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 Molecular Biology of Plant Stress 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, 2021.

Applicants must possess a PhD in the area of Plant Biology or a closely related field. The successful candidate will conduct world-class research aimed at understanding plant-environment interactions. More specifically, the candidate will apply leading-edge technologies to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. It is expected that the candidate 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 candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a strong, independent, externally-funded research program, and to engage and collaborate with other Department members. The ability to make use of Western’s Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre, and contribute to its promotion and development, will be considered an asset. The candidate 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 candidate 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.

Western’s Department of Biology is an exceptional environment for research and teaching, consisting of 33 research-active faculty, seven teaching-intensive faculty, and over 150 graduate students. We have strong connections with our adjunct colleagues at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, which has a large research campus in London. Among several recognized areas of research strength in the Department, we boast a vibrant plant science community with world-class expertise in various areas relevant to this position, including plant ecology, plant-arthropod interactions, plant eco-physiology, and plant molecular biology and genomics. 

Our Department is home to a consortium of cutting edge research facilities (https://www.uwo.ca/biology/research/biology_facilities/index.html). The Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre (https://www.uwo.ca/sci/research/biotron/) features controlled-environment facilities to simulate a range of growing conditions, including over 30 growth chambers, roof-top glasshouses with CO₂ control, and insectaria, along with advanced imaging facilities. The Department and University also house analytical facilities for genomics, metabolomics, and chemical analyses, as well as a field station within 15 minutes driving distance of the main campus (http://www.uwo.ca/esw/).

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 500,000, 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, music and sporting events.

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

• Cover letter addressing how the candidate’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: http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position-Form.pdf

The application package can be submitted via email to:

Dr. Nusha Keyghobadi, Acting 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 1, 2021 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