Canada Excellence Research Chair in Environmental Sustainability of Beef

Canada Excellence Research Chair in Environmental Sustainability of Beef

The (USask) invites applications from world-leading researchers for the prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) 2026 competition. The is intended to support internationally leading researchers in establishing ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. Chairholders are appointed for eight years, with award values of either $4 million or $8 million.

The CERC program uses a two-stage process, where applicants must first apply to the job posting  successful applicant from the first stage will then proceed to the second stage and will co-develop an application with USask for the 2026 CERC competition. USask will provide substantial institutional support for the development of the application to the CERC program.

RESEARCH ALIGNMENT

USask welcomes applications from outstanding established researchers in the following area:

Environmental Sustainability of Beef

The integration of genomics, precision agriculture, and systems-based approaches is reshaping the future of sustainable livestock production. The application of genomic tools to improve the environmental footprint of beef production is critical, particularly in the context of global climate challenges and food security. These approaches include innovations in genomic selection, microbiome science, antimicrobial stewardship, and data-driven decision-making in animal health and production systems.

USask has a distinguished history in veterinary medicine, animal science, and agricultural innovation, advancing institutional signature areas of research in Agriculture, One Health, and Water. USask is home to world-renowned research facilities, including Vaccine and Infection Disease Organization (VIDO);
Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE);
Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS);
Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS); and Canadian Light Source (CLS).

USask invites applications for a CERC in Environmental Sustainability of Beef. The successful candidate will be an internationally recognized scholar whose research program will advance the frontiers of genomics-enabled livestock production and focus on sustainability, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-smart agriculture.

The ideal candidate will have an established world-leading research program in one or more of the following areas: genomics-enabled breeding and health management in beef cattle; antimicrobial resistance and microbiome research in livestock systems; climate-smart and sustainable beef production practices; precision livestock farming and digital agriculture; and policy and systems approaches to sustainable food systems. Relevant disciplinary backgrounds may include a blend of veterinary medicine, animal science, genomics, microbiology, environmental science, agricultural engineering, and computational biology.

USask is home to a critical mass of researchers in animal genomics, microbiology, veterinary epidemiology, sustainable agriculture, and bioinformatics. The USask Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) leads foundational research in bovine health, reproduction, and production medicine and will serve as the academic home for the CERC. The CERC will join and lead a dynamic academic community with strong linkages across the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, WCVM, and VIDO to enhance existing research strengths at USask and position the university as a global hub for sustainable beef genomics and livestock health innovation.

ELIGIBILITY

The nominee must be a full professor or associate professor expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, the nominee must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. As per USask requirements, the successful candidate will have a doctoral degree (or equivalent).

Researchers who hold a full-time academic appointment at a Canadian institution are eligible to be nominated; however, they may not be nominated by the institution at which they currently hold their appointment. If an institution nominates a researcher…