BCRC Research Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability

University of Manitoba

Posting Start Date: August 19, 2025
Posting End Date: October 19, 2025

Department of Animal Science
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Chair Position: BCRC Research Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability
Academic Position: Tenured or probationary (tenure-track) Assistant or Associate Professor
Position # 36645 and 336646

The Canadian beef sector contributes approximately $24 billion to Canada’s GDP annually. Canada’s 60,000 beef operations recognize that sustainable management is essential for the environment and the economy. Therefore, it is imperative to identify management practices, programs and policies that simultaneously enhance both the economic and environmental sustainability of cow-calf operations in Canada.

To accomplish these goals, the University of Manitoba invites applications for a Research Chair in beef cattle economic sustainability, a full-time tenured or probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. The Chair’s distribution of work duties will be research (55%), extension and sector engagement (25%), and teaching (20%).

Responsibilities:
The BCRC Research Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability will be a North American leader in cutting-edge research, training, and extension to support a thriving and resilient beef cattle industry in Canada and beyond. The Chair, through innovative, collaborative, and applied research, will help improve the understanding of the Canadian beef sector in several areas including:
 the sources of variation in beef operation returns and risk management and the value of emerging technology and management innovations;
 risk mitigation strategies used by adopters and non-adopters of management practices related to increased productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability (including costs of GHG emission regulations, and benefits of EGS payments related to land and water use, and biodiversity);
 the motivation for adoption of management practices including development of risk management, business and farm family transition plans to ensure long-term farm and sector viability;
 financial incentive models for beef producers related to adoption of best management practices, business tools and new technology, focusing particularly on family farm businesses, while considering practicality of implementation.

The Chair will ensure the University of Manitoba remains a recognized leader in beef production systems, supporting each of the four pillars identified in the Faculty’s 2022-2027 Strategic Research Plan (https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/sites/agricultural-food-sciences/files/2023-04/FAFS-Strategic-Research-Plan-2022-2027.pdf): promoting sustainable, resilient, fair, diverse & healthy, and technologically advanced agri-food systems. The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) is actively working with Manitoba Agriculture to highlight research efforts by dedicating significant resources to foster knowledge translation and mobilization activities.



The FAFS and the University of Manitoba are committed to engagement with Indigenous communities. The Chair in the beef cattle economic sustainability will also have the opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities who are examining strategies to improve food security, including the potential incorporation of cattle and bison into their communities.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have (i) a Ph.D. in animal science, agricultural economics, or related fields; (ii) academic qualifications commensurate with an appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor; (iii) a proven track record to demonstrate the potential to lead an externally-funded research program in beef cattle production economics and adoption of best management practices with a strong knowledge-translation component; (iv) demonstrated interest or experience in industry consultation and engagement, and (v) an ability to train highly qualified personnel, undergraduate and graduate students on subject matters related to beef cattle production economics. The Chair will be expected to have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion as it applies to high-quality research output, student training, and collegiality. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Chair will be a cross appointed faculty member in the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Further information about the departments can be obtained from https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/animal-science and https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/agribusiness-and-agricultural-economics . The Chair’s program will be funded by an investment from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), that will be matched with funding from government and industry sources. The Chair position will be conferred for a ten-year term with an interim review after five years. The position will continue after the term without it being designated as a Chair. The position is expected to commence January 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions and personal circumstances can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact of any such interruption(s) in their submission. These interruptions will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global. The University’s strategic plan Momentum is located https://umanitoba.ca/strategic-plan.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

Application Deadline: October 19, 2025

Application materials should include:
• a cover letter outlining the candidate’s qualifications and how they fulfill the above-listed qualifications
• a curriculum vitae (may include examples of significant research or extension contributions)
• a maximum two-page statement outlining the innovative research
• a maximum one-page statement on extension, and stakeholder engagement activities envisioned for the program
• a maximum one-page teaching statement
• a maximum one-page statement on the candidate’s strengths and experiences in fostering equity, diversity and inclusion
• names and contact information of three referees (will only be contacted with permission of candidate)

Send to:
Dr. Kim Ominski
Search Committee Chair, University of Manitoba
Email: FAFSadmin@umanitoba.ca