Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Call for Canada Research Chair (Tier 1): Internal Call
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, invites applications from internal UBC faculty members for an NSERC Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in any field of research aligned with the Department’s research mission and the Faculty’s strategic plan. As this is an internal search, applicants must already hold a full-time, tenure-stream faculty appointment in the UBC Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and be at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor, and they are expected to be promoted to Professor within one or two years.
Tier 1 CRCs are intended for researchers who (a) are outstanding, innovative, world-class researchers, (b) are recognized as international leaders in their field, and (c) have superior records of attracting and supervising graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Chairs are tenable for seven years and are renewable once. All Chair nominations are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat, and appointment as a CRC is conditional upon their approval. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website (www.chairs.gc.ca) for full program information and further details on eligibility criteria.
The Chair holder is expected to have a strong track record of scholarly eminence, including an independent, internationally-recognized research program, demonstrated evidence of success and excellence in teaching, and participation in academic and professional affairs. The Chair holder will articulate a strategic plan for developing an exemplary research program that expands on their ongoing research programs at UBC and engages with local, national, and international research networks. The Chair holder is expected to play an active role in collaborating with a diverse group of researchers across UBC and local industry as well as continuing to lead an internationally recognized, innovative research program, participate in the teaching activities of the Department, provide mentorship and training to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate learners and provide service within the University and to both the academic and broader community.
In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., maternity, parental, medical, and bereavement) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be carefully considered during the assessment process.
In accordance with UBC’s CRC Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan, [https://research.ubc.ca/federal-research-chair-programs/canada-research-chairs/ubcs- commitment-equity-diversity-and], and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be restricted to members of the following federally designated groups: people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, women, and people from minoritized gender identity groups. Currently, UBC has a gap in representation for people with disabilities. Until such
time as this is remedied, the names of those self-identifying as having a disability will be provided separately to the search committee, in order for them to follow preferential hiring strategies. Applicants to Canada Research Chair positions are asked to complete this equity survey https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9 as part of the application process, and applicants must self-identify as belonging to one or more of the designated equity groups to be considered for the position. As the search is limited to those self-identifying as members of designated equity groups, candidates must also provide their name when completing the equity survey in order to be considered.
Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 26(a) and 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information you provide will only be used to determine whether you qualify for participation in this restricted hiring process, and to advance accessibility, equity, and fair adjudication in this process. Data will be collected by the Equity & Inclusion Office and only the names of those eligible for the search process will be shared confidentially with the search committee, except those self-identifying with a disability whose names will be shared separately and confidentially to follow UBC’s preferential hiring strategy. All responses will be stored in a secure database.
Application Process
As indicated above, to be considered for the position, applicants must self-identify as a member of one or more of the designated groups using the equity survey (https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9). This information will be stored in a secure database and made available only to members of the adjudication committee. Please submit applications online at https://apply.ece.ubc.ca.
Applications should include the following:
- cover letter (2 pages max) addressing the applicant’s interest in, and suitability for, the CRC T1
- curriculum vitae (UBC CV format)
- quality of the nominee i.e. research/leadership excellence (1 page max)
- proposed research program (4 pages max)
- HQP training plan (1 page max)
- statement addressing how they will contribute to an equitable and inclusive academic environment at UBC (1 page max)
- copies of two major publications
- name and contact information for four potential referees who meet the Canada Research Chairs Program’s conflict of interest requirements. (Please note reference letters will not be solicited at this time).
The closing date for applications is May 31, 2024. Only complete applications will be considered by the committee. Inquiries about the position may be sent to Professor Lutz Lampe, Head pro tem of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at head@ece.ubc.ca. The successful internal applicant is expected to submit a nomination application to the Fall 2024 CRC National competition.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students, and is essential to fostering an outstanding work environment. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed; please contact chair- recruiting@ece.ubc.ca.
To learn more about UBC’s Center for Workplace Accessibility, visit their website at https://hr.ubc.ca/CWA.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
About UBC & ECE
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching that is ranked among the top 40 universities in the world. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest academic units at UBC, with approximately 400 graduate students and 1,000 undergraduate students. Our department is anticipating significant renewal over the next few years as we strengthen key areas in high demand. Our research and teaching activities benefit from strong links to the Institute for Computing, Information and Cognitive Systems (ICICS), the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (QMI), as well as strong collaborations with the Department of Computer Science and other units within the Faculty of Applied Science. The department is situated on UBC’s Point Grey campus in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver is consistently rated one of the world’s most livable cities. For more information about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, please visit https://ece.ubc.ca/.
