Assistant Professor, Bacteriology

Assistant Professor, Bacteriology
University of Calgary

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) at the University of Calgary invites applications for an academic position in the area of bacteriology. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of  Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research)(tenure track). The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027 or a mutually agreed upon date.

Position Description

Bacterial infections pose significant threats to animal health and welfare, wildlife conservation, and agricultural production worldwide. We invite applications from emerging leaders in  veterinary bacteriology with demonstrated expertise in one or more areas, including but not limited to, bacterial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions,  molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence and disease, and bacterial host specificity and adaptation . Both fundamental and translational research on the control and prevention of bacterial diseases of animals are encouraged . The selected applicant is expected to establish an externally funded research program, ideally involving interdisciplinary collaborations, and to complement current strengths in infection biology research in the faculty of Veterinary Medicine and other faculties on campus. The University of Calgary hosts cutting-edge core facilities, including high-throughput sequencing facilities, rodent facilities for handling animal and human pathogens, facilities for large-animal handling and research, and a newly renovated Containment Level 3 facility. In addition to fostering a thriving training program, the selected candidate will participate in undergraduate, DVM program, and graduate level teaching in bacteriology or other relevant areas of the applicant's expertise.

Requirements

This appointment will be made at the rank of  Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research)(tenure track). in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

• DVM (or equivalent) and/or PhD (in bacteriology, biochemistry, infectious disease or a closely related field) Postdoctoral research experiences in bacteriology research demonstrated by a track record of peer-reviewed publications The potential to obtain external funding, including from Tri-Council. Interest in contributing to DVM, undergraduate and post-graduate teaching 

The selected applicant will join the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, with the possibility for adjunct appointments at other Faculties and membership with relevant Institutes, e.g. Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), or Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI). The research environment is multi-disciplinary and prioritizes transdisciplinary research initiatives. Experience with lecturing, content development and coordination, and mentorship/supervisory experience at the graduate and undergraduate student level will be an asset. The selected applicant will have opportunities to be involved in administrative and service activities that affect the UCVM community.

• Appointment at the rank of  Assistant Professor (tenure track)normally requires evidence or promise of original high-quality research and scholarship and future development as a scholar. Evidence or promise of the ability to obtain funding may also be required where appropriate. Evidence or promise of teaching proficiency or professional activity may also be required. Evidence of clinical experience may be required. 

UCVM employs a Distributed Veterinary Teaching Hospital model. Clinical practise opportunities may be possible for qualified DVM candidates. Guidance and support will be given in establishing relationships with local clinics, based on desires and opportunities available.

UCVM's AVMA accredited DVM program provides a comprehensive general veterinary education to approximately 100 students per year. UCVM is a research-intensive faculty with expanding research, graduate education, and advanced clinical trainee programs.

Descriptions of the Faculty, its programs, and its departments can be found at  Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) | University of Calgary ( .

The University of Calgary adheres to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and strives to evaluate research impact responsibly and inclusively by explicitly considering discipline-appropriate methods for demonstrating the quality, significance, and societal impact of a broad range of research contributions.

Application Instructions

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the 'Apply Now' link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments . Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following:

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (maximum 2 pages) Statement of teaching philosophy promoting student learning and success (maximum of 2 pages) Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (maximum 2 pages)

Questions may be addressed to:

Dr. John Soghigian PhD
View email address on nature.com

Applications are accepted until September 10, 2026.

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate's research productivity.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy (  ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments View email address on nature.com ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ( View email address on nature.com ).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

The terms and conditions of this appointment, including salary, are governed by the collective agreement between the Faculty Association of the University of Calgary and the Governors of the University of Calgary. Detailed information is available here ( 

About the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), Alberta's only veterinary school, has been addressing the province's need for skilled veterinary professionals since its inception in 2005.

Ranked among the top 35 veterinary programs worldwide, UCVM expanded its DVM program in September 2025, doubling student intake to 100 annually to meet the growing demand for veterinary expertise. This aligns with UCVM's mission to address veterinary, animal, and public health needs in Alberta and beyond.

With the expansion of UCVM's student cohort, the need for faculty and staff is imminent. UCVM's culture is progressive, innovative and collaborative.

UCVM is recognized globally for its pioneering curriculum and hands-on clinical training, UCVM operates on a unique distributive model, partnering with private practices and organizations to provide DVM students with workplace-based learning opportunities. UCVM offers a comprehensive DVM program, Graduate degrees (MSc, PhD), and specialized clinical training (internships, fellowships, residencies). Research at UCVM also spans critical areas such as infectious diseases, animal welfare, livestock and wildlife health, and reproductive medicine, offering students opportunities to drive groundbreaking discoveries and advance veterinary science.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups (Start something (today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.  

With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.