Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Animal Physiology

This competition is open to all applicants; however, internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure-track position in the area of Animal Physiology. We are primarily seeking an emerging scholar to hire at the Assistant Professor level, with strong potential to develop a productive research program. We especially welcome researchers who seek to develop a focus on Arctic or Northern Biology.

We are keen to attract a colleague who can integrate across existing areas of Departmental research and teaching expertise. Applicants must hold a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field and have a demonstrated track record of impactful research in Animal Physiology. The proposed research program should not depend solely on laboratory-based vertebrate research, and instead should have strong potential to build world-class productivity through the study of wildlife and/or invertebrate physiology. The successful candidate will develop an independent, original, and externally funded research program.

The candidate will be expected to supervise both graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to a vibrant Department through teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Importantly, the candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Access, Community and Belonging (ACB), in all aspects of their research, teaching and service.

Strong potential for productive interactions with other researchers across the diverse research areas of the Department, and in other disciplines at the University of Alberta, will be considered an asset. Strengths of the Department include Northern biology, toxicology, aquatic biology, neurobiology, AI/ML, data synthesis and open science, ecology, model organisms, multi-omics, Museum of Zoology and Strickland entomology collections, and access to field stations including the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.

The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2027.

• Research Program: Establish an independent, externally funded research program focused on wildlife and/or invertebrate animal physiology (with an emphasis on Arctic or Northern biology).
• Teaching: Deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in animal physiology and related departmental curricula.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research students.
• Service & Collaboration: Contribute to departmental and university governance while building collaborative ties across disciplines and research facilities.
• ACB & Reconciliation: Access, Community and Belonging (ACB) principles and Indigenous reconciliation commitments into all aspects of research, teaching, and service.

• PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• A demonstrated track record of impactful, high-quality research in animal physiology, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and scholarly contributions.
• A clear vision for an independent, original, and externally fundable research program that focuses on wildlife and/or invertebrate animal physiology (not dependent solely on laboratory-based vertebrate models).
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating Access, Community, and Belonging (ACB) principles and Indigenous reconciliation into research, teaching, mentorship, and service practices.
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential to establish interdisciplinary research collaborations across diverse subdisciplines in the Biological Sciences department and other units across the University of Alberta is considered an asset. 

Application Instructions

Please click "Apply Now" below and submit the requested documents. Please combine these files into a single PDF:

• A full curriculum vitae.
• A 2-3 page research statement which must:
  • highlight contributions to their field of research,
  • present an overview of the applicant’s planned research program for ~5 years after initial appointment,
  • describe how the applicant will interact, collaborate with, and complement other researchers at the University of Alberta.
• A 1-2 page teaching statement including their experience and interests.
• A 1-2 page Access, Community and Belonging (ACB) statement which includes the candidate’s contributions and plans to advance ACB in their research, teaching, mentoring, and service.
• Reprints of their 3-5 most impactful publications or other meaningful contributions.
• A cover letter. Please include the names and affiliations of three referees. For applicants selected for interviews, three letters of reference will be requested. Applicants will be expected to contact the three referees and arrange to have them submit their letters of reference via email attachment.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date. University representatives will review application packages, and should the Hiring Committee advance your application, you may be contacted for an online pre-interview.

Interviewees will have the opportunity to express the need for any accommodations, e.g., related to one’s mobility, dietary restrictions, child care, etc. For further information, please email dbsphysi@ualberta.ca with the subject line “Faculty Positions, Physiology 2026”.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.