Assistant or Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Tier 2 (Biodiversity Conservation)

About the Position

Field of Specialization: Biodiversity Conservation
Academic Unit: Biology
Category of Appointment: Preliminary (tenure-track)/tenured
Rank/Position Title: Assistant or Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, Tier 2
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Closing Date: Consideration of candidates will begin on October 15, 2024.

Carleton University’s Faculty of Science invites applications from qualified candidates for a Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) position in the Department of Biology, focused on Landscape Ecology for Biodiversity Conservation. We encourage applications from candidates from groups underrepresented in biology with experience in mentoring students from such groups. The successful candidate will be appointed as an Assistant or Associate Professor, possibly with tenure, depending on qualifications. Appointment is conditional on the approval by the CRC Program of the submitted nomination for the CRC Tier 2.

Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. For more details, please see the Canada Research Chairs Secretariat at https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ and the Carleton Office for Research Initiatives and Services at https://carleton.ca/coris/.

Research Area of Interest

Landscape ecology plays an important role in identifying principles for global biodiversity conservation. For example, landscape connectivity and landscape-scale principles for habitat protection and restoration are key elements in high-profile international agreements, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework signed at Kunming-Montreal COP 15.

The successful applicant will have a strong track-record of research in landscape ecology with an emphasis on how landscape structure influences species and biodiversity. For example, their current and planned research might address questions including, but not limited to: Which native habitats should be protected, and how? And how much of each? How do habitat fragmentation and more generally the spatial configuration of landscapes influence biodiversity? What measures of habitat connectivity are relevant to species conservation? Do different taxa respond differently to these questions? When and how can we scale up research results over small areas to make inferences about species protection over larger spatial extents? What are the most relevant spatial extents for habitat protection and restoration?

About the Academic Unit

The chair will join the Department of Biology (https://carleton.ca/biology/), a prominent unit within the Faculty of Science with 38 full-time faculty members with research strengths spanning molecular biology and genetics; biochemistry, physiology, and toxicology; data science; genomics and bioinformatics; neurobiology and behaviour; and ecology, evolution and conservation.

Qualifications

The position requires:

a PhD in biology or a closely related field (Carleton requirement)
an excellent track record of research output, including a demonstration of the potential to become a world leader in landscape ecology for biodiversity conservation
a track record of working in one or more of the following areas: (i) aspects of landscape ecology relevant to species conservation; (ii) scaling theory and cross-scale analyses; (iii) spatial analyses such as species distribution modelling or conservation planning; (iv) ‘big data’ analyses using biodiversity data and remote sensing data; (v) design and implementation of landscape ecology field studies; (vi) advanced statistical methods for large, heterogeneous problems
a track record of attracting and supervising graduate students
demonstrated ability to develop the foundations for an externally funded, internationally recognized research program
experience in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the discipline
demonstrated potential for outstanding teaching contributions.

Preference will be given to external candidates, although internal applicants will also receive fair consideration.

Application Instructions

Applications must be sent electronically to biology@carleton.ca in one single PDF file which includes the following:

a signed letter of application
curriculum vitae
three publications
a five-page statement, outlining the proposed research program, research objectives, potential contributions to knowledge and methods, training and mentoring plans, and please ensure that you address strengths/initiatives related to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in your teaching, service, and/or scholarly activities.

We invite all applicants to provide an optional Career Interruption Statement outlining any career interruptions https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/?p=1784.

To help us develop our equity programs, a confidential equity and diversity self-identification survey will be sent to all applicants separately.

Please indicate in your application if you are currently legally eligible to work in Canada.

Applicants must arrange for three referees to send supporting letters electronically.

About Carleton University

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative teaching and research institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study.

We are strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the nomination and appointment process.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or gender expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu-files/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact the Chair as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.

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

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