Chemistry – Assistant Professor (Organic Chemistry) – Western University

The Department of Chemistry at The University of Western Ontario (Western) invites applications for a full-time probationary (tenure track) faculty position in Organic Chemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor. Specific areas of research interest include, but are not limited to, synthetic chemical biology, biomaterials, biopolymers, and the de novo design of biomolecular materials. Related applications could include: exploration of biological function, medicine, and for support of sustainability of industry. Such areas represent excellent opportunities for multidisciplinary approaches with existing areas of strength at Western e.g., musculoskeletal research, neuroscience, imaging, sustainability, and interfacial science. The successful candidate is expected to pursue innovative, independent research and to establish an outstanding, competitively funded research program that will be able to leverage externally funded research with industry partners.

Consideration of applications will begin October 31, 2023, with the intent that the successful
candidate will join Western’s faculty effective July 1, 2024, or as negotiated. Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning. As a community leader we understand that our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization are mutually supporting and contribute to our pursuit of research excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives; applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression are encouraged to apply.

Candidates will have a PhD degree in Chemistry with a demonstrated record of excellence in research. Additional experience as a postdoctoral researcher or equivalent is required. The successful candidate will contribute to the teaching excellence of the department in organic chemistry, including synthetic and bioorganic chemistry, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to the research training of undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. The interest and ability to develop courses in collaboration with the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Biomedical Science degrees, would be an asset. Evidence of impactful contributions to teaching, mentorship and leadership activities is a strong asset.

The Department of Chemistry (https://www.uwo.ca/chem/) is a research-intensive department in Western’s Faculty of Science (https://www.uwo.ca/sci/), with both undergraduate and graduate programs. Our Department is home to 33 faculty, including 10 current or former Canada Research Chairs and NSERC Industrial Research Chairs. Chemistry at Western has core research strengths in molecular and macromolecular materials, surface and interfacial chemistry and corrosion science.

Western Chemistry has comprehensive in-house core infrastructure including: NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Western is home to Surface Science Western (https://www.surfacesciencewestern.com), the Western Nanofabrication Facility
(https://nanofab.uwo.ca/) and the Tandetron Accelerator Facility (http://www.isw.physics.uwo.ca/), offering access to the latest in analysis technology and techniques for characterization of surfaces, materials and nanomaterials. Western researchers also have access to the BioCORE facility (https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/biocore/) to support research in the area of protein structure and function. In addition, Western has strong ties to the Canadian Light Source.

With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. The University is highly ranked in the QS World University Rankings of top global universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. Further information about Western can be found at http://www.uwo.ca/.

Western University is a prominent academic institution routinely ranked as a top research-intensive university in Canada and is committed to excel as a leading research institution internationally. Western University has a full-time enrollment of about 34,000 students in a range of academic and professional programs. Further information about Western can be found at http://www.uwo.ca/. The university campus is located in London Ontario, a thriving city of 422,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. With parks, river valleys, tree-lined streets, and bicycle paths, London is known as the “Forest City”. London has a reasonable cost-of-living, and boasts an international airport, galleries, theatre, and hosts a variety of music and sporting events (see https://www.ledc.com/why-london).

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants should submit a complete application package electronically as one pdf file, that includes (in the indicated order):

1. A completed Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form (available at https://www.uwo.ca//facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf)
2. A cover letter addressing how your expertise and proposed research fit this position
3. An up-to-date curriculum vitae
4. A description of research interests and plan (maximum of 4 pages), including possible funding sources and partners (academic and industrial)
5. A teaching and mentoring statement including how you will contribute to an equitable, diverse and inclusive (EDI) academic environment (maximum of 2 pages). Evidence of teaching, mentorship or and leadership excellence may also be included
6. Contact details of at least three professionals who can provide letters of support upon request.

The application package can be sent to:

Chair of the Search Committee
REF: 0003
Department of Chemistry
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
Email: chem.search@uwo.ca

Posting number: 2023-049

Complete applications will be reviewed starting October 31, 2023.

Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to list career disruptions and explain the impact of these career interruptions on their record of performance, if applicable.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Chair of Search Committee, via chem.search@uwo.ca.