Canada Impact + Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems

Primary Category Page: Faculty, Librarian and Veterinarian

Division: College of Engineering

Requisition : 2099

Position Title / Rank: Canada Impact + Research Chair in in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems

Department: G360

The University of Guelph invites applications for nomination to the prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, to be held at the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering in the College of Engineering. The Impact+ Research Chair will build on and enhance Morwick G360’s mandate to deliver impact-driven field-based groundwater research, integrating science, engineering, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making and long-term water security, and will have access to a state-of-the-science field-based research facility and classroom.

Candidates with an interest in contaminant behaviour in groundwater and a demonstrated ability to employ a broad range of hydrogeological and hydrogeophysical methods in research and teaching are preferred. These include quantitative field and laboratory measurements, subsurface investigations, and modern theoretical, computational, and data analysis approaches. Demonstrated experience in managing field-derived research datasets through collaborative projects with private- and public-sector partners is considered an asset.

This appointment offers a unique opportunity for a groundwater scientist or engineer to establish and lead an ambitious, high-impact research program addressing critical groundwater challenges across Canada and globally, including the impacts of climate change on groundwater systems, the energy transition and development of subsurface energy resources, and the cumulative spatial and temporal effects of industrial activities.

The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) program is a one-time initiative designed to support institutions in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders.

Impact+ Chair holders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization, and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.

The Impact+ program provides opportunities for internationally renowned scholars and scientists in areas of strategic importance to Canada. Only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake’s Final date to receive applications are eligible to apply. Nominees must be full professors or associate professors or, if recruited from outside the academic sector, must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels.

A Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to hydrogeology research and teaching is required by the University of Guelph.

The College of Engineering is recruiting a Canada Impact+ Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, at an award value of $500,000 per year, of which a minimum of $380,000/year will be available to fund the direct costs of the research activities of the chair holder and their team. The term is for 8 years, with the possibility for a four-year extension at 50% of the original award value.

The Impact+ Chair in Contaminant Behaviour in Bedrock Groundwater Systems, is aligned with the Impact+ strategic priority areas of environment and climate resilience, food and water security, environmental sustainability, clean technology, and community health.

• Research/academic merit and leadership skills of the nominee
• Quality of the institutional support
• Quality of the research program
• Potential contribution to the excellence of the Canadian and international research ecosystem
• Potential for knowledge translation, mobilization, and application of research results

The Government of Canada values knowledge mobilization, translation, and commercialization as critical pathways to ensuring research delivers tangible benefits at both national and global levels. Impact+ Chairs are expected to move beyond discovery to generate social, economic, and policy impacts, working in close collaboration with partners across various sectors. Successful nominees will have the primary responsibility for directing the research program and all related activities, leading a team of personnel, and coordinating governance and…