Seeking CERC in Ecotoxicohydrology
The University of Saskatchewan is seeking world-class excellence in water research.
A national leader in water research with a vision of global pre-eminence, the University of Saskatchewan invites applications and nominations from internationally renowned water researchers for an exceptional opportunity to help build a globally-recognized, integrated water research program.
This interdisciplinary program aims to provide international leadership in how integrated water quality and quantity problems at all scales are addressed. Building on the University of Saskatchewan’s established strengths in quatic toxicology, hydrology, and freshwater biology, and its proven track record of conducting research that influences public policy and environmental regulations and practices, this chair will lead a team of researchers into a new interdisciplinary endeavor we call ecotoxicohydrology; linking aquatic ecotoxicology with ecohydrology for improved freshwater resource management.
This Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in ecotoxicohydrology and the associated research team will combine knowledge of fundamental ecological, hydrological, biophysical, and ecotoxicological processes and research approaches to assess, model, predict, and/or remediate the impact of land-use change and development on water quality, quantity, and general aquatic ecosystem health.
CERCs are the most prestigious research chairs in Canada. The CERC program is intended to attract and retain the world’s most accomplished and promising minds and help Canada build a critical mass of expertise in the priority research areas of the federal government’s science and technology strategy. The University of Saskatchewan has successfully advanced to the final stage of the CERC competitive process that will lead to 20 chairs being established across the country. The federal government will provide the chairholder and research team with $10 million over seven years, with additional funds contributed by the University of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan. For detailed information about the CERC program, please visit www.cerc.gc.ca.
The successful chair will be an exceptional researcher and leader with a strong publication and training record, evidence of research impact, and a bold vision to help direct development of this world-class initiative. The chair will help bridge gaps and engage synergies across ecohydrology and aquatic ecotoxicology, and spearhead innovative research into major issues threatening water security. An integrated approach to water quantity and water quality assessment, and a deep understanding of the dynamics among hydrological cycling, ecosystem structure and function, pollution and human activity, will be hallmarks of the chair. The successful candidate will be an international leader in ecohydrology, aquatic ecotoxicology, or a related field, and will bring significant experience in building and directing an interdisciplinary research group. The chair will be awarded at the full professor level with tenure; the salary and compensation package will be globally competitive.
Water has been identified as an institutional, provincial, and national priority. Water is both an essential component of the environment and a fundamental driver of economic prosperity. Adequate supplies of water are critical to food and energy security, and clean water is a basic requirement for healthy ecosystems and people. While global water problems are well known, Canada also faces threats to its water security due to extreme hydrological variability, climate change, changing agriculture and forestry practices, diffuse and point-source pollution, industrial expansion, and a growing population. At the University of Saskatchewan, five research chairs and more than 60 other faculty are already involved in diverse aspects of water research, and the numbers are growing. For more information, visit: http://www.usask.ca/water/.
To apply or nominate a candidate for this potential appointment, please submit a CV, a statement of interest, and the names of three referees by Monday, August 31 to:
Dr. Karen Chad,
Acting Vice-President Research,
University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
E-mail: karen.chad@usask.ca
Telephone: 001 (306) 966-8514
You can download the job description as a pdf-file here.