Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources
The University of Western Ontario
CANADA EXCELLENCE RESEARCH CHAIR
IN
Environmentally Friendly Processing of Canadian Petroleum Resources and Biofuels
Applications are invited for the prestigious Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in “Environmentally Friendly Processing of Canadian Petroleum Resources and Biofuels” (http://www.cerc.gc.ca/cpov-pcap-eng.shtml).
The Chair will be based in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at The University of Western Ontario and directly associated with the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR). It is expected that the Chair will closely collaborate also with the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC) and the Particle Technology Research Centre (PTRC). We seek to hire a leading global researcher and scholar in the field of environmentally friendly processing of petroleum resources and biofuels who will focus the research on an integrated approach to heavy oil and oil sands upgrading and biomass conversion to biofuels. The successful candidate will be chosen in accordance with the regulations set for the Chair program, with appointment dependent upon success in this final phase of the Chair competition, which will award $10 million over 7 years to support the research program of the successful nominees. Appointment will be tenured and at the level of Full Professor.
The Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering is one of four departments in Western Engineering. Situated in picturesque London, Ontario, a city strategically located in close proximity to Toronto and large centres in the United States of America, The University of Western Ontario is known to be a research-intensive university. The field of “Environmental Sustainability and Green Energy” has been identified as one of ten signature research areas for The University. The CERC will have an academic appointment to the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, as well as an affiliate appointment to ICFAR. Research and office space will be provided at ICFAR, a new Institute designed to bridge university bench-top research with industrial application in the area of chemicals and fuels from alternative resources.
As outlined in the CERC guidelines, we seek candidates who can demonstrate success as: an outstanding and innovative researcher, with demonstrated groundbreaking societal and economic impacts in environmentally friendly processing of petroleum resources and biofuels; an internationally recognized world leader in hydrocarbon processing, with particular attention on technologies related to the production of transportation fuels and other refined hydrocarbons; a scholar with a superior potential of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering, or in a related engineering discipline, and will have demonstrated an outstanding record of R&D accomplishments and impact. The CERC will be expected to further develop Western’s profile in this area of research; collaborate with existing faculty; attract additional and on-going external research funding; supervise graduate students; instruct in undergraduate and graduate courses; and participate in other educational and professional activities. The candidate will be expected to participate in the normal administrative activities of the Department, Faculty and University. Commitment to or eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineer in Ontario is required for this appointment.
Those applying for this position should forward curriculum vitae and the names and addresses of three internationally recognized referees to:
Department Chair
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, N6A 5B9 Canada
We also welcome e-mail inquiries and submissions to: [log in to unmask]
Application end date is July 31, 2009 or until position is filled.
Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University of Western Ontario is committed to employment equity and welcomes applications from all qualified women and men, including visible minorities, aboriginal people and persons with disabilities. Position is subject to budget approval.