Assistant Professor in Molecular Ecology, Tenure-track The Department of Biological Sciences at Thompson Rivers University is made up of a diverse, collaborative group of faculty offering a B.Sc. degree with majors in: Biology; Animal Biology; Ecology and Environmental Biology; Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology; and Chemical Biology. Cross-cutting themes include: the evolutionary frameworks guiding fundamental and applied ecology; responses of humans and diverse living communities to external stressors; the use of classical and modern statistical, bioinformatic, and genomic tools to interrogate hypotheses and develop solutions for environmental problems. Core to these themes is a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship, collaboration within the Department and with colleagues across campus, participation in undergraduate Honours and MSc programs, and developing a positive environment where students are encouraged to develop as independent learners and critical thinkers.
Currently, the Department includes Faculty with expertise in marine and terrestrial invertebrate, insect, bird, bat, plant, microbial (Bacteria, Archaea, fungi), and human biology, at the levels of small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, organs, individuals, populations and communities. We are currently seeking a molecular ecologist with broad experience working across taxonomic groups, ideally spanning the three Domains of life, and experience in the field of ecosystem disturbance and recovery. The ideal candidate will have training or experience in community ecology, statistics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and high throughput sequencing. This candidate will contribute to the core themes of the Department, Faculty and University, and will identify opportunities for collaborations at the Departmental and Faculty level. For example, the Faculty of Science is home to the Centre for Ecosystem Reclamation, as well as TRUGen: the Applied Genomics Laboratory at TRU. The desired candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline, with teaching and mentorship experience (post-doctoral experience preferred). Responsibilities include: 1 .Contributing to teaching at the undergraduate (across all years) and graduate levels (including supervision of student research in Biology and Natural Resources Science).Courses taught will include lecture courses and possibly advanced laboratory and field courses. 2. Developing new undergraduate and graduate courses in bioinformatics in collaboration with Faculty members in the departments of Biological Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics and Statistics. 3. Developing new laboratory and field exercises exploiting environmental DNA. 4. Developing a rigorous, externally-funded research program in molecular ecology and ecosystem disturbance (e.g., climate change, forestry, mining and other industrial activities) and recovery. 5. Participating in Departmental, Faculty and University committees. QUALIFICATIONS We are seeking an exceptional educator and scientist who is committed to undergraduate education, and research in support of teaching undergraduate and graduate students. The candidate must have: 1. A PhD in a discipline involving molecular ecology, preferably with experience in ecosystem disturbance. 2. Undergraduate teaching and mentorship experience, with the ability to teach at the graduate level in Environmental Science and Data Science. 3. A record of mentorship and research, including publications in peer-reviewed journals. 4. The ability to communicate effectively with students, professionals, and the general public. Preferred qualifications include: Post-doctoral research experience and training; project leadership experience; preference will be given to applicants whose research complements that of other members of the Faculty of Science, such as the cross-appointed NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Ecosystem Reclamation. Applicants should send a CV, teaching dossier, and statement of research. Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Application deadline: 4 December 2018 Link to job posting: https://tru.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/13368
