Position description

Concordia University seeks to appoint a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II, a research-intensive tenure-track faculty position, in Nanomaterials for Sustainable Energy. The selected candidate will receive a joint appointment as a full member of both the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, which are units in the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, respectively.

We are seeking candidates with specialization in subfields including but not limited to experimental and computational research in nanomaterials and nanosystems (their growth, processing, assembly, measurement, testing, modeling) for applications in energy storage, renewable energy production, photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Research at the interface between the physics and engineering of nanomaterials towards developing sustainable energy solutions are sought. The selected candidate will be expected to develop a strong independent research program, supervise several graduate students, secure significant external funding, and establish collaborations with members of both the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering and the Department of Physics, as well as with external partners. The candidate will be expected to teach in both departments and teaching duties will include courses both at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Concordia University is strongly committed to achieving equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the institution and recognizes the value of achieving inclusive excellence in both teaching and research contexts. We offer a truly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and diverse academic environment, including extensive state-of-the-art research facilities in nanomaterials research.

Qualifications and assets

We are firmly committed to the principle of inclusive excellence. We are looking for candidates with extensive multidisciplinary research experience in nanomaterials science, physics, chemical engineering, and related fields. The position is open to candidates with experience in either experimental and/or computational methods and a demonstrated commitment to supporting our department’s equitable and inclusive learning environments. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in physics, engineering, or a closely related field, and have relevant postdoctoral experience. They should have a peer-reviewed publication record showing creativity, impact, and productivity in their field of research — taking into full consideration career stage, career breaks and special circumstances. Experience in formal teaching and student supervision is an asset. A strong track record towards promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in science and/or engineering is a substantive asset.

Candidates eligible for Tier II chair positions must be excellent emerging scholars within 10 years of their highest degree at the time of nomination (exclusive of career interruptions). Potential Tier II candidates who are more than 10 years from their highest degree should take note that certain career interruptions may still make them eligible for nomination. Potential candidates are encouraged to submit a formal justification by means of the Tier II Justification Assessment Form, which will be considered in the review of applications. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria and acceptable justifications to the extension of the eligibility term.

Notwithstanding the above and irrespective of their submission of a formal justification, candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals (such as the decision to have a family, eldercare, illness, and so forth) in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process.

How to apply

All applications and letters of reference must be submitted electronically (directly) via the site AcademicJobsOnline.org, at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/19540. Applications must consist of: a cover letter (that includes the title and position code 21_C_PHY_CME_O, that states if the candidate is, or is not, a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, and where the candidate is encouraged to self-identify — see subsequent paragraph on employment equity and immigration status for more information); a current curriculum vitae (including a description of any career interruption(s) and impact(s) thereof); copies of three (3) representative publications; a five (5) page outline of the proposed research program; a one (1) page statement describing their experience with and philosophy on diversity and inclusion in student training and teaching; as well as a brief statement of teaching philosophy/interests (if available, attach any teaching evaluation). Candidates must also arrange to have three (3) letters of reference submitted online by their referees themselves.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the Chairs of the Departments, respectively Dr. Valter Zazubovits (valter.zazubovits@concordia.ca, Physics) and Dr. Alex  De Visscher (alex.devisscher@concordia.ca, CME). Subject to budgetary approval, we anticipate filling this position at the rank of Assistant Professor; appointments at the rank of Associate Professor may be considered based on previous experience. The expected start date for this position is August 1, 2022, and applications should be received by December 1, 2021, for full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to work with the departments and the faculties to prepare the formal CRC nomination according to the CRC program guidelines. The university will submit the nomination to the CRC Secretariat at the earliest opportunity.

Concordia University is strongly committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and recognizes the importance of inclusion in achieving excellence in teaching and research. As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next‐Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their cover letter how their background, as well as lived and professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society.

These ongoing or anticipated examples can include but are not limited to:

• teaching about underrepresented populations
• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds
• committee work
• offering or organizing educational programming
• participation in training and workshops

All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.

Adaptive measures

Applicants who anticipate requiring adaptive measures throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Nadia Hardy, Interim Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost, Faculty Development and Inclusion at vpfdi@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424, extension 4323.

Information about the Departments

The Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering (CME) was established in 2017, and its main objective is to develop sustainable chemical processes and materials for the next-generation chemical industry. Batteries, nanomaterials, electrochemical engineering, and sustainable process engineering are the main strengths of the department.

The Department of Physics has focused its recent hires in two strategic research fields: nano and quantum materials, and biomedical physics, while maintaining active research groups in particle physics and education physics. The department is growing and diversifying rapidly (research and programs) and is already delivering on its aim to grow into a hub for quantitative multidisciplinary sciences, with deep connections to other science and engineering units across the university and beyond. Both departments have research laboratories on the same campus and in very close proximity.

Some of the relevant Concordia University research centres which include multiple members of both departments are the Centre for Nanoscience Research (CeNSR), Concordia Materials Characterization Platform (CMCP), and Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling (CERMM). The Montreal research ecosystem is very rich in possible collaborations in nanomaterials, engineering and physics, with several major universities and centres.

Information about the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science

The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science is ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in Canada. The School is home to over 10,000 engineering and computer science students and a faculty complement of 235 faculty members. The School has about 4,500 graduate students enrolled in 35 graduate programs. Its research profile continues to grow as it fosters multidisciplinary approaches to finding solutions to a broad range of societal challenges. Concordia University and the School attract a high quality, diverse student population in all its programs. For more information on the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/ginacody.

Information about the Faculty of Arts and Science

The Faculty of Arts and Science was created in July 1977 through the merger of the former Loyola Faculty of Arts and Science, the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Arts, and the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Science.

The Faculty consists of 27 academic departments, colleges, institutes, and schools as well as more than 20 research centres. The Faculty is committed to responsible and innovative leadership in developing and disseminating knowledge and values and encouraging constructive social criticism. We achieve these objectives through inclusive and accessible academic programs which stress a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning. We are dedicated to superior teaching and research supported by excellence in scholarship and creative activity, and a tradition of service to the community. The Faculty serves many interdependent academic communities in an urban environment where students and faculty can pursue their shared commitment to lifelong learning. For more about the Faculty of Arts and Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/artsci.

Information about Concordia

Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.

Concordia’s two campuses are located in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation. Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of local and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.

Researchers at Concordia are leading investigations into some of the world’s most critical issues, such as health, Indigenous futures, sustainability and cities — more important today than ever. Our priority is to mobilize cross-sections of experts to translate novel scholarship into real-world applications.

With 118 research chairs, 24 research centres and institutes, and research income of more than $56 million annually, Concordia is fast advancing on its strategic direction to Double Our Research. Our nine far-looking directions demonstrate the university’s commitment to being agile and innovative and ensuring student success. Our 6,600 faculty and staff and 50,800 students benefit from state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities, technology and pedagogical support, and compelling program offerings in our four faculties, library, School of Graduate Studies and Centre for Continuing Education. These modern venues, such as the Applied Science Hub and modular Learning Square, allow us to foster multidisciplinary collaboration.

“Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.

Information about Montreal

Montreal, our home, is exceptional. It is a truly unique city — safe, clean, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. With a population of 1.7 million, it is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.

The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.

Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.

The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.

Territorial Acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Employment Equity

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.

Immigration Status

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applications must include one of the following statements: 

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.