University of New Brunswick: Cannabis Health Research Chair (CHRC)

The Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick are inviting applications for a Five (5) Year Research Chair in Cannabis Health Research. This will be a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The appointment will be made jointly to the two departments and can start July 1, 2018. Following the five year duration of the research chair, the position will continue as a tenure-track faculty appointment.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with expertise in analytical chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering of natural products, an innovative and original research program, and a high potential to attract external funding. A demonstrated ability to teach effectively is also expected. Entrepreneurial and business experience, with a focus on innovation, are definite assets for this Research Chair.

Objectives of this Research Chair are 1) to extend UNB’s commitment to research and innovation in the field of natural products and biomedical, health and life sciences, 2) to support the rapidly developing commercial cannabis industry in New Brunswick by providing research results that can inform public health and regulatory policy decisions, maximize potential medical benefits and support sustainable long-term economic growth and 3) to attract, develop and retain students and future researchers in order to provide sufficient trained experts in the province to support growth of this industry. A broad program is being sought, which could include but is not limited to: green and sustainable separation/extraction technologies, new or improved analytical methods, medicinal efficacy and delivery systems, cannabinoid biochemistry, value-added products.

The CHRC will establish an advanced cannabis research lab and lead a core team of researchers to undertake innovative work in the related areas utilizing state-of-the-art processing and analytic equipment. The establishment of productive research collaborations within and outside UNB is expected. The Chair will also establish strong collaborations with industrial partners and develop broad-based partnerships with national and international partners. With the support of UNB’s Office of Research Services, the Chair will oversee the commercialization of any technologies and/or products from the research activities. The successful candidate’s responsibilities will also include teaching in both the departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

The University of New Brunswick recognizes that not every career path is linear, and that past career interruptions do not necessarily reflect on the quality of an applicant’s work; applicants are encouraged to include an explanation of the impact any career interruptions may have had on their research history in their cover letter. This information will be taken into account during the evaluation process.

The University of New Brunswick is committed to fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Applicants should indicate current citizenship status.

Interested candidates are asked to submit, by email, a cover letter indicating areas of research experience and interests, a detailed curriculum vitae, a detailed research proposal (max five pages), a statement of teaching philosophy, the names and addresses (both postal and email) and telephone numbers of at least three referees and copies of selected relevant or recent publications to:

Cannabis Health Research Chair Search Committee
c/o Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering or Department of Chemistry
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
Email: chemeng@unb.ca; chemchair@unb.ca
Review of applications will begin 7 May 2018.