Canada Research Chair – Tier 1 in Biological Sciences
Posted: May 4, 2023
The Biological Sciences Platform at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC), Tier 1. Applicants must be Senior Scientist in the Biological Sciences research platform at SRI with an active research program. Preference will be given to candidates working to address research aligned with the main research themes in Biological Sciences at SRI, the pillars of SRI’s Strategic Plan (2022-2026), and Personalized and Precise Treatments as outlined in the Sunnybrook Strategic Plan (2021-2025).
Equity targeted eligibility
In order to address the underrepresentation of groups who experience systemic barriers in the CRC Program (as identified by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat1), this special call is open only to individuals who self-identify as racialized minorities, as defined by the Employment Equity Act, or as persons with disabilities. This initiative follows the provisions for special programs as described by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The identification of outstanding candidates from these designated groups supports the University and Faculty commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and our public mission for the pursuit of excellence and equity, as well as the institutional capacity to fulfill the objectives of the University’s Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
Requirements for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair
Tier 1 Chairs are for outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields. To meet the criteria, nominees must be outstanding and innovative world-class researchers whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their fields; be recognized internationally as leaders in their fields; have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (taking into account different practices in the relevant field or discipline) and, as Chair holders, be expected to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and be proposing an original, innovative research program of the highest quality.
SRI is currently inviting applications for one equity targeted Tier 1 Canada Research Chair nomination. Specifically, as a key feature of the CRC EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) Action Plan is the establishment of representation targets for federally designated groups (FDGs) that must be met by 2029 (Women – 50.9%; Racialized Minorities – 22%; Persons with Disabilities – 7.5%; Indigenous Peoples – 4.9%), these focused calls are targeted to close gaps identified in the designated groups: racialized minorities and persons with disabilities.
For further information on these federally endowed Chairs, open to all nationalities, including eligibility criteria, please consult the Canada Research Chairs website or Penina Jacobson-Brown, Programs and Equity Officer, SRI Strategic Research Programs Office. Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing nominees with the support required to secure the CRC.
How to apply
Applications should include the following:
- A three-page letter of interest which should
- Describe the applicant’s research program;
- Briefly address the candidate’s fit with the CRC criteria for a Tier 1;
- Outline the candidate’s alignment with the University of Toronto Strategic Research Plan, Sunnybrook’s Strategic Plan, including Personalized and Precise Treatments; and SRI’s Strategic Plan (2022-2026)
- A complete curriculum vitae (CV) including professional services, outreach, mentoring and training of highly qualified personnel and other contributions appropriate to the specific CRC position.
- A completed self-identification form. Submission of this form is mandatory with your application. If you prefer not to provide the requested information, you may select 'I prefer not to answer' for any or all of the questions.
All materials, including the completed self-identification form, should be submitted to CRC@sri.utoronto.ca by June 5, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Complete applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Selection process and criteria:
The selection committee will be chaired by Dr. Michele Anderson, and will evaluate applicants based on the application packages provided. For more detailed information on the internal selection process and criteria with respect to CRC chairs, please consult the SRI guidelines for the selection, nomination and administration of CRCs.
Career interruptions:
Sunnybrook Research Institute recognizes that scientists have varying career paths and understands the impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain any interruptions in their cover letters or CVs in order to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of, career interruptions in their assessments.
For more information about CRC opportunities at SRI, please contact Penina Jacobson-Brown. For further information on these federally endowed Chairs, including eligibility criteria, please consult the Canada Research Chairs Program. Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing nominees with all the support required to secure the CRC.
Diversity statement:
Sunnybrook Research Institute is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: women and gender minorities, members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Collection of equity data:
As part of this CRC application, applicants are required to complete a brief self-identification form. The form allows individuals to opt-out of a specific response, but the form must be completed. Information directly related to individuals is held in confidence by Penina Jacobson-Brown, the Equity Officer in SRI’s Strategic Research Programs office and will be not accessed by the selection committee and other member of SRI staff or potential external reviewers.
The self-identification information will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes as part of SRI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative, and categories with fewer than three responses will not be reported. Aggregated information is important to our ability to respond to university equity targets set by the Canada Research Chairs Program and thereby maintain funding from this important program. Data will be used to promote SRI’s commitment to achieving fair representation and equitable distribution of research resources.
Accommodation policy:
Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter and your request will be forwarded to Human Resources.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
1 The Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat currently uses the categories of the four-designated groups (FDGs) – Women, Members of Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, Indigenous Peoples – to monitor progress towards meeting equity goals.
