Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the area of Genomics in Precision Health

About the role

The University of Lethbridge invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Genomics in Precision Health. We seek an exceptional scholar who will contribute to the University’s Strategic Research Plan, with research interests in genomics studies of human health, broadly defined. Possible topics include predictive and prognostic biomarkers, omics (panomics, genomics, transcriptomics, translatomics, methylomics) in health and disease, pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, cancer therapeutics, cancer immunogenomics, aging and age-related diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The successful candidate will be appointed in the Department of Biological Sciences. In recognition of the underrepresentation of racialized scholars in our chairholders, and in accordance with Section 10.1 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only applicants who self-identify as a racialized individual will be considered for this CRC opportunity. Candidates are asked to complete the confidential self-identification form during the final application process.

The successful candidate will attract competitively awarded research funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Research, and other granting agencies to support a vibrant, externally funded research program. They will have an established research portfolio and demonstrate an ability to build an internationally recognized research program that attracts outstanding graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The candidate must also have the interest and expertise to teach science courses (existing or newly developed) within the Department of Biological Sciences, such as Bioinformatics and Genomics courses.

Qualifications

Tier 2 CRCs are for exceptional emerging scholars, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. A Tier 2 CRC appointment is tenable for five years and renewable once. Candidates should be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree, though legitimate career interruptions may extend this eligibility. The University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family, and community will impact a candidate’s record of research achievement and will be carefully considered during assessment.

More information on the CRC program, including eligibility criteria, can be found at http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an internationally recognized, externally funded research program in genomics and precision health.
• Attract and mentor graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
• Teach existing or newly developed courses within the Department of Biological Sciences, such as Bioinformatics and Genomics.
• Collaborate with researchers and clinicians, particularly through the Southern Alberta Medical Program.
• Secure competitive research funding from agencies such as NSERC and CIHR.

Application Requirements

• A letter of application (no longer than 3 pages).
• A curriculum vitae.
• Three of the applicant’s most influential publications or other research contributions.
• A comprehensive Canada Research Chair vision statement and research plan (no longer than 5 pages), including a description of how they intend to develop externally funded research projects.
• A statement (no longer than 3 pages) emphasizing research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and experiences in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization within their practices.

Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three academic referees.

About the University

Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, the University of Lethbridge is home to 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. Our Blackfoot name, Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone, reflects our commitment to the principles of liberal education and our role in serving southern Alberta through programs, research, and creative activity that contribute to economic and social prosperity locally and globally.

The Department of Biological Sciences and the Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre have earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in biomedical research. The University fosters collaboration within and across disciplines, supporting world-class researchers, research centres, and institutes.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce. We strongly encourage applications from skilled and experienced members of the four designated groups: Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women, and gender minorities. The University recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

Accessibility, Belonging, and Community are key strategic priorities. The University strives to provide access and opportunities to historically excluded groups and meets its equity and diversity targets as a key consideration in allocating Chair positions.

The position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications beginning on August 3, 2026. The anticipated starting date is January 1, 2028. The offer of this tenure-track position is conditional on a successful Tier 2 Canada Research Chair application.