Canada Excellence Research Chair in Environmental Sustainability of Beef
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) invites applications from world-leading researchers for the prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) 2026 competition. The CERC program is intended to support internationally leading researchers in establishing ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. Chairholders are appointed for eight years, with award values of either $4 million or $8 million.
The CERC program uses a two-stage process, where applicants must first apply to the job posting at USask. The successful applicant from the first stage will then proceed to the second stage and will co-develop an application with USask for the 2026 CERC competition. USask will provide substantial institutional support for the development of the application to the CERC program.
RESEARCH ALIGNMENT
USask welcomes applications from outstanding established researchers in the following area:
Environmental Sustainability of Beef
The integration of genomics, precision agriculture, and systems-based approaches is reshaping the future of sustainable livestock production. The application of genomic tools to improve the environmental footprint of beef production is critical, particularly in the context of global climate challenges and food security. These approaches include innovations in genomic selection, microbiome science, antimicrobial stewardship, and data-driven decision-making in animal health and production systems.
USask has a distinguished history in veterinary medicine, animal science, and agricultural innovation, advancing institutional signature areas of research in Agriculture, One Health, and Water. USask is home to world-renowned research facilities, including Vaccine and Infection Disease Organization (VIDO); Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE); Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS); Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS); and Canadian Light Source (CLS).
USask invites applications for a CERC in Environmental Sustainability of Beef. The successful candidate will be an internationally recognized scholar whose research program will advance the frontiers of genomics-enabled livestock production and focus on sustainability, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-smart agriculture.
The ideal candidate will have an established world-leading research program in one or more of the following areas: genomics-enabled breeding and health management in beef cattle; antimicrobial resistance and microbiome research in livestock systems; climate-smart and sustainable beef production practices; precision livestock farming and digital agriculture; and policy and systems approaches to sustainable food systems. Relevant disciplinary backgrounds may include a blend of veterinary medicine, animal science, genomics, microbiology, environmental science, agricultural engineering, and computational biology.
USask is home to a critical mass of researchers in animal genomics, microbiology, veterinary epidemiology, sustainable agriculture, and bioinformatics. The USask Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) leads foundational research in bovine health, reproduction, and production medicine and will serve as the academic home for the CERC. The CERC will join and lead a dynamic academic community with strong linkages across the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, WCVM, and VIDO to enhance existing research strengths at USask and position the university as a global hub for sustainable beef genomics and livestock health innovation.
ELIGIBILITY
The nominee must be a full professor or associate professor expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, the nominee must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. As per USask requirements, the successful candidate will have a doctoral degree (or equivalent).
Researchers who hold a full-time academic appointment at a Canadian institution are eligible to be nominated; however, they may not be nominated by the institution at which they currently hold their appointment. If an institution nominates a researcher who is currently at a Canadian institution, the nominating institution must demonstrate the net benefit to the country in moving the researcher from one Canadian institution to another.
The successful nominee will have up to 12 months to take up their appointment as chairholder at the host institution after the Notice of Award has been accepted by the nominating institution and the nominee.
Life circumstances such as illness, disability, family and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or COVID 19 impacts) are an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a nominee’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions. These impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
USask encourages applications from individuals from all underrepresented, equity-seeking, rights-seeking populations, including racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
ABOUT USASK
USask is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive university. USask’s main campus is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The university has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 26,000.
USask is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and is proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. USask is dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, applicants should provide the following:
- A cover letter that outlines
- the applicant’s alignment with the advertised position
- the applicant’s research theme area
- A detailed curriculum vitae
- An outline of the proposed research program, including how equity, diversity, and inclusion principles will be embedded in the program (two pages maximum)
- A summary of the applicant’s most significant contributions to their field, including how these contributions have led to societal changes and how they connect with the proposed research program (two pages maximum)
- Names and contact information for three referees willing to provide reference letters
Applications must be submitted using USask’s Applicant Tracking System. Click on the “Apply Now” button (top left of page). Visit here for tips on applying and instructions on how to apply. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey.
Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on August 20, 2025.
This posting may be used to identify Canada Research Chair nominees.
Nominations will be subject to the Government of Canada’s Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC), which applies to this funding opportunity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position is contingent upon the nominee being awarded a CERC through the program’s peer review process. The CERC is tenable for eight years, subject to the chairholder fulfilling their reporting and mid-term evaluation requirements and is non-renewable. Full program details can be found on the program’s website (https://www.cerc.gc.ca/program-programme/competitions-concours/2026/index-eng.aspx).
USask is committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. Accommodations are available for all applicants who require them throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact Bonnie Hughes (bonnie.hughes@usask.ca).
General inquiries regarding this posting can be directed to rasi.support@usask.ca.
Department: Vice-President (Research)
Posted Date: 7/4/2025
Closing Date: 8/20/2025
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments, and we are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan. 