Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security, Climate Resilience, and Ecosystem Sustainability

University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is recruiting an internationally recognized scientist with a strong track record in innovation and research leadership to direct a research program in Water Security, Climate Resilience, and Ecosystem Sustainability, with a focus on addressing the complex environmental challenges in semi-arid regions. This position is part of the University’s strategic priority to expand its leadership in place-based, interdisciplinary environmental research. It offers the opportunity to contribute to regional and global conversations on sustainable water and ecosystem management in a climate-sensitive region of Canada.

The appointment is conditional upon a successful nomination to the CERC Program. If awarded, the recipient will be appointed at either the Associate or Full Professor rank with tenure to an appropriate Department, School, or Faculty as early as spring 2027. Duties will include research, teaching and service. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Awarded Chairs are valued at either $500,000 or $1 million per year for 8 years, including salaries and benefits for the Chairholder. These awards are non-renewable.

RESEARCH FOCUS
Southern Alberta is experiencing increasing water scarcity due to climate change, growing urban and agricultural demands, and ecological pressures. The region’s semi-arid climate intensive agricultural activity, and proximity to western Canada’s headwater landscapes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains make it an ideal setting for innovative environmental science research. The successful candidate will engage in research that advances understanding and solutions in one or more of the following areas:
• Water and Climate Resilience: Watershed management, hydroclimatic modelling, sustainable water use, and nature-based solutions to enhance water security and adapt to drought and climate extremes.
• Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity: Conservation, ecological restoration, and biodiversity protection under climate and land-use pressures in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Aquatic Ecosystem Sustainability: Ecohydrology, water quality, freshwater ecosystem protection, and integrated land-water management strategies to support resilient water systems.
• Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: Understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on regional ecosystems, water resources, and landscape processes.
• Landscape and Ecosystem Monitoring: Application of geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and long-term monitoring to track environmental change across watersheds and ecosystems.
• Environmental Data Science and Modelling: Innovative use of environmental data, predictive modelling, and decision-support tools to address complex ecosystem and water management challenges.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a robust, externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, and engage with local communities, including agricultural stakeholders and Indigenous partners.

We welcome applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including but not limited to environmental science, agricultural science, hydrology, ecology, geography, and sustainability studies.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be full professors or associate professors expected to be promoted to full professor within one to two years of the nomination. Applicants from outside academia must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed to these levels. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the field of research. This is a requirement of the University of Lethbridge, not the CERC program.

Applicants must have a strong record of research productivity and have a globally competitive track record of research contributions in their field. In addition to demonstrated leadership and a track record of attracting and mentoring a diverse group of students and research personnel, applicants should have a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain an equitable and inclusive research environment.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, applicants should provide the following:
• A letter of application outlining the applicant’s interest in the position and what makes them a strong candidate overall.
• A comprehensive CERC research plan (maximum 5 pages) outlining their proposed research program. This plan should detail innovative research objectives, strategies for knowledge mobilization, and a clear path for securing external funding. It should demonstrate alignment with the with the University of Lethbridge’s research strengths and articulate opportunities for collaboration within the University, across Alberta, and nationally. The plan should also highlight the anticipated social and economic benefits for Canada and demonstrate the programs’ contribution to the national and international research ecosystem. Applicants should include information on start-up funding needs, funding, infrastructure and space requirements.
• A statement (maximum 3 pages) outlining the applicant’s research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in their work. The statement should also include a plan for building and sustaining a diverse, safe, and inclusive research team and environment.
• The names and email addresses of three academic referees.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.

Applications must be received by August 10, 2025. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on August 11, 2025. Any general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to oris.initiatives@uleth.ca.

INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS
Chairholders are selected through a rigorous two-stage application process. Applicants must first apply to an open position at the University of Lethbridge, where a selection committee will assess eligibility based on both institutional and CERC program criteria. All applications in this stage will be kept confidential. Shortlisted candidates must be recommended for appointment by a validly constituted search committee including additional academic reference confirmations, as this position is also subject to university approval. The successful candidate will be invited to submit a full application package to the Canada Excellence Research Chair Program, with substantial support from the University in preparing and developing the program application, including budget planning, proposal development and editing. This process runs in parallel with an academic appointment, in accordance with the University of Lethbridge Academic Staff Collective Agreement.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT
The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and representative workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. The University encourages applications from qualified individuals including all employment equity groups of indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals and persons of diverse gender and sexual orientation protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

The University of Lethbridge recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and our community and is fundamental to excellence in teaching, learning, and research. The University embraces equity as a core value to be truly inclusive of the communities of which we are a part, and this requires ongoing intentional and systemic action. Through recruitment and support of individuals who further enhance our commitment to inclusion and diversity, the University strives to create a community where students, and employees feel welcome, are treated equitably, and can thrive.

The University recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities may have an impact on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record so that it may be considered in the hiring process.
The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Helena Lang at human.resources@uleth.ca so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

ABOUT THE CANADA EXCELLENCE RESEARCH CHAIR PROGRAM
The CERC program is a cornerstone of the national strategy to advance research excellence, deepen knowledge, enhance quality of life, and boost Canada’s global competitiveness. Through this program, Canadian institutions can recruit top-tier international researchers, positioning Canada as a premier destination for world-class research. CERC awards are among the most prestigious and substantial globally, offering eight years of funding to support leading researchers and their teams in pursuing groundbreaking work.

Interested applicants are invited to view the full program details: https://www.cerc.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive academic and research-intensive institutions. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, the University of Lethbridge serves over 8900 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs offered through seven faculties and schools.

Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, the University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University of Lethbridge is deeply rooted in the principles of liberal education, where student engagement in learning, creative activities, and research are closely integrated. The university fosters a vibrant academic environment where faculty and staff contribute to its reputation as Canada’s destination university.

The University of Lethbridge is Alberta’s third-largest research-intensive University and ranks in the top 8% globally for research performance (Centre for World University Rankings, 2023-2024). It is consistently recognized as a leader among comparable universities. As Lethbridge’s second-largest employer, the university plays a vital role in the region’s social and economic fabric. In 2022, the City of Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.