Probationary (Tenure-Track) Faculty Position in Biology

[Sherri Fenton]

Probationary (Tenure-Track) Faculty Position in Biology

The Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science at The University of Western Ontario (Western) invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Synthetic Genomics at the rank of Assistant Professor (Probationary Tenure-track). The salary will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date will be July 1, 2022.

Applicants must possess a PhD in the area of Synthetic Genomics or a closely related field. The successful applicant will conduct world-class research using synthetic genomics to address fundamental biological questions about our understanding of complex biological systems and their interactions with the environment. The successful applicant will show exceptional promise in applying leading-edge technologies (such as, but not limited to, genome/genetic manipulation and/or editing, synthetic biology, single cell imaging, multi-omics, and bioinformatics) within the discipline of Synthetic Genomics making use of model or industrial organism[s] and/or system[s]. The successful applicant will have an outstanding record of research in the form of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, awards, invited talks, and other scholarly achievements, as appropriate for their career path and stage. Evidence of research impact and an emerging international research reputation will be considered strong assets, as will be the ability to attract external research funding.

The successful applicant will be expected to establish and maintain a strong, independent, externally funded research program, and to engage and collaborate with other Department members. The successful applicant will contribute to one or more of the world-class research clusters in the Department of Biology. (https://www.uwo.ca/biology/research/). The applicant’s research program may also benefit from alignment with Western’s core research strengths in Neuroscience/Brain and Mind, Imaging, Data Science, or Environmental Sustainability and Green Process Energy. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to research communities in Complex Adaptive Systems [CAS], bioethics [Rotman Institute of Philosophy], and Health, Ethics, Law, and Policy [HELP].

Western’s Department of Biology is an excellent environment for research and teaching, consisting of 33 research-active faculty, seven teaching-intensive faculty, and over 150 graduate students. Our Department’s undergraduate teaching environment includes Honors Specializations [four year programs] in Synthetic Biology, Biology, Genetics, and Genetics & Biochemistry. The successful applicant will contribute to teaching and research supervision at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and mentorship, and experience in providing other high-impact learning experiences will be considered assets. The successful applicant will be expected to engage in service to the University and the profession. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as evidence of leadership potential, also will be assets. We are seeking a candidate who is collaborative, collegial and community minded, who is keen to engage in the workings of the Department, and who is accessible to colleagues and students.

Our Department is home to a consortium of cutting edge research facilities. (https://www.uwo.ca/biology/research/biology_facilities/index.html). The successful applicant will benefit from the leading-edge and unique facilities within Biology and Western: Advanced Facility for Avian Research, The Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre. (https://uwo.ca/sci/research/biotron/). London Regional Genomics Centre, Brain and Mind Institute, and specialized facilities for imaging and microscopy. The Department and University also house analytical facilities for genomics, metabolomics, and chemical analyses, as well as an Environmental Sciences Western Field Station within 15 minutes driving distance of the main campus. (https://www.uwo.ca/esw/). The successful applicant may also benefit from and contribute to affiliate institutions such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive 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.

The university campus is in London Ontario, a city with a population of approximately 400,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. With an extensive park system, river valleys, tree-lined streets, and bicycle paths, London is known as the “Forest City”. London has a reasonable cost-of-living and hosts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music and sporting events.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package containing the following:

• Cover letter addressing how the applicant’s expertise fits this position and complements existing strengths in the Department of Biology at Western
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae
• Research Statement, including plans for research at Western (up to two pages)
• Statement on Teaching and Mentoring, including descriptions of past formal and informal mentorship experience and plans for mentorship and training at Western (up to two pages)
• Contact details of at least three referees
• Completed application form available at:
https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf
• Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and potential candidates are encouraged to list career disruptions. If feasible, candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact these career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.
• Applicants who would like to self-identify in one of the designated groups as outlined in the Diversity and Equity Statement below, can choose to self-identify in their cover letter.

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

The application package can be submitted via email to:

Dr. David Coltman, Professor and Chair
Department of Biology
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
EMAIL: hrbio@uwo.ca

Consideration of applications will begin on March 7, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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 hrbio@uwo.ca

Posted on Faculty Relations website January 28, 2022 (#2022-005)

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