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​​​​​​​Department Head, Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba
Position #BR192/34760
Fort Garry Campus

The University of Manitoba is seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as their next Department Head, Department of Chemistry beginning July 1, 2025, or on a mutually agreed upon date. 

Since 1877, the University of Manitoba (UM) has been driving discovery and inspiring minds through innovative teaching and research excellence. UM attracts people from around the world who share our ideals and vision for positive change. We believe in embracing challenges and taking action. Our students, researchers, and alumni bring their unique voices to learning and discovery, shaping new ways of doing things, and contributing to important conversations in topics that matter most, from human rights to global health to climate change. We are where imagination and action collide. 

Recognized as Western Canada’s first university, The University of Manitoba is located in the city of Winnipeg and on the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. The University is honoured to have been chosen to host and partner with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. It is committed to Indigenous achievement and to making Manitoba a global centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages and cultures.  The University of Manitoba is the province’s only medical doctoral institution and is a member of Canada's U15 group of research-intensive universities. The university offers a robust and diverse suite of over 100 graduate programs taught by award-winning professors and in partnerships with over 40 research centres and institutes. The University generates more than $1.7 billion in annual economic activity and attracts 200 million dollars annually in sponsored research income. The university’s culturally diverse community is home to over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, of which 22% are international students representing over 121 countries.  In addition to two main campuses – Fort Garry and Bannatyne – UM has multiple satellite sites throughout the province and research settings around the world. The University features new, modern facilities complemented by historic buildings that have defined the campus for more than a century. 

The Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba is the largest in the province of Manitoba and the only department with a doctoral program of graduate study. The undergraduate program, which is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry, offers majors and honours degrees as well as a co-op option. The research programs available in the Department of Chemistry range from theoretical chemistry on the fundamental nature of how molecules undergo chemical reactions, to the synthesis, design and characterization of new materials with unique properties and applications, and encompass the synthesis,  isolation and characterization of novel new biologically active organic molecules. 

For over 50 years, the Department of Chemistry has also shared responsibility with the Department of Microbiology to deliver the UM undergraduate program in Biochemistry.  The Biochemistry program adds a unique breadth to the educational offerings of the department and is supported by two Tier 1 CRC Chairs in biochemistry. These research programs encompass studies on the structure and function of large protein complexes, interaction and regulation of critical biomolecules such as enzymes and RNA, and advances in chemical biology that can generate novel functional proteins.  Together, these chemistry and biochemistry programs create a vibrant and diverse environment for research and education. The department is supported by 20 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty members, 8 instructors, and 15 support staff.

The Role

Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Science, the University of Manitoba is seeking a Department Head with a commitment to facilitating capacity-building and momentum over the long term, and who can work collaboratively with supportive colleagues and a forward-looking Dean to develop a departmental vision for the future. The Department Head is an integral part of the Faculty’s team and will provide direction by overseeing the implementation and evaluation of the department’s strategic plan and managing the department. The Department Head will be relied upon to communicate with administration at various  levels, to act as an advocate for the chemistry department, and to represent and tend to the research and teaching needs of various individuals and interests. The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening and maintaining an environment that promotes inclusiveness, participation and equity in the department and the Faculty. A key priority for the Department Head will be the responsibility for improving the reputation of the department outside of Manitoba, leading to increased graduate enrolment and funding. This position will provide an opportunity to help shape our future direction and vision within a dynamic and collegial department. You'll work alongside emerging and established researchers in chemistry and biochemistry who maintain strong interdisciplinary and international partnerships. 

The Ideal Candidate 

Recognizing that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Eligible for full-time appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure.
• A substantial track record of achievement in scholarly work and teaching.
• Demonstrated achievement in collaboration involving such activities as faculty mentorship, collaborative teaching and learning, and curriculum organization.
• Experience in the recruitment, appointment and promotion of colleagues.
• Notable contributions to department, college, faculty and university service are desirable, as well as experience managing resources and staff in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism and decolonial practices.

Complete application should include:

• Curriculum vitae
• A 2–3-page cover letter summarizing their approach towards departmental leadership and administration
• A 1-page description of their teaching philosophy 
• A 1-page research plan summary 
• Contact information for three references. 
• The cover letter and other documents should explicitly detail how principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) are integrated into the applicant's leadership/administrative role, teaching, and research. 

The application review process will begin November 30, 2024 and remain open until position is filled. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
 
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17279656962139646ejo.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access & participation, and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion, and tenure (where applicable) for systemically  marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University, and the larger community, including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other diverse sexual identities).

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the commitment to equity, access and participation, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically, and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including training in best practices for equity in hiring for all hiring panels (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant’s record of scholarly works and/or research achievement. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.

We encourage you to self-identify aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently underrepresented viewpoints, expertise, and forms of excellence to this role. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that  curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process. 

Should you require accommodation to participate fully in the recruitment process, please inform KBRS at accommodate@kbrs.ca. To learn more about the Office of Equity Transformation at the University of Manitoba please click https://umanitoba.ca/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/office-equity-transformation.