Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Victoria invites applications for the Gilbert and Betty Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology. The selected candidate will hold a tenure-track or tenured faculty position in the Faculty of Science.
This is an endowed position intended for an outstanding, high-impact researcher who will, together with our existing mathematical biology group, establish a world-leading centre for research in this field. The underlying academic appointment is expected to be at the Professor level, although exceptional candidates at the Associate Professor level may be considered.
We are particularly interested in applicants whose area of research is in mathematical ecology, evolutionary biology, regulatory networks, epidemiology and immunology; however, applications from candidates in all areas of Mathematical Biology are welcome. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2021.
The Gilbert and Betty Kennedy Chair is in place for a seven-year term and is renewable for additional seven-year terms based on performance as assessed by the Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and on a positive recommendation from the Dean of the Faculty of Science.
The University of Victoria (UVic) is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Vital impact drives the UVic sense of purpose. As an internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places and the planet. Situated in the Pacific Rim, our location breeds a profound passion for exploration. Defined by its edges, this extraordinary environment inspires us to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways. It’s different here, naturally and by design. We live, learn, work and explore on the edge of what’s next—for our planet and its peoples. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.
The University of Victoria Campus is located on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples and we are privileged to do our work in a way that is inspired by their history, customs and culture. The Welcome to the Territory link to the University Territory Acknowledgement page contains an inspiring video by Elder Elmer George (Esquimalt Nation) and University President Jamie Cassels.
The University of Victoria provides an excellent and active research environment. As a member of the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS), UVic provides excellent opportunities for collaboration and postdoctoral support.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Victoria is focused on excellence in research and teaching. It is staffed by award winning teaching stream and research stream faculty. The department is ranked among the top mathematics and statistics departments in the nation and in the world. We offer major and honour’s programmes in mathematics and statistics as well as joint degrees with various disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and economics. There is a strong graduate programme offering master’s and PhD degrees in each of its four highly-intersecting research areas: Applied Mathematics, Discrete Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, and Statistics. There are at least five regular seminars around these sub-disciplines, and a department colloquium series.
The Department is committed to collegiality and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) values, both in its leadership and administrative functions and in the classroom. There is a very active EDI Committee comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. In addition to its informational role for faculty, staff and students, the EDI Committee advises the Chair and helps assure that EDI matters are prominent.
The Department is very active in research areas within or intersecting with Math Biology, including epidemiology, biological networks, biostatistics, statistical ecology, climate modelling, differential equations (ODEs and PDEs), dynamical systems, graph theory, optimization, scientific computing, and probability theory. The successful candidate will find a supportive, diverse, and intellectually stimulating academic environment at the University of Victoria. The department anticipates advertising a junior position in the general area of Mathematical Biology and PDEs, and the successful candidate will play a central role in this future hire.
As chair holder, the successful candidate is expected to maintain a world-class research program, to continue supervising graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics and statistics.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the Mathematical or Biological Sciences. The successful candidate must have at least five years of experience post-Ph.D. as an independent researcher, with outstanding contributions and a world-wide impact in their research field; a well-developed research plan for at least five years, at the cutting edge of their field, commensurate with highly successful research grants; a well-established record of outstanding research outcomes in Mathematical Biology; an internationally recognized research program, as demonstrated for example by an excellent publication record in highly ranked peer-reviewed journals and high-profile invited talks; and the potential for synergy with existing research themes in the Department.
The successful candidate must have a suitable academic background and experience to teach applied mathematics courses offered by the department at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As chair holder, the successful candidate must have a superior record of attracting and supervising graduate students and post-doctoral fellows and must demonstrate excellence in graduate and undergraduate teaching and mentoring. The successful candidate must demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively with all members of the Department and with the university community as a whole and to uphold the Department’s values of collegiality and EDI.
We strongly encourage applications from women and other groups underrepresented in the mathematical sciences. A documented record of improving the participation of underrepresented groups in the mathematical sciences and an articulated plan to continue such activities will be considered an asset.
Applications should be made through Mathjobs.org. You are asked to upload your C.V. and other personal information to this service, which is provided for the convenience of you and your referees. The service stores data on servers located outside of Canada; the data is therefore not in the custody or under the control of the University of Victoria. You may wish to review the privacy statement on https://academicjobsonline.org. If you do not wish to use this service, please submit your complete application package to mschair@uvic.ca.
A complete application will include a cover letter detailing interest in and experience pertaining to the position; a research statement; a statement of diversity knowledge, experience and skills; a curriculum vitae; and a teaching dossier. Applicants should arrange for at least four letters of reference to be posted to MathJobs in support of their application. At least one letter should address teaching and mentoring. Questions about this position are welcomed and can be addressed to the Chair of Mathematics and Statistics at mschair@uvic.ca.
The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.
Review of applications is expected to begin January 4, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.
Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.
UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Please indicate in your application package if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.