Assistant Professor - Systematics Biology

The Department of Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) invites applications for a full-time, tenure stream position in Systematics Biology. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an expected start date of July 1, 2023, or shortly thereafter.

Invertebrates are hugely diverse and include organisms like insects, molluscs, cnidarians, crustaceans, etc. They constitute the vast majority of macroscopic diversity on Earth (c. 1.5M described species), with a large proportion yet to be identified. Invertebrates are crucial components of food webs and fulfil many ecosystems services, such as pollination, decomposition, and nutrient release. They are also notable vectors of human and animal diseases. Thus, we are seeking exceptional candidates with expertise in invertebrate biology, focusing on genomic studies in the fields of phylogenetics and evolution using modern analytical approaches such as bioinformatics, molecular systematics, comparative phylogenetic analyses, quantitative, or computational biology, involving any invertebrate systems.

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Biology or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. Candidates with post-doctoral experience are preferred. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue 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 with a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals as well as forthcoming publications meeting high international standards. Additional evidence of research excellence can include presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, research mentorship, strong endorsements from referees of high standing, and a compelling Research Statement with a clear vision of novel and rigorous future research.

Evidence of the candidate’s excellence in teaching is also required and can be demonstrated with a strong statement of teaching philosophy and other teaching materials submitted as part of the application (as outlined below), as well as strong endorsements from referees. The successful candidate is expected to develop and teach undergraduate courses in invertebrate biology and systematics and contribute to the education and training of undergraduate and graduate students.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will also undertake undergraduate teaching responsibilities on the University’s Mississauga Campus and will join a vibrant intellectual community of world-class scholars at Canada’s leading university. The University of Toronto Mississauga and its affiliated institutions offer a stimulating and supportive environment with a variety of facilities and a highly interactive community of researchers. Excellent opportunities exist for collaboration within the Department of Biology, with other departments at UTM, as well as with faculty at the St. George and Scarborough campuses of the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum’s Natural History Department. The Greater Toronto Area offers amazing cultural and demographic diversity and one of the highest standards of living in the world.

UTM is one of the three University of Toronto campuses, and the incumbent will also be a member of the tri-campus graduate unit, the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.

At UTM we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. With a diverse student body, we especially welcome applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black, or racially visible (persons of colour), and who have experience teaching or mentoring diverse groups or students. Candidates must submit a statement describing their contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to) their plans to: foster diversity on campus and within the curriculum or discipline; promote a respectful and collegial environment; incorporate a focus on underrepresented communities in teaching;  develop inclusive pedagogies, collaboration, and engagement with underrepresented communities; and mentor students from underrepresented groups. If you have questions about this statement, please contact Prof. Steven Short (biology.utm@utoronto.ca).

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter summarizing their research record, research plans, teaching interests and plans, opportunities for synergy with ongoing departmental and institutional research and teaching, and their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; 2) a current curriculum vitae; 3) a research statement outlining current and future research interests (2-3 pages); 4) a statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), as well as sample course materials and teaching evaluations.; 5) an equity and diversity statement as outlined above (1-2 pages).

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect confidential letters of reference from each referee once an application is submitted. Applicants, however, remain responsible for ensuring that referees 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 any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Steven Short at biology.utm@utoronto.ca.  

All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by December 12, 2022, 11:59 pm EST.

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.