Lakehead University: Research Chair in Chemocatalytic Biomass Conversion

Application Deadline:
Friday, May 24, 2019 - 11:59pm

The Department of Chemistry and the Biorefining Research Institute at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay campus) invite applications for a tenure-track Research Chair in Chemocatalytic Biomass Conversion at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Candidates must have a PhD in Chemistry, a minimum of two (2) years’ postdoctoral experience, and a proven record of outstanding research in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic systems for  biomass conversion. The Chair is also expected to perform research on the fundamental and applied aspects of novel biomass conversion processes. Currently members of the Biorefining Institute (including two Canada Research Chairs) are actively collaborating with FPInnovations and Resolute on producing forest biomass based value-added chemicals utilizing the pilot plant facilities of biomass conversion units located at the local Resolute mill. The Chair is expected to further such collaborations in advancing research and development in biomass conversion. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded research program and collaborate with industry. Relevant industrial experience would be a definite asset. Applicants must also demonstrate strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at the undergraduate and graduate levels; an ability to teach inorganic and/or bioinorganic chemistry would be an asset. The Research Chair is for five (5) years and is renewable. A reduced teaching load is provided as long as the candidate is a research chair.

The Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) is a Senate-approved Research Institute with dedicated research space and infrastructure. The successful candidate will have their laboratory facility at BRI. More information on BRI is available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/research-and-innovation/facilities-centres/bri.  The Strategic Plan for BRI is available at BRI Plan.

Lakehead University has approximately 10,000 full-time equivalent students and 2,160 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. We are a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law, the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Education, Engineering, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, Social Sciences & Humanities, Graduate Studies (including PhD programs in Chemistry & Materials Science, Biotechnology, and Forestry). Maclean’s 2019 University Rankings place Lakehead University among Canada's Top 10 primarily-undergraduate universities and, in 2018, Research Infosource named us Research University of the Year in our category for the fourth consecutive year. The Thunder Bay campus boasts a comprehensive array of research instrumentation, including NMR, SEM, XPS, TEM, XRD, ICP-OES/MS, FTIR, MS, CHNS, DLS, HPLC, GPC, DSC-TG and SHARCNET computing. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. Please note that the hiring committee imposes no restrictions on applicants with regard to nationality or country of residence; however, priority will be given to applicants that are Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants.

Review of applications will begin on May 24, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, a statement of research plans, copies of their three most significant publications, and the names and addresses of three references to:

Dr. Todd Randall, Dean of Science and Environmental Studies

Lakehead University
955 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada P7B 5E1
Email: Applications.ses@lakeheadu.ca

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/hr/employment-opportunities/employment-opportunities-db/node/51131

University of Toronto: NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Sustainable Chemical and Energy Recovery in Biomass Processing - Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry

Assistant Professor - NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Sustainable Chemical and Energy Recovery in Biomass Processing - Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment as an NSERC (Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Industrial Research Chair in sustainable chemical and energy recovery in biorefining.  The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor with an expected start date of January 1, 2017.

The successful candidate will be involved in leading research on energy and chemical recovery in the forest products sector that is relevant to current and future biomass processing/refining and bioenergy needs of the Canadian partners in the Energy and Chemical Recovery Consortium at the University of Toronto. Examples of the areas that are of particular interest include:

• Thermochemical conversion of biomass and wastes to energy
• Inorganic chemistry and its application to sustainable biomass processing
• Combustion of biomass
• Chemical conversion and chemical recovery/reuse
• Biosolids processing

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto has had more than a 70 year history of strength as an international leader in the forest products processing sector in areas that cover a wide range including energy and chemical recovery, the environment, biomaterials and paper science.   Our Pulp and Paper Centre has an exceptional track record of bringing the Canadian and international industry together in consortia in leading edge applied research and education across a wide range of disciplines including engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical, computer, materials, civil), chemistry, biology and forestry.  A particular area of strength is in the energy and chemical recovery area with over 28 years of industrial partnership that currently includes 20 companies from 7 countries, 11 of whom are from Canada.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD in chemical engineering or a related discipline and demonstrated excellence in research with industrial application as well as excellent teaching skills. The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellence and innovation in research and teaching and in industrial application.  Postdoctoral experience is an asset.  Evidence of excellence in research can be demonstrated through publications in leading journals in the field, presentations at significant conferences, and strong endorsements by referees. Excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, letters of reference and the teaching statement submitted as part of the application. The successful candidate will be expected to lead an independent research program of international calibre, and teach in the chemical engineering curriculum at the undergraduate and post-graduate level. Collaborative and inter-disciplinary research and collegial interaction will be important elements in success. Eligibility to register as a Professional Engineer in Ontario is a desirable qualification. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All applicants are encouraged to apply on-line by clicking on the link below.     Please include the following materials:  a curriculum vitae, a statement of research vision with a five to ten year horizon (three to five pages), and a statement of teaching philosophy and interests.    If you have any questions about this position, please contact chair.chemeng@utoronto.ca.  All application materials should be submitted online. Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply.

Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly by the referees to facultysearch.chemeng@utoronto.ca by July 7, 2016.

For more information on the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry please visit http://www.chem-eng.utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.  

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.