Research Chair in Chemocatalytic Biomass Conversion, Lakehead University

Research Chair in Chemocatalytic Biomass Conversion

Lakehead University: Department of Chemistry and Biorefining Research Institute

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 2 years’ postdoctoral experience, and a proven record of outstanding research in catalytic systems for biomass conversion, e.g. heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, photocatalysis. The Chair is 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 Forest Products 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 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 for the duration of the 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 students and 2,160 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, 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, and 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, GC- and HPLC-MS, CHNS combustion analysis, DLS, HPLC, GPC, DSC-TGA 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 20 August 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit as a single file (e.g. in *.pdf format): a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, a detailed research plan, 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.