McGill University’s Department of Animal Science invites applications for an Industry Research Chair (NSERC-Novalait) in the area of Longevity of Dairy Herds. The Chair will play a key role in the department’s growing group of researchers with international leadership in the area of dairy-herd management. The candidate should have international expertise and a strong record of academic excellence in a fundamental discipline such as dairy-herd management, animal welfare and behavior, cow comfort, or animal health and longevity with a view to improving the profitability of dairy farms while respecting industry and consumer concerns for animal well-being. The Chair holder is expected to develop and maintain an internationally-renowned independent research program, supported by external research funds, while also playing a key collaborative role with many concurrent multidisciplinary academic endeavors such as assisted reproductive technologies, genetic selection studies, health management, agricultural engineering, farm economics, and sustainable agriculture and food security. The Candidate would contribute to teaching programs in the Department of Animal Science, and supervise and train graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. A thorough understanding of, and interaction with, the local dairy industry is critical to a successful program; to this end, an ability (or a commitment to learn) to communicate in French would be a strong asset.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is committed to keeping Canada at the forefront of the global race in science and innovation. Its national network and expertise with the research community is seen as a bridge to help access Canada’s wealth of R&D knowledge, people and facilities, and to use the academic research system as a competitive edge. The objective of the Industrial Research Chairs (IRC) is to assist universities in pursuing new directions, or in building on existing strengths to achieve the critical mass required for a major research endeavour in science and engineering of interest to industry.
The industry partner – Novalait Inc. – is jointly owned and operated by the Dairy Producers and Processors of Québec. Its goal is the promotion, development and furthering of knowledge and innovation with a view to ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the dairy industry in Québec.
McGill’s Department of Animal Science has solid links with industry, and has access to large and small animal research facilities including modern surgical units. The Department is equipped with an array of laboratories and equipment to carry out fundamental research in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, nutrition, bioinformatics, and food safety. Depending on the individual’s research strengths, there is extensive potential for research interaction with other units such as the Departments of Plant Science, Bioresource Engineering, Natural Resource Sciences, as well as the Institute of Parasitology, the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, the McGill School of Environment, the Dairy Information Systems Group and the McGill Nutrition and Food Science Centre. In addition, there is a strong history of collaboration with other Universities and Research Centres throughout Québec and further afield. The Farm, which includes an 88-tie stall Cattle Complex, is situated directly on Campus and offers exceptional opportunities for observational and experimental research in dairy cows. In addition to its research mission, the dairy herd ranks among the highest in the Province of Québec for both production and reproductive performance. Valacta – Québec’s Centre of Expertise in Dairy Production – is also situated on Campus and there are strong collaborations between Valacta and the Department of Animal Science.
The Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is located on the Macdonald Campus, 30 km from Montreal’s city centre and the downtown Campus. It is in close proximity to the Montreal life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. The Campus comprises 650 hectares which, in addition to the farm, houses the Morgan Arboretum, the Emile A. Lods Agronomy Research Centre, experimental field stations, and modern student facilities (libraries and active-learning teaching laboratories). The Faculty has an exceptionally strong record in research, and graduate and undergraduate training in agricultural, environmental, food, and human nutrition sciences, as well as molecular biology, biotechnology and bioresource engineering. The Faculty actively supports inter-disciplinary teaching and research, and contributes to McGill’s global leadership position through numerous international research and field training programs. Additional information concerning McGill, its Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Animal Science can be found on their respective web sites (www.mcgill.ca, www.mcgill.ca/macdonald, and www.mcgill.ca/animal).
The appointment is expected to be made at the senior level (although exceptional junior candidates may also be considered). Applications, including a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and research interests, as well as the names of three references (who would only be contacted, after seeking permission, in the final stages of the process), should be submitted to:
Dr. Kevin Wade, Chair, Search Committee
Department of Animal Science, McGill University
Macdonald Campus, 21111 Lakeshore Road
Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 CANADA
or sent electronically to
kevin.wade@mcgill.ca
The closing date for applications is September 17, 2012.
McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities and others who may contribute to further diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.