Assistant Professor in Computational Protein Biochemistry – Memorial University of Newfoundland

The Department of Biochemistry invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor in “Computational Protein Biochemistry”. The Department of Biochemistry offers undergraduate degree programs in both Biochemistry and Nutrition, as well as a robust graduate program. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to Biochemistry teaching for both the undergraduate and graduate programs. The strategic focus of the Department of Biochemistry is on biochemistry and nutrition in health and disease. The successful applicant will be expected to develop an independent, externally funded research program that should incorporate a translational approach toward addressing protein biochemistry problems related to human health and chronic disease that includes computational and ideally also wet-laboratory approaches.

Applicants should have a strong background in protein biochemistry, with a Ph.D. in biochemistry or a closely related field, at least two years post-doctoral experience and an established track record of research in the area of computational protein biochemistry.

Interested applicants should submit

  1. a cover letter
  2. a full CV
  3. a summary of proposed research (no more than three pages)
  4. a description of teaching and mentoring philosophy (no more than two pages), and
  5. a list of at least three referees with complete contact information.

Memorial University has an established policy for spousal appointments, so if this is of interest to the candidate, please indicate so in the cover letter.  Gaps in career history/research history can exist for any number of reasons (i.e.: family responsibilities, sick leave, settlement, etc…). Candidates are invited to explain any gaps and this information will be taken into consideration during the application process.  Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment.  If there is anything we can do to ensure your full participation during the application process, please contact equity@mun.ca directly and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.  Similarly, candidates selected for interviewing will be invited to indicate any accommodation arrangements needed regarding the interview process.

Current research in the Department of Biochemistry employs a wide variety of experimental approaches from biochemical to pre-clinical to clinical models. The Department is renewing its faculty complement and moving to a new state-of-the-art facility in summer of 2021. Memorial University has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching. There are extensive opportunities for local collaborations across many disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, humanities and social sciences, kinesiology, and ocean sciences. The successful applicant is encouraged to strengthen and expand departmental ties with other disciplines (locally, nationally, and internationally) through collaborations in both research and teaching. The Department is committed to increasing diversity and to support this goal the Department provides a team approach to mentorship and many additional supports for new academic staff.

All parts of the applications should be submitted as a single pdf document to Dr. Mark D. Berry, Head of Department, at biochem@mun.ca by no later than August 15, 2021, using the subject heading “Computational Protein Biochemistry tenure-track position”. We thank all interested applicants, but only those selected for interview will be contacted further.

The position is subject to budgetary approval. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

As part of the commitment of the Department of Biochemistry to equity, diversity and inclusion, the hiring committee is implementing best practices to reduce unconscious bias and to ensure that initial shortlisting of candidates includes those from underrepresented target groups at the level they exist in the applicant pool according to Statistics Canada.

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities. As part of Memorial University’s commitment to employment equity, all applicants are invited to identify themselves as a member of a target group(s) as appropriate. Applicants cannot be considered as a member of a target group(s) unless they complete an employment equity survey. If you do not receive a survey or have any questions, please contact equity@mun.ca.

We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.  Memorial University is the largest university in Atlantic Canada. As the province’s only university, Memorial plays an integral role in the education and cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador. Offering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs to almost 18,000 students, Memorial provides a distinctive and stimulating environment for learning in St. John’s, a safe friendly city with great historic charm, a vibrant cultural life and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities.