Department of Veterinary Science

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Department of Veterinary Science
Associate Professor or Professor and Chair (Thunder Bay)

Reference # SES-2026-26-06

Lakehead University and the University of Guelph are collaborating to deliver the University of Guelph’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This partnership involves the initial two years of the program being hosted at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus. The first cohort is set to commence in September 2027. We are seeking applications for a tenure-track or tenured Associate Professor or Professor to serve as the inaugural Chair of the proposed Department of Veterinary Science at Lakehead University .

Responsibilities
As Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science within the faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, you will provide visionary leadership to the Department, ensuring its effective and collegial operation. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, collaborative leader with strong communication skills and a vision that sets the stage for inclusive and innovative teaching and learning, clinical skills training, and research within the department.

A key aspect of this role will involve close collaboration with the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and various administrative units at Lakehead University to deliver the collaborative DVM program. You will also be instrumental in engaging with local veterinary clinics and professionals in northwestern Ontario to enhance the program’s curricular and professional outcomes. You will play a pivotal role:
• in the recruitment of additional faculty and staff for the department, as well as providing leadership and mentorship to these junior faculty and staff members;
• overseeing the sourcing of cows, horses, sheep, and dogs for teaching purposes, and providing veterinary expertise during the construction of the new animal education facility to ensure it meets educational and animal welfare standards;
• developing experiential learning opportunities in community health clinics and primary healthcare settings, ensuring that hands-on training in Thunder Bay is equivalent to that offered in Guelph;
• establishing processes to deliver communication skills labs at Lakehead;
• adapting OVC’s animal use, lab safety, and health and safety protocols to meet the specific needs and requirements of Lakehead, ensuring compliance with local standards and practices.

In addition to the administrative role, you will lead an externally funded research program and contribute to teaching within your area of expertise. An Adjunct appointment to a relevant academic unit at Lakehead (e.g. Biology or Health Sciences) and the Ontario Veterinary College will be encouraged to provide the successful candidate opportunities for graduate student advising.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent, along with a doctoral degree (PhD or DVSc) and a strong record of scholarship in a related area. Board certification in a relevant clinical specialty would be considered an asset. Experience in managing or directing an academic unit at the post-secondary level and a proven track record of academic leadership are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate an established record of externally funded research and scholarly publications commensurate with the rank of Associate Professor or Professor.

Specializations:
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one of the following areas:

As a General Pathologist, you have a DVM or equivalent degree, completed a doctoral degree or an equivalent three-year training program, and have strong research training. Preference will be given to applicants who are eligible for phase II board certification or are board-certified by the American or European Colleges of Veterinary Pathologists. This position includes significant teaching responsibilities, and as such the incumbent should have strong skills in anatomic pathology and be an effective teacher in various aspects of anatomic pathology, such as in small seminars and/or traditional lecture and laboratory formats at the DVM and graduate levels. The new faculty is expected to develop an extramurally funded research program suitable for graduate education up to the PhD level.

As a Companion Animal Veterinarian with a demonstrated interest in veterinary professional communications, you have a DVM or equivalent degree, completed a doctoral degree, and have strong research training with a focus on companion animals. Training and experience in veterinary communications would be an asset. Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Your primary responsibilities will include overseeing the Veterinary Simulated-Client Communication program and teaching veterinary communications at Lakehead University. Additionally, you will lead practical instruction on handling, clinical examination, and anesthesia of companion animals. Your expertise will be crucial in facilitating student discussions on various topics related to companion animal practice and your passion for teaching and commitment to veterinary education will be instrumental in shaping the future of veterinary science at our university. The new faculty is expected to develop an extramurally funded research program suitable for graduate education up to the PhD level.

As a Large Animal Veterinarian specializing in animal health management, you hold a DVM or equivalent degree, have completed a doctoral degree, and possess robust research training. Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario. Your expertise should focus on ruminant, equine, and/or swine health management in a rural setting. We are seeking someone knowledgeable and passionate about sustainable and ethical practices in large animal herd health management, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and considerations of the veterinarian’s role in animal production. This position includes significant teaching responsibilities. The ideal candidate should be prepared to teach in courses covering ruminant, equine, and/or swine health management, large animal ethology, and One Health. Additionally, you will lead practical instruction on handling, clinical examination (including bovine palpations and obstetrics), and anesthesia of large animals. Your expertise will be crucial in facilitating student discussions on various topics related to large animal practice. Your passion for teaching and commitment to veterinary education will be instrumental in shaping the future of veterinary science at our university. The new faculty member is expected to develop an extramurally funded research program suitable for graduate education up to the PhD level.

Appointment Details:
This is a tenure-track or tenured position with an expected start date of Summer (May) 2025, but no later than September 2025. Appointment will follow procedures outlined in the LUFA collective agreement. The initial appointment as Chair will be for a three-year term, renewable for up to two additional 3-year terms.

Lakehead University and our Community
Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 9 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked as Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university and fifth in Canada, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings; as well as being ranked by The 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in the top 10 per cent globally for universities making an impact through a commitment to sustainability and positive societal change, and the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is recognized as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities in its category for the last decade (Research Info$ource). Aligned with our Strategic Plan, Research Plan, CRC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and Institutional EDI Action Plan, we are actively recruiting outstanding scholars to enhance and grow our research and innovation capacity. Situated in the diverse and multicultural communities of Thunder Bay and Orillia, our unique campuses and their locations inspire us to discover and innovate in exciting and non-traditional ways.

Lakehead has a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples.

For further information, please contact Dr. Todd Randall, Dean, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (dean.ses@lakeheadu.ca).

Application Process and Deadline:
Review of applications will commence on January 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates are required to submit a single PDF document containing the following:
1. A letter of interest.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including:
o Statement of teaching philosophy.
o Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of course delivery.
o Course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously taught courses.
4. Statement of a research plan, outlining current and future interests.
5. Copies of the three most significant publications.
6. A one-page statement outlining the candidate’s understanding and commitment to developing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive teaching and research environment.
7. Names and contact information of three references.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate a combination of previous administrative experience and the potential to lead the collaborative program with the University of Guelph. This should include the ability to build collaborative and respectful relationships in an academic unit or related community-based setting, as well as experience relevant to the Chair’s administrative responsibilities, such as supervising, advising, and mentoring faculty members and staff.

Additionally, applicants must include a completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, available on our website https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/hr/employment-opportunites.

Applicants should submit their electronic application quoting reference #SES-2025-26-06 to:

Dr. Todd Randall
Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
email: applications.ses@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Equity Statement
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

Lakehead University recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., maternity leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration in the assessment of the candidate. Candidates are encouraged to highlight how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted their research in their application. Lakehead also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, community-based research, other forms of scholarly expression, areas and/or research outputs; demonstrated experience in increasing diversity in the previous institutional environment, and in curriculum, is also an asset.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Please visit our Office of Human Rights and Equity website: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/departments/services/human-rights-and-equity and our Human Resources policies related to accommodations and supports: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/faculty-and-staff/policies/human-resources to explore all of the supports our organization provides to enable a strong and connected employment experience. Should an applicant require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at (807) 343-8334 or by emailing human.resources@lakeheadu.ca.

This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

1. pending final approval by Lakehead’s Senate and Board of Governors

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