Assistant Professor - Computational Ecology

Date Posted: 11/10/2022
Closing Date: 01/05/2023, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 26516
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: UTSC: Department of 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 position in the area of Computational Ecology. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an expected start date of July 1, 2023, or shortly thereafter.

The University of Toronto Scarborough is implementing a new Strategic Plan: Inspiring Inclusive Excellence. Consistent with the values and objectives in that plan, we especially welcome candidates who self-identify as Indigenous or those who have lived experience in Black or other racialized (persons of colour) communities. This position is part of a cohort of similar faculty searches in Anthropology, Arts, Culture & Media, Biological Sciences, Health & Society, Historical and Cultural Studies, Language Studies, Political Science, Management, and Sociology. New colleagues will have the opportunity to be connected with previous cohorts of faculty from under-represented groups, including those hired in the last three years in departments spanning the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities. For this important cohort hire, the University is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search. Individuals seeking more information and guidance during the application process can email Candice Frederick or Jason Murray at cfrederick@bipocsearch.com.

Applicants must have a PhD in Biological Sciences, Mathematics, or a related field, and at least one year of postdoctoral research experience relevant to the position, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. The successful candidate will employ modern quantitative modeling approaches with potential application in areas such as ecosystem management, restoration conservation, and zoonotic diseases.

The Department of Biological Sciences seeks to increase our fundamental understanding of the natural world, while ensuring these insights have positive impacts on sustainability and population health. This position will be central to that mission. Understanding large-scale dynamics is essential to sound management, and this can only be achieved through computational modelling. The successful candidate will create synergies with existing ecological research at the University of Toronto Scarborough, in areas such as the origins, structure, ecology, and conservation of biodiversity and natural systems, to complement and deepen our existing departmental strengths.

The successful candidate 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. Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated by a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades for work in the field, an innovative research statement and strong endorsements by referees of high international standing.

Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching through a teaching statement highlighting previous experience that can include leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, delivering conference presentations or posters, or experience as a teaching assistant or course instructor. Excellence in teaching may also be demonstrated through materials such as sample course syllabi (either of courses delivered by the candidate or planned for the future), course evaluations, or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application. Other teaching-related activities may include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, excellent conference posters or presentations, and/or strong engagement with local communities, conservation organizations, ecosystem managers, and the general public.

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. Further information on the research and teaching activities of the department can be found at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/biosci/. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the Graduate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary 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.

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

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates are therefore also asked to submit a 1‐ to 2- page statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups. The statement should describe how the candidate’s lived experience has influenced their understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, as well as examples of how it is reflected in their research or teaching.

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. If you have questions about this position, please email biologygeneral@utsc.utoronto.ca.

Applications lacking reference letters will not be considered. All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by January 5, 2023.

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

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

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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