Canada Research Chair (Tier I) in Global Geospatial Intelligence for Earth Systems Modeling

The departments of Computer Science and Geoscience in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary (UofC) in Alberta, Canada, are seeking applicants for a Tier I Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Global Geospatial Intelligence for Earth Systems Modeling.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a tenured member of the Faculty of Science in accordance with University policies, based on a recommendation from the Dean, Faculty of Science. The appointment will be at the rank of full professor (or associate professor, with the expectation to be promoted to full professor level within one or two years of the nomination).  Qualifications for appointment at the level of Professor include a PhD with more than ten years in the fields of earth or computer science. A proven track record demonstrating research excellence and national level research grant success is mandatory. Applications at the Professor level must provide evidence of an outstanding academic publication record, successful teaching and supervision record; and evidence of outstanding academic service and/or leadership. Qualifications for appointment at the level of Associate Professor include a PhD with five to ten years’ experience in the field of earth or computer science. A proven track record demonstrating research excellence including a strong publication record, evidence of successful teaching and supervision, evidence of established academic engagement/leadership and national level research grant success is mandatory.

In accordance with the regulations set for Tier I Canada Research Chairs (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx), the candidate will be an outstanding researcher who has demonstrated research success with international recognition in at least some of the following areas:

• innovative discoveries related to climate change and water through synergistic advances with new data analytics and computational modeling techniques
• bridging the gap between the availability of ‘big data’ and our ability to derive insights around climate and water dynamics
• driving optimization and development of ongoing, model-driven sensing approaches and technologies
• bridging the gap between quantum approaches and global geospatial data. 

The candidate will be required to conduct research at the nexus between computer science and climate change, eco-, and hydrogeosphere. Relevant strategic areas at the UofC include “Digital Worlds”, “Health and Life”, and “Energy Transformation”. The research will also ideally be aligned with the Faculty of Science’s Grand Challenges of “Understanding Earth’s Evolving Systems”, “Unlocking Our Digital Future”, and “Energy in Transition”. University strategic research priorities in alignment with this position include Human Dynamics in a Changing World, Energy Innovations for Today and Tomorrow, New Earth-Space Technologies, and One Health. 

The Tier 1 CRC nominee must have established an internationally recognized and externally funded research program with an emphasis on ‘big data’ collection, integration, and analytics as well as data-informed, large-scale modeling approaches that have the potential to lead to innovations in computer science and/or geoscience research. Candidates must have demonstrated excellence in research evidenced by:

• a track-record of producing impactful, peer-reviewed publications in highest ranking journals,
• demonstrated ability to obtain significant research support from a variety of sources,
• an excellent track record in supervision, mentorship, and placement of a diverse team of highly qualified personnel (HQP).

The University of Calgary prides itself on our ability to facilitate pathways and support mechanisms for knowledge translation and commercialization. Therefore, a track-record in innovation with technology transfer is also an asset.

The CRC Tier 1 funding is for a seven-year, renewable term. Chair candidates will be required to have a PhD and academic qualifications that commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Professor and an internationally distinguished research and teaching record. Candidates must have the necessary credentials to deliver on the mission of the Chair to lead a novel and innovative research program. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website, including eligibility criteria.

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees will consider, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.  

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the UCalgary Careers page: https://science.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/8295439-canada-research-chair-tier-i-in-global-geospatial-intelligence-for-earth-systems-modeling-faculty-of-science

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees;
• Statement of research interests and a clear description of how the planned research program is related to UofC’s strategic priorities;
• Statement of teaching philosophy/teaching dossier;
• Statement on equity, diversity and inclusion in your research group.

Questions may be addressed to:

Stephen Hubbard, Professor and Head
Department of Geoscience
+1-403-220-4275
geoscience@ucalgary.ca

Consideration of applications will begin on February 14, 2022.

Known as Canada’s energy capital, Calgary is a bustling city of more than 1.25 million, located near the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub where students thrive in programs made rich by research and hands-on experiences. The Faculty of Science has recently launched an ambitious strategic plan with research focus on grand challenges including “Energy in Transition”. The Department of Geoscience offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs recognized for excellence world-wide and has considerable research strengths in energy and environmental geosciences. Information about the Department and its programs can be found at http://www.geoscience.ucalgary.ca/.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of the four designated groups (women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity or requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

In support of University of Calgary's promotion of a diverse workforce, the Faculty of Science is committed to showing leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and nurturing a healthy and respectful workplace environment for all.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary
 
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
 
About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.