Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security

Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security

Job Type: Faculty
Job Rank: Associate Professor (with Tenure)
Job Institution: University of Calgary

Position Summary

The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 in Sustainable Soil Science for Food and Water Security. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure‑track) or, in exceptional cases, Associate Professor (with tenure), and will be nominated for an NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. The emerging scholar must develop an innovative soil science research program that supports sustainable agriculture and improves food and water security across scales through advancements in understanding soil‑plant‑water interactions. The anticipated start date is July 1st, 2026.

Research Area

Healthy soils are critical to sustainable food production as well as human and planetary health. The Tier 2 CRC will lead research on soil science and the study of soil‑plant‑water dynamics essential for resilient food systems and water security. In the context of soil, crop and land management, research may include soil physics and chemistry, fertility, soil structure, salinity and remediation, water usage and irrigation, erosion, organic matter, carbon cycling, climate change responses, soil health and sustainability, soil‑plant interactions, and ecosystem services. The research program should contribute to broader understanding of agroecosystem function and environmental sustainability within the regional agricultural context. The ideal candidate will perform field or process‑based research that integrates modern tools and techniques, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, remote sensing or drones, digital sensors, spectroscopic methods, advanced testing/analytical methods, pedometrics, or computational modeling. Research should address gaps in understanding soil systems across scales. The CRC will benefit from and contribute to the strong innovation ecosystem at UCalgary and is expected to work closely with relevant government agencies and agribusiness to ensure a flourishing research community in Alberta and across Canada.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Soil Science, Earth Science, Geography, Agricultural Science, or a related field, and have a strong record of impactful research that is commensurate with their career stage. The ideal candidate would show evidence of transdisciplinary scholarship and field‑based research experience. The CRC is expected to develop an internationally recognised sustainable soils research program that is supported by external funding from provincial and federal agencies, private industry, and other agriculture‑related partners. The successful candidate should have an outstanding track record of scholarly excellence, as evidenced by impactful publications in leading journals, innovative research activity, awards and accolades, documented research collaboration ability, and strong endorsements by recognised experts. UCalgary values diverse scholarly activities, including community outreach, policy guidance, entrepreneurship, and scientific resource development.

The candidate will play an important role in mentorship and supervision of trainees at the undergraduate, graduate, and post‑doctoral levels. The successful applicant must demonstrate clear potential for excellent teaching at the post‑secondary level and will be expected to contribute to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Evidence of service, leadership and outreach contributions, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is required.

Description of Work Environment

The Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at UCalgary supports research and teaching that address food and water security for a growing population. The CRC will join an agricultural research community within the Faculty of Science and benefit from collaborations with AI, crop biotechnology, genomics, ecosystem services, geomicrobiology, plant physiology, geospatial analysis, hydrology, and soil remediation. Key university initiatives, such as the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy and the Centre for Precision Agriculture and Sustainability, will provide additional collaborative opportunities. The CRC will have access to key research infrastructure, including a new state‑of‑the‑art greenhouse and the large W.A. Ranch facility.

How to Apply

Please apply online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Your four application attachments should contain the following:

- Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of three references

- Statement of research interests and vision (maximum 4 pages)

- Statement of mentorship and teaching philosophy/teaching dossier (maximum of 2 pages)

- Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) (maximum 2 pages)

Questions may be addressed to the Search Committee at earth@ucalgary.ca. Applications are accepted until December 5th and will be reviewed until the posting has been filled.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Calgary encourages members of designated groups—women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible/racialised minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities—to apply. The university offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities. Contact the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at equity@ucalgary.ca for EDI questions and the Human Resources department at hrhire@ucalgary.ca for accommodation requests.

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