Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Sunflower Breeding and Genetics

Posting Title: Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Sunflower Breeding and Genetics Position number: 38264 and 38265 Type: Assistant or Associate Professor & CRC Tier 2 Department: Plant Science Faculty: Agricultural and Food Sciences Posting start date: October 28, 2026 Posting close date: November 27, 2026 or until filled For more information please contact: Dr. Rob Duncan, Search Committee Chair agresearch@umanitoba.ca The University of Manitoba invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC), a full-time tenured or probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of assistant or associate professor in the area of Sunflower Breeding and Genetics, commencing April 1, 2028, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association collective agreement. This appointment is contingent on a successful CRC Tier 2 application. The Government of Canada has established the CRC program to enable Canadian universities to foster world class research excellence. The proposed CRC aligns with the University's strategic research plan that identifies Water and Food Security, and Climate Action and Sustainability as target areas. The CRC Tier 2 in Sunflower Breeding and Genetics will join the Department of Plant Science of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS), which promotes a collaborative and supportive workplace and is committed to advancing the University of Manitoba as a leader in plant breeding, genetics, variety development, agronomy and food production. The Chair will address many of the most critical issues limiting sunflower breeding and genetics including disease resistance, seed quality and overall agronomic performance. The Chair’s research program is expected to focus on germplasm and variety development for disease resistance, seed quality, standability, maturity, herbicide tolerance and overall agronomic performance. Emphasis will be placed on genomic tools and genomic prediction to improve the efficiency of sunflower breeding and genetics. The Chair will have full access to FAFS’ extensive research infrastructure and facilities, including the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm, a 406-acre facility located in Carman (70 km southwest of Winnipeg) and the Glenlea Research Station, a 1,000-acre facility (20 km south of Winnipeg), as well as existing cooperation with farmers for siting field trials across Manitoba. The Department seeks an emerging scholar with a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Exceptional candidates at either rank will be considered with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined below:

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an innovative and well-respected research program related to Sunflower Breeding and Genetics.
The potential areas of focus may include but are not limited to: (1) genetics and germplasm development; 2) variety development and registration; 3) genomic prediction for overall performance; and/or 4) gene-editing for genetic improvement of sunflower. The Chair will establish an innovative and internationally competitive research program in sunflower breeding and genetics, advancing fundamental knowledge and developing novel approaches for genetic improvement, with particular emphasis on translating research outcomes into improved germplasm and hybrids relevant to Manitoba, western Canada, and broader sunflower production systems. The Chair will be expected to contribute to provincial and national strategies aimed at improving sunflower production in western Canadian agriculture. In addition to CRC funding, the Chair will be expected to secure funding from provincial and national sources. Although the Chair will have a reduced teaching load, they will contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching in their area of expertise. The Chair will also be expected to contribute to service activities within the department, the faculty and beyond. The Chair’s distribution of work duties will include research (60%), extension and sector engagement (15%), and teaching (25%).

Qualifications:
The University of Manitoba requires the successful candidate to have a Ph.
D. in plant breeding, genetics or related fields at the time of the CRC nomination. A successful CRC candidate must also have proven success in scholarly activities relevant to the position, exhibited an EDIA track record of success and a demonstrated potential to become a world leader in their research field. The successful candidate must have demonstrated research impact and a record of successfully mentoring a diverse group of highly qualified personnel, such as undergraduate and graduate students. A Tier 2 CRC Nomination will be submitted soon after a successful candidate has been selected. Chairs are awarded by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat after a rigorous evaluation, and award decisions are expected in the fall of 2027, with the appointment starting thereafter on a date mutually agreed to. The appointment will be conditional on a successful Canada Research Chair nomination. Tier 2 Chairs are valued at $100,000 per year for 5 years with an option to renew once. Applicants for Tier 2 Chair positions must be exceptional emerging researchers. Applicants who are more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment at the time of nomination and have experienced eligible career interruptions will have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program's Tier 2 justification process. Acceptable justifications are generally limited to breaks in the candidate’s research career due to maternity or parental leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, and family care. Please contact the UM’s Office of Research Services (researchgrants@umanitoba.ca) for more information. 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. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process. The CRC Nomination Selection Committee will receive equity training that includes instruction on how to recognize and combat unconscious, implicit, overt, prejudicial and other kinds of bias. The Canada Research Chairs website also provides full program information, including details on eligibility criteria at: www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx The Department of Plant Science currently has 14 full time tenured and tenure track faculty members and offers a full range of both undergraduate and graduate programs in plant breeding, plant genetics, plant pathology, plant physiology, agronomy and cropping systems. Further information about the Department can be obtained from https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/plant-science. To enhance our department and create role models for a diverse population of students, we particularly invite application from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including Indigenous peoples, women, racially marginalized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of marginalized sexualities and genders, and those committed to a diverse environment. We encourage you to self-identify aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently under-represented viewpoints, expertise and forms of excellence to this role. The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 850,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire. Application Deadline: A review of applications will begin on the closing date and will continue until the position is filled. Application materials should include (additional text beyond specified lengths will not be considered):
• a cover letter outlining the candidate’s qualifications and how they fulfill the above-listed criteria
• a curriculum vitae (including examples of significant research contributions)
• a maximum three-page statement outlining the innovative and original proposed five-year research program envisioned for the Tier 2 chair and its potential to attract funding, develop collaborations with stakeholders, vision for knowledge translation and other impacts on the broader community
• a one-page statement on the candidate’s strengths and experiences in increasing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in previous institutional environments and how they see themselves contributing to EDIA as a CRC at the University of Manitoba.
• a maximum one-page teaching statement that documents the candidate’s experience in and approach to training and mentoring diverse students and the candidate’s teaching philosophy including evidence of teaching excellence
• names and contact information of three referees Applicants must submit their application for consideration through the University of Manitoba Careers Portal by searching for Requisition # 51093. When applying through the UM Careers portal, applicants should upload their cover letter separately, their curriculum vitae separately, then combine their research plan, teaching statement, EDIA statement and a list of three referees into a single PDF file and upload it under ‘Additional Documentation’. If you experience any difficulties accessing UM Careers, please contact Heather Wiebe at Heather.
Wiebe@umanitoba.ca for assistance. Additional Information: 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. 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. 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). 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 provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.