Assistant Professor, Animal Prion Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

Assistant Professor, Animal Prion Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary

Location: Foothills Campus

Position Description

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) at the University of Calgary invites applications for a full-time Academic position in Animal Prion Diseases. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (Research and Teaching stream; tenure track). The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025, or an earlier mutually agreed upon date.

Position Description and Associated Responsibilities

Animal prion diseases are fatal and infectious neurodegenerative diseases, some with zoonotic potential. The selected applicant will be an emerging leader in the area of Animal Prion Diseases with a focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) of cervids. The selected applicant will have extensive expertise in the areas of CWD prion strain characterization, cross-species transmission, pathogenesis, mitigation and detection, including, but not limited to, therapeutic and prophylactic approaches, sensitive diagnostic tools, zoonotic potential, or evolution of emerging prion strains at the human-wildlife interface. The selected applicant is expected to establish an externally funded research program, ideally involving interdisciplinary collaborations, and complementary and collaborative with current strengths in infection biology research at the faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine (CSM) and Science. There are cutting-edge core facilities in place, including biosafety level 2+ laboratories and rodent facilities for handling animal and human prions, for research using large animal models, as well as a newly renovated Containment Level 3 facility. In addition to fostering a thriving training program, the selected candidate will participate in undergraduate, DVM program and graduate level teaching.

Position Requirements

• PhD (in neuroscience, biochemistry, infectious diseases or a closely related field)
• Postdoctoral research experiences in animal prion disease/CWD research demonstrated by a track record of peer-reviewed publications
• The potential to obtain external funding, including from Tri-Council.
• Interest in contributing to DVM, undergraduate and post-graduate teaching

The selected applicant will join the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, with the possibility for adjunct appointments at other Faculties and membership with relevant Institutes, e.g. the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) or the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. The research environment is multi-disciplinary and prioritizes transdisciplinary research initiatives. Experience with lecturing, content development and coordination, and mentorship/supervisory experience at the graduate and undergraduate student level will be an asset. The selected applicant will have opportunities to be involved in administrative and service activities that affect the UCVM community.

How to Apply

Please apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ link on the UCalgary careers website: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/15328148-assistant-professor-animal-prion-diseases-faculty-of-veterinary-medicine

Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments (which may require you to merge documents). A complete application should include:

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (maximum of 3 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum of 2 pages)
• Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (maximum of 1 page)

Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 (or until being filled)

Information about the faculty

UCVM is a highly research active faculty with currently seven organized research groups, which includes the Infection Biology Research Group. UCVM is consistently ranked among the Top 35 international veterinary schools, with an increasing sponsored research funding. Currently, UCVM is home to 12 research chairs, four of them Canada Research Chairs. UCVM has approximately 80 faculty members, 150 staff, 140 graduate students, 35 post-doctoral fellows, and 15 advanced clinical trainees.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking.