Global Institute for Water Security and School of Environment and Sustainability: Faculty Position in Watershed Modelling
The School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the level of assistant, associate, or full professor. The successful candidate will join a core interdisciplinary science and modelling team to support the development of a $30 million research programme within the University’s Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) led by Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security, Howard Wheater. The Institute combines expertise in natural sciences, engineering and social sciences and brings together over 120 faculty, scientists, students and post-doctoral fellows to address the local, regional and global challenges of water security. World-class facilities include the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, the Toxicology Centre, the Centre for Hydrology and Environment Canada’s National Hydrology Research Centre, in which GIWS is housed. We anticipate appointing either a young scientist of outstanding promise or a senior Faculty member with a recognized track record of international leadership in his or her field. A senior appointee would be expected to play a leading role in the management and further development of GIWS in collaboration with Director Howard Wheater and Associate Director Jeffrey McDonnell.
The appointee will be required to address one or more of the core themes of the CERC programme (Climate Change and Water Security, Land-Water Management and Environmental Change, Sustainable Development of Natural Resources) and to contribute to the development of interdisciplinary water research across the U of S and with external partners such as Environment Canada. One major focus for interdisciplinary research is the Saskatchewan River Basin Project, a World Climate Research Programme Regional Hydroclimate Project that builds on a set of world-class observatories to develop improved hydrological, water quality and water resource models for decision support. GIWS also leads Canada’s Changing Cold Regions Network, a $5 million multi-institutional effort that addresses environmental change in the interior of Western Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to the Arctic Ocean. Expertise is specifically required in the area of watershed modelling, with preference given to candidates with experience of working at large scales. Ability to teach statistical/stochastic hydrology is also required, and experience of remote sensing data assimilation would be an advantage. The candidate will also be expected to teach in the broader SENS curriculum.
Successful candidates must have a PhD and an established national or international reputation for research in one of the core themes of the CERC programme listed above. Excellence will be demonstrated through recent peer reviewed papers and citations in top tier journals, the ability to secure research funding and a proven track record of teaching and research supervision (scaled to years since PhD and desired rank at appointment). Excellent interpersonal skills are required, and evidence of successful research collaboration with national stakeholders and international researchers is desirable. For senior appointees, evidence of administrative experience relevant to managing and/or developing a research unit is essential.
Successful candidates will be appointed to a position within SENS, but may also seek a joint appointment with another academic unit, if desired and appropriate. A junior appointment will be tenure track. For a senior appointee, appointment with tenure is possible, where justified by a documented track record that meets the standards for research and teaching at the University of Saskatchewan. Review of applications will begin May 12, 2014, and continue until suitable candidates are found. Salary bands for this post are as follows: Assistant Professor – $86,844 – $104,357; Associate Professor – $104,357 – $121,871 and Professor – $121,871 – $142,303). This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package which includes pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefit, dental plan, extended health and vision care plan, employee assistance program and flexible health and wellness spending program.
The U of S is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (www.tourismsaskatoon.com), a city of ~250,000 on the South Saskatchewan River with a diverse and thriving economic base, a strong research cluster, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The boreal forest and world-class recreational opportunities exist within a 1.5 hour drive north of Saskatoon. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to a student population of about 20,000. The University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. For information about the U of S, SENS and GIWS, please visit www.usask.ca, www.usask.ca/sens and www.usask.ca/water.
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity. Members of designated groups (women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) are encouraged to self-identify on their applications. Applications will be judged solely on academic promise and achievement, but for candidates of equal ability, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
To be considered for this opportunity, please send your CV, a letter of introduction, the names of three referees, and a summary of your research vision (1-page) and graduate training philosophy (1 page) in confidence to:
Kate Wilson, Global Institute for Water Security, U of S, Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 3H5; E-mail: kate.wilson@usask.ca