Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Comparative Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo

Job Description

The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Comparative Animal Physiology, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research examines how animals function across levels of biological organization, from molecular and cellular mechanisms to whole-organism performance. The successful candidate will develop an innovative, externally funded research program using integrative and comparative approaches. Of particular interest are research programs that advance our understanding of the interconnected health of animals and their environments, with potential relevance to human wellbeing. Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to, physiological responses to environmental change, stress physiology, environmental toxicology and metabolism. Candidates using diverse animal models, particularly aquatic vertebrates, are encouraged to apply.  

We are interested in applicants whose research programs use animal models that would meaningfully engage with and contribute to the long-term vitality of Waterloo’s Aquatic Threats in Environmental Research (WATER) facility (https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/resources-and-services/water-facility), imaging facilities (https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/resources-and-services/confocal-microscopy-facility), and Waterloo Genomics Surveillance Centre (https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/resources-and-services/waterloo-genomics-surveillance-centre) Research programs that integrate field, laboratory, and mechanistic approaches to advance understanding of animal and environmental health, with potential relevance to environmental sustainability and conservation, are especially welcome.

Candidate qualifications 

·  Applicants must hold a PhD in biology, physiology, biomedical science, or a closely related discipline. A minimum of one year postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience is expected. 

·  A strong record of innovative, peer-reviewed research and clear potential to establish an internationally recognized, independent research program. 

·  Demonstrated potential to secure and sustain external research funding and to build productive collaborations within and beyond the University. 

·  Commitment to excellent, inclusive undergraduate and graduate teaching, mentorship, and trainee development. 

·  Ability to contribute constructively to service and collegial governance in a collaborative academic environment. 

Research environment 

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary, research-intensive department with strengths spanning physiology and cell biology, biochemistry, computational biology, microbiology, and ecology and evolution. Opportunities exist for collaboration across the Faculty of Science and with interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Water Institute, the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, and the Waterloo Climate Institute. 

Teaching and mentorship 

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in comparative and integrative physiology and related areas. Depending on departmental needs and the candidate's expertise, teaching may include foundational biology, comparative animal physiology, and human physiology.  Additional potential teaching contributions may include cell and molecular biology, and biodiversity and evolution. The candidate will not be expected to teach in all the areas listed above. The appointee will help sustain and modernize high-demand physiology instruction across Honours Biology, and Biomedical Sciences. They will also supervise and mentor undergraduate researchers, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars, and contribute research-informed, experiential learning opportunities. Additional information is available about the undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered by the Department of Biology (https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/degrees-and-programs), and associated courses.  

About Waterloo 

The University of Waterloo is located in the vibrant two-university Region of Waterloo in southwestern Ontario, approximately 100 km from Toronto. Waterloo and the surrounding region are recognized for innovation and entrepreneurship and offer extensive opportunities for academic, clinical, governmental, and industry collaboration. Additional information is available from the Department of Biology (https://uwaterloo.ca/biology/) and the Faculty of Science https://uwaterloo.ca/science.  

The Salary range for this position at the Assistant Professor rank is $105,000 to $125,000 per year.  

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted online through the University of Waterloo's Online Faculty Application System (https://ofas.uwaterloo.ca/). Applications received by December 15th, 2026 will receive full consideration; review will continue until the position is filled. 

Please include the following materials: 

·  A cover letter describing how your expertise, proposed research program, and teaching interests align with the position. 

·  A curriculum vitae. 

·  A research statement or proposal (maximum three pages, plus up to one page of references). 

·  A teaching and mentoring statement describing your teaching philosophy, relevant experience, and how you would foster an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning and research environment (maximum two pages). 

·  Up to five representative recent publications. 

·  The names, affiliations, and institutional email addresses of three referees. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Paul Craig, Chair, Department of Biology. Questions regarding the position, application process, assessment process, or eligibility may be directed to [email protected]. 

Land acknowledgement 

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. 

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility 

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women, and/or 2SLGBTQ+. 

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Jennifer Lehman ([email protected])  

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo