The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is Canada’s most prestigious Research Chair program. It is designed to attract the top tier of world-class researchers and their teams to launch ambitious research programs at Canadian universities, with the goal to advance the Government of Canada’s science, technology and innovation priorities.

The University of Guelph welcomes applications from world-leading researchers in the field of Biodiversity Genomics to the 2026 CERC competition, offering chairholders the opportunity to launch ambitious and impactful research programs, and build a critical mass of expertise to further Canada’s growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. Preference will be given to applications from individuals whose country of residence and current appointment/employment is outside of Canada at the time of nomination; however, strong applicants currently employed in Canada will also be considered. Applicants currently employed in Canada must demonstrate how moving from their current institution to the University of Guelph will result in a net benefit to Canada.

Candidates must be full professors (or equivalent) or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, candidates must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at this level. Please consult the CERC website for full program information, including details on eligibility. A Ph.D. in Biology or a related field is required by the University of Guelph.

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Biodiversity Genomics
The University of Guelph invites applications for a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Biodiversity Genomics. This position aims to advance fundamental and applied research in biodiversity genomics, addressing critical challenges related to global change and environmental sustainability. The CERC program offers universities award values of either $8 million or $4 million over eight years to support world‑renowned researchers and their teams. The CERC in Biodiversity Genomics has a value of $4 million over 8 years.

Building on Our Strengths and Forging New Frontiers
Applicants should demonstrate how their research can integrate with and enhance the existing strengths of the University of Guelph’s and Department of Integrative Biology’s biodiversity and genomics initiatives, particularly the world-renowned Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). The CBG provides global leadership in biodiversity discovery and will be a key institutional partner in supporting the research vision and long-term success of the CERC. We seek researchers who can extend current DNA barcoding and derived technologies in which we have world-leading strengths and incorporate comprehensive, integrative genomics research and cutting-edge technologies that expand our understanding of biodiversity.

Areas of Interest and Innovation
Applicants are encouraged to investigate current faculty profiles in the Department of Integrative Biology and College of Biological Science and propose novel research directions that fit within, integrate among, or otherwise complement the Department of Integrative Biology’s three primary research pillars of ecology, evolution, and comparative animal physiology. We invite candidates whose work is interdisciplinary, and we are eager to advance research that addresses the global biodiversity crisis, supports environmental resilience, and informs policy and management strategies. These themes may include, but are not limited to:

Population, community and landscape level genomics, addressing evolutionary responses and adaptation under global change

Genomics applications in conservation, sustainable land management, and ecological restoration

Whole-genome sequencing across diverse taxonomic groups and ecosystems, exploring microbial, plant, animal, and fungi biodiversity—in aquatic, terrestrial, polar, urban (etc.) ecosystems—through innovative and broadly applicable genomic approaches

Developing new technologies and methodologies in biodiversity genomics to facilitate real-world applications in industry, government, and policy

Environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and other high-throughput genomic tools for ecosystem-wide assessments

Syntheses of genomic databases using advanced bioinformatics and data analytics

The University of Guelph offers extensive research infrastructure to support the CERC’s vision. Chief among these is the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG), which anchors Canada’s leadership in biodiversity genomics and will play a central role in enabling the success of the CERC. In addition, candidates will benefit from the Advanced Analysis Centre (Genomics facility, Phytotron, Mass Spec, Imaging facility, NMR, etc.), Centre for Ecosystem Management, Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis, Microbiome Preservation and Analysis Research Center (MiPARC), Hagen Aqualab, Arboretum, and field research stations including Ontario Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) sites, among others.

Candidate Profile
We welcome applicants across the biological sciences, genomics, biotechnology, and related disciplines. This CERC position offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative research with far-reaching societal impacts. A successful applicant will be an established and internationally distinguished leader in the field of biodiversity genomics with a record of excellence, innovation, and impactful work. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to develop and lead large-scale, interdisciplinary collaborative projects, including demonstrated success securing substantial research funding, and provide evidence for fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in project teams. Further, a strong record of collaboration with industry, government, or community partners is an asset. Finally, applicants should demonstrate their commitment to training the next generation of scientists and building inclusivity and equity in biodiversity science.