Canada Research Chair, Tier 2

Date posted: May 16, 2023 Posting closed - August 1, 2023.

CRC Faculty Position in Experimental Physics at the Subatomic Frontier

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Victoria invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in “Experimental Physics at the Subatomic Frontier.” The successful applicant will be nominated by the university for a CRC Tier 2 and upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will be offered a tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment at the appropriate rank, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is one of two CRC Tier 2 positions currently being advertised at the University of Victoria in the field of experimental particle and astroparticle physics. Applicants who wish to apply for both positions are encouraged to submit two separate applications.

Applications are encouraged from experimental researchers exploring the full breadth of the highest priority problems within fundamental physics at the subatomic scales. Example topics of interest include the nature of new physics at and beyond the electroweak scale, the properties of neutrinos, and the development of new experimental tools such as particle accelerator and detector technology seeking both the highest energies and the highest precision.

The University of Victoria, through the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Victoria Subatomic Physics and Accelerator Research Centre, provides an ideal environment to support a CRC in this field. The Department’s particle physics group, consisting of 12 faculty members and Institute of Particle Physics (IPP) Research Scientists, 12 research staff and over 40 graduate students, benefits from close links with the TRIUMF Laboratory and its staff, 15 of whom are adjunct faculty members; collectively they comprise the Victoria Subatomic Physics and Accelerator (VISPA) Research Centre. Faculty within the particle physics group maintain leading research programs in physics at the energy frontier (ATLAS Collaboration), precision experiments at B-factories (BaBar, Belle II Collaborations), accelerator-based neutrino physics (T2K/HyperK Collaborations), accelerator physics, astronomical photometry, and theoretical particle and astroparticle physics. 

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a diverse research-intensive unit at the University of Victoria, that is dedicated to pursuing world-class research, providing outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, and fosters a collegial and collaborative environment. In addition to particle and accelerator physics, the Department has strong research efforts in astronomy and astrophysics (including the Astronomy Research Centre (ARC), condensed matter physics and medical physics (including the inter-Faculty Research Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), and ocean physics. The Department benefits from the services of very effective and dedicated staff.

Tier 2 CRC Chairs are one of Canada’s premier early-career recognition and recruitment programs, and are intended for exceptional emerging scholars. In accordance with the regulations for the Canada Research Chairs program, Tier 2 chair nominees must be within 10 years of receiving their highest degree when they are nominated to the Chair (nomination expected in fall 2023). However, applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please contact the Strategic Research Initiatives Office at the University of Victoria for more information (strategicpo2@uvic.ca), and consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria.

Requirements

In accordance with the university’s equity plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, preference will be given to women. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify in their cover letter. The committee will review other applications in the event that it does not find a suitable candidate in the initial candidate pool.

The successful candidate will be an emerging world-class scholar who has demonstrated research productivity and potential to achieve international recognition within the next 5-10 years. The appointee will be expected to establish an independent, creative, innovative, high-impact and externally-funded research program. The proposed research program should have the potential for national and international collaborations, and should enhance and/or complement the strengths of the UVic experimental particle physics group. It is anticipated that the appointee will develop as an outstanding teacher and mentor of diverse undergraduate and graduate students, and has the potential to manage a healthy research environment that integrates diverse employees.

Additional information

The University of Victoria 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. We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. We are privileged to do our work in a way that is inspired and influenced by their history, customs, and culture and are committed to the ongoing work of decolonizing and indigenizing the campus community.

Contact information

To be considered, please submit a complete application package including:

• a cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements
• a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications 
• a concise research proposal (e.g. 2-3 pages)
• a concise statement of teaching philosophy and experience (e.g. 1-2 pages)
• a concise statement regarding equity, diversity and inclusiveness on your priorities on teaching and research (e.g. 1-2 pages)
• confidential reference letters sent by three referees

Please note that reference checks will be done and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

Application deadline

Posting closed - August 1, 2023.

Equity statement

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. 

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. For more information, see “Requirements for recruiting and nominating Canada Research Chairs”

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. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.