Research Assistant Professor, Biorefining Research Institute, Thunder Bay Campus

Category: 
Research Positions
Campus: 
Thunder Bay
Department: 
Biorefining Research Institute
Application Deadline: 
Friday, October 29, 2021 - 4:30pm

Research Assistant Professor

Biorefining Research Institute

Thunder Bay Campus

Full Time, Contract

Competition # GEN-21-16

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for a Research Assistant Professor at the Biorefining Research Institute. This position is not part of the Lakehead University Faculty Association.

Lakehead University is a comprehensive, research-intensive university, founded in 1956, with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. One of Lakehead’s founding faculties was the Faculty of Forestry, which is now the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. Lakehead’s location in the Boreal Forest has influenced our extensive involvement in forest-based research and more recently in biomass and Biorefining research.

The Senate-approved Biorefining Research Institute (BRI) is the only academic institution of its kind that mobilizes the expertise, experience, and passion of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary research team to the benefit of the Canadian forest industry. The BRI features state-of-the-art facilities and well-equipped laboratories on Lakehead’s Thunder Bay campus with extensive space for research and graduate student supervision. Established in 2008 as a special initiative of the Ontario government, the BRI maintains strong collaboration with academic and industry partners, including the Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-economy (CRIBE), FPInnovations, and the Mass Timber Institute.

The BRI’s 2019-2024 Strategic Plan outlines its commitment to contributing to the environmental sustainability and socio-economic prosperity of Northern Ontario through the primary pillars of engagement and collaboration, research and development, and training of highly qualified personnel. The research outcomes of the BRI are well-aligned with Lakehead’s research priorities, in particular (1) First Nations, Metis and Inuit Research; (2) Informatics, New Materials and Technologies; and (3) Sustainability, Resources and the Environment. 

The BRI is seeking a well-qualified, independent researcher, who will contribute to the research goals of the Institute. This position is for three years, renewable depending on performance. Duties are entirely research and innovation focused. There are no teaching duties assigned to this position. The selected candidate is expected to supervise/cos-supervise graduate students, apply for funding, and conduct research independently and collaboratively with other BRI associate members. The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree and preferably post-doctoral experience in a relevant field to biorefining, evidence of independent research in biorefining, and supervision of graduate students (if applicable).

The area of research includes thermal and chemical conversion of lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses of woody biomass to value-added chemicals and materials, e.g., polymeric films, composites, fine chemicals, and polymers, that are suitable for the industry in Ontario and Canada. The candidate should have solid evidence of contributions to the forest Biorefining field.

More information on the Biorefining Research Institute is available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/research-and-innovation/facilities-centres/bri

Interested applicants are invited to submit a single pdf document quoting competition

# GEN-21-16, containing a cover letter, resume, a three-year research plan (maximum three pages), copies or links to their most significant publications, along with the contact information of three work-related references by October 29, 2021 to:

Office of Human Resources

Email:  careers@lakeheadu.ca 

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.