Sciences
Campus:University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a full-time tenure stream appointment, in the area of Plant Resilience. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the expected start date of July 1, 2022 or shortly thereafter.

The successful candidate will take an integrative approach, combining large-scale omics technologies with molecular genetics, gene-editing, computational, biochemical, and physiological analyses to understand and improve plant productivity under adverse conditions. This includes development of crops more resistant to abiotic and biotic stresses, and/or optimizing plant productivity under changing environmental conditions. We particularly welcome applicants using systems of direct interest to industry and producers.

Applicants must have a PhD in plant biology or a related field, and at least one-year of postdoctoral experience relevant to the position with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and a demonstrated strong commitment to excellence in teaching. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct innovative and independent research at the highest international level, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program that is complementary or synergistic to the current research activities in the Department. The Plant Cellular and Molecular Processes group focuses on plant-biotic and -abiotic interactions using a combination of whole plant physiology, molecular, genetic, biochemical and cellular approaches. We particularly welcome applicants whose research includes both wet-lab and computational approaches in model and agriculturally relevant systems.

Candidates will have a record of excellence in research, as demonstrated by publications in top-ranked and field-relevant academic journals meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements by referees of high international standing.

The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated strong commitment to excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and to graduate student training and supervision. The successful applicant will be expected to teach courses in the area of Plant Biology. Evidence of commitment to excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments and the teaching dossier, including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as strong endorsements by referees. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.

Candidates are also expected to provide evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment as demonstrated through the application materials.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Toronto is an international leader in biological research and education and the Department of Biological Sciences enjoys strong ties to other units within the University. The successful candidate will be expected to participate actively in the Graduate Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto, to maintain an active research program centered at the University of Toronto Scarborough, and to foster and facilitate inclusivity while working in one of Canada's most diverse institutions. At University of Toronto Scarborough, the new faculty members will be able to interact with the Plant Cell and Molecular Processes research group and have access to several multi-user facilities such as for plant growth, state-of-the-art imaging or analytical analyses. The new faculty will also have access to the Centre for Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology. The University of Toronto is also home to SciNet, which provides high performance computing resources to the research community.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply by clicking on the link below. Applications must include a current curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a research statement outlining current and future research interests, up to three representative publications, and a teaching dossier to include a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above.

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each after an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date.

Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format.

Applications lacking reference letters will not be considered. If you have questions about this position, please email biologygeneral@utsc.utoronto.ca.

All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by January 31, 2022.

Further information on the research and teaching activities of the department can be found at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci/.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

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