Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) Research Chair

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus

Lakehead University invites applications for a Research Chair in support of the cutting-edge research carried out at the Biorefining Research Institute (BRI). The core research activities of the BRI are based on the principles of excellence and innovation, and aligned with the priorities of Lakehead University's Strategic Research Plan. The BRI encourages and promotes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary basic and applied research and works closely with several faculties on campus including Engineering, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Graduate Studies, and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The BRI research is focused on bioprocessing and bioconversion of plant biomass to biofuels and high-value bioproducts such as chemicals, polymers, and composites. As Thunder Bay and Lakehead University are located in the Northern Boreal Forest Ecoregion, which accounts for about a third of the planet's total forest area, the natural biomass resource for this area is wood, predominantly softwood. This dictates the type of biomass biorefining technologies that need to be developed for the region, known as an integrated forest biorefinery. However, utilization of other biomass resources including agricultural residues and municipal solid waste are also under investigation.

We seek an exceptional scientist and researcher with a proven record of interdisciplinary research and publications in the bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass for sustainable production of bioenergy and biomaterials. A Ph.D. degree in disciplines such as Chemistry (catalysis, synthesis, wood science), Chemical Engineering (product and process development, pulp and paper), Biotechnology (fermentation, pharmaceutical, environmental, genetic engineering), Microbiology (industrial) or a similar field is preferred. Research areas of interest may include (but are not limited to) production of advanced biofuels, thermochemical conversion such as catalytic pyrolysis and liquefaction, thermophilic consolidated bioprocessing, biomass pretreatment and fractionation, lignin and hemicellulose valorization, product recovery, catalyst development, and polymer synthesis. The initial appointment will be for five years with the opportunity for renewal.

The Chair will play a key role in enhancing the BRI's research capacity and reputation as a developer of novel biorefining technologies. The Chair will be expected to engage in original, high quality innovative research, seek external research funding, and attract and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. BRI Research Chairs are expected to undertake collaborative research with an emphasis on establishing productive and successful collaborations within the industry.

Lakehead University offers on-campus and community-based programs, continuing education and distributed learning, and graduate programs at the Master's and Doctoral levels. Lakehead is a comprehensive research intensive University providing an impressive array of programs in professional arts and sciences, and is the home of the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. The University has an enrollment of approximately 8,100 students at campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, with a significant Aboriginal contingent at the Thunder Bay campus. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca

For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. Andrew P. Dean at vpresearch@lakeheadu.ca. Detailed information about the BRI is available at: http://lubri.lakeheadu.ca/

Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. Applications and nominations including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a five-year research plan, the contact information for three referees, and three publications that demonstrate a significant contribution to the field should be sent to:

Dr. Andrew P. Dean

Interim Vice-President, Research, Economic Development and Innovation

955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada  P7B 5E1

tel: 807-343-8820 e-mail: vpresearch@lakeheadu.ca

This position is subject to budgetary approval.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, and persons with disabilities. We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants.