The Departments of Earth Sciences and Physics & Astronomy in the Faculty of Science invite applications for a Tier I (Senior) Canada Research Chair in the area of planetary science. Appointment to a faculty position will be conditional on the selected candidate being awarded a Canada Research Chair. It is anticipated that the Chair nomination will be submitted in April, 2010. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Associate Professor (probationary or tenured) or Professor (tenured) with a starting date of February 1, 2011 or later.

Planetary science is a major interdisciplinary research theme at The University of Western Ontario, led by the Departments of Earth Sciences and Physics & Astronomy and with strong involvement from other departments in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Social Science, Arts, and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. A recent major initiative is the creation of the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) with a mandate to develop leadership in planetary science research in Canada through inter-disciplinary linkages at Western; to create a vibrant learning environment that will attract high caliber undergraduate and graduate students to Western; to offer courses and workshops for the Canadian space community; and to form strategic partnerships with NASA, CSA, ESA, and Canadian industry. Western also hosts the newly established Canadian Lunar Research Network, an international affiliate of the NASA Lunar Science Institute.

Applications are invited from all interested and qualified individuals. Applications from individuals whose research aligns with existing areas of strength within Western's planetary science group, including astrobiology, life in extreme environments, and meteor physics are particularly encouraged. It is anticipated that the appointment will be made primarily in one or both of the Departments of Earth Sciences or Physics & Astronomy. Prospective candidates may visit the department home pages at http://www.uwo.ca/earth/ and http://www.physics.uwo.ca/, as well as the CPSX home page at http://planetsci.uwo.ca/cpsx.htm. Details of the CRC program can be found at http://www.chairs.gc.ca/. The successful candidate will have an outstanding research record in planetary science and demonstrate the level of vision, leadership, and resourcefulness appropriate to a senior CRC position. She or he will be expected to lead a vigorous, internationally competitive research program, to supervise graduate and undergraduate student research, and to participate in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a research plan, and a teaching dossier and must arrange for at least three letters of reference to be sent to:

Jodi@uwo.ca
Ms Jodi Guthrie
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada

Consideration of applications will begin January 15, 2010.

Positions are subject to budgetary approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Western Ontario is committed to employment equity and welcomes applications from all qualified women and men, including visible minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities.