Director, Bone and Joint Institute (BJI)

Western University in London, Ontario, Canada seeks applicants for a Director of the Bone and Joint Institute (BJI) (https://boneandjoint.uwo.ca). Applicants who can demonstrate outstanding leadership in research, training, and outreach in the field of musculoskeletal (MSK) health are encouraged to apply. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or MD or DDS or equivalent with relevant professional designation or licensure. Candidates should also be recognized internationally for research relevant to MSK health. The successful candidate will hold a tenure or continuing academic appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with (commensurate with qualifications and experience), in the most appropriate Department/School and Faculty. As Director, the candidate will hold a Western Research Chair (Leadership) and join an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and/or clinician-scientists for a 3 to 5-year terms that is renewable once. The position will commence as soon as October 1, 2022 or as negotiated.

Reporting to the Vice President (Research) the Director will advance the BJI’s vision of lifelong mobility through MSK health at Western University and raise its profile as an entity known internationally for supporting a complex adaptive research environment that accelerates research impact and knowledge mobilization. The incumbent will support BJI’s mission to catalyze interdisciplinary MSK research, innovation, training, and knowledge translation by bringing together experts and by integrating diverse perspectives, skills, and infrastructure (e.g. tools and technologies, basic science and applied/clinical research) to fulfill BJI’s mandate to investigate: the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment for MSK conditions; to enhance movement, mobility, and participation in daily life; and to improve support systems and rehabilitation for a wide range of MSK conditions.

Towards this goal, the Director will identify, and facilitate access to, opportunities that advance the Institute’s research mission through the development of major grants, partnerships, and fund-raising. Also, the Director will engage frequently with a Governing Board, as well as internal and external Advisory Boards, regarding strategy and vision. The Director will inspire research excellence and be supported by the Institute’s excellent administrative team to implement processes that mobilize and support over 100 BJI faculty members and 150 trainees/partners with expertise in basic biological and biomedical, physical sciences and engineering, clinical health services, and community and population health across 5 Faculties and 32 Departments/Schools. The Director will be expected to engage in research that promotes the mandate of BJI as part of an interdisciplinary network of researchers. Together they will strive to produce high-impact breakthroughs in: 1) understanding bone and joint diseases; 2) innovating in diagnosis and evaluation; 3) developing and evaluating new therapies; and 4) influencing key knowledge users.

The ideal candidate will have the following profile:

• Demonstrated excellence in research and training at all levels related to MSK health
• Demonstrated research leadership involving financial oversight
• Strong communication skills
• Evidence of ability to build community amongst multiple stakeholders
• Evidence of ability to build effective teams of multidisciplinary researchers
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID)
• Evidence of ability to attract, establish, and sustain internal/external partnerships Willingness to engage and support fund-raising efforts

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. 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. We seek excellent candidates to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" – an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit the Western Strategic Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan and for information on Western’s research areas please visit Western Research.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package to Jann Paquette-Warren at jpaquet3@uwo.ca, in confidence, as a single PDF file containing:

• Cover letter that outlines their interest and qualifications for the role and a statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in relation to their leadership
• Curriculum vitae
• Names of 3 referees
• Brief statement of interest that addresses the candidate profile listed above
• Brief statement of research experience and interests.

Please ensure that the Application for Full-Time Position form at https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf is completed and included in your application submission. 

All materials will be provided to the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2022.

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (https://uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp311_covid19.pdf).

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/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, 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 Kristina Fornelos at kfornelo@uwo.ca.