Job ID: 86316

Director, Western Institute for Neuroscience

Position: Professor

Deadline: 1 October 2022

Employment Start Date: 1 October 2022

Contract Length: 3 to 5-year terms that is renewable once

City: London, Ontario

Country: Canada

Institution: University of Western Ontario

Department: Western Institute for Neuroscience

Description:

Western University in London, Ontario, Canada seeks applicants for a Director of the Western Institute for Neuroscience (WIN) Research. Applicants who can demonstrate outstanding leadership in research, training, and outreach in the field of neuroscience 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 neuroscience. 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 WIN at Western University as an entity known internationally for its impact on research and knowledge mobilization across a range of specialties that include tools and technologies, basic science and applied research, in accordance with the research vision and mission. Towards this goal, the Director will identify, and enable access to, opportunities that expand the Institute’s research mission through the development of partnerships and fund-raising. Also, the Director will engage frequently with a Governing Board, the Executive Committee as well as internal and external Advisory Boards regarding strategy and vision. The Director will inspire research excellence and actively implement processes that mobilize and support interdisciplinary research teams within the Institute. The Director will be supported by the Institute’s excellent administrative team in implementing programs/activities. Also, the Director will be expected to lead their own research program as part of an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers in WIN.

The ideal candidate will have the following profile:

  • Demonstrated excellence in neuroscience research and training at all levels (undergrad to early career)
  • Demonstrated research leadership involving financial oversight
  • Strong communication skills
  • Evidence of ability to build community amongst multiple stakeholders and support for open-science
  • Evidence of ability to build effective teams of interdisciplinary researchers
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID)
  • Evidence of ability to attract, establish and sustain internal and external partnerships
  • Willingness to engage and support fund-raising efforts

The WIN was established in 2020 to bring together and enhance collaboration among basic and applied researchers and clinicians, with expertise in various disciplines and approaches. As a whole, neuroscience across the London region has a gene to behaviour breadth, spans the lifespan and includes emphases on fundamental mechanisms that are translated into breakthroughs in education, technologies, and brain health. The research impacts human lives in both the social and clinical contexts and how these two worlds interact. Home to world-class facilities and training programs, the mission of the WIN is to elevate and accelerate the impact of neuroscience research on society by: creating new opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary neuroscience research, coordinating efficient economies of scale through city-wide neuroscience platforms, raising the profile of a unified neuroscience community at Western, enhancing funding success and philanthropic gains, expanding current training opportunities, and developing strategic cooperative alliances.

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.