Canada Research Chair; Tier II) in Functional Tissue Biomechanics University

Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Functional Tissue Biomechanics
University of Calgary

The University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) invites applications for a Tier II CIHR Canada Research Chair in Functional Tissue Biomechanics. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure track) and will be nominated for a CIHR Tier II CRC. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will establish and lead an externally funded, transdisciplinary research program that complements and enhances existing strengths in biomechanics research across the faculties of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine (Cumming School of Medicine), Engineering (Schulich School of Engineering), and Kinesiology. The research program will have a veterinary-centered focus on advancing musculoskeletal health in animal species while generating knowledge with translational relevance to human medicine.

Areas of interest include understanding how mechanical loading influences the structure, function, adaptation, and degeneration of load-bearing tissues, including cartilage, bone, tendon, and ligament, and how these processes contribute to musculoskeletal health, injury, and disease.

The Chair will leverage innovative approaches in biomechanics, mechanobiology, computational modeling, imaging, molecular sciences, and related disciplines to link functional measures of joint and tissue mechanics with biological markers of adaptation and disease. The research program is expected to embrace a One Health perspective, using naturally occurring disease in veterinary patients to advance fundamental understanding, improve animal health outcomes, and inform new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in both animals and humans.

Building on the University of Calgary’s unique strengths in veterinary medicine, comparative health research, and musculoskeletal science, the Chair will contribute to establishing UCalgary as a global leader in veterinary-driven musculoskeletal discovery.

Applicants may come from a range of disciplines, including veterinary medicine, biomechanics, mechanobiology, musculoskeletal biology, biomedical engineering, computational biology, or related fields, and should demonstrate a commitment to collaborative and translational research.

Candidates must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant area of biomechanics research. Postdoctoral training experience is strongly preferred. Applicants should demonstrate a record of impactful research appropriate to their career stage, evidenced by high-quality publications and the potential to secure external research funding. The selected applicant will join the UCVM, with a joint appointment in CSM with full membership in the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health.

The research environment prioritizes transdisciplinary research initiatives.

The selected applicant needs to demonstrate an ability and willingness to build connections with investigators across UCVM and the University of Calgary in such initiatives. In addition to fostering a thriving training program, the selected candidate will participate in undergraduate, DVM programme and graduate level teaching.

Experience in teaching and innovative educational approaches, course development and coordination, and a demonstrated record of impact in undergraduate and graduate teaching will be an asset. The selected applicant will also have opportunities to be involved in administrative and service activities that affect the UCVM community.