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Probationary (Tenure-Track) Faculty Positions
Departments of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Western University

The Departments of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Biochemistry within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry jointly invite applications for two full-time probationary (tenure-track) faculty positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, to begin on or after September 1, 2021. Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics and systems level data analysis in the context of biomedical research. In particular, successful applicants should have a track record in one or both areas of (1) cell biology with a focus on systems biology, bioinformatics, machine learning/artificial intelligence and/or integrated analysis of data from high-throughput technologies; or (2) bioinformatics and/or computational modeling of complex biochemical, molecular or cellular systems.

Applicants must possess a PhD degree and postdoctoral training in a biomedical, computational and/or data analytics discipline(s) from an accredited institution and exhibit a strong record of peer-reviewed publications, with high potential to acquire independent grant support and for participation in translational research teams. The successful candidate should also have a growing track record of: (1) multidisciplinary/ interdisciplinary collaborative research; (2) the ability to establish working relationships with clinicians and other health professionals to develop research and teaching initiatives; and (3) supervising and teaching students in topics related to their areas of expertise. Compensation for these positions will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching that is enabled by state-of-the-art facilities and a common mission to innovate, integrate and translate breakthrough biomedical knowledge. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to both the teaching and research mission of the School and Western University in the emerging area of systems bioinformatics. This will include leading and growing an independent, innovative, interdisciplinary research program that can attract excellent trainees, high levels of external research funding, and foster collaborative partnerships across the School, the University, and city-wide Hospitals and Research Institutes. From a teaching perspective, successful candidates will contribute to new courses in systems biology and bioinformatics at the undergraduate and graduate level as well as participate in potential teaching/training opportunities within Schulich’s professional Medicine and Dentistry programs. The Departments of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Biochemistry are multidisciplinary basic science departments within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University. The Departments foster world-class research and teaching in cell biology, neurobiology, and clinical anatomy (Anatomy & Cell Biology); and synthetic and chemical biology, structural biology, computational molecular modelling, genomics and proteomics (Biochemistry). These foundational research strengths are applied to multiple disease areas through productive academic and research collaborations with each other and other basic and clinical departments at Western, affiliated hospitals, research institutes and industry partners in London and worldwide. Both Departments have high-quality undergraduate and graduate training programs with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, intimate class sizes, and development of critical thinking/research skills. In addition, the Departments provide teaching to medical, dental, science and health science students through undergraduate programs in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences. Additional information about the two Departments can be found on our websites (Anatomy & Cell Biology and Biochemistry).

Western is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has a long history of excellence in basic biomedical, applied, and clinical research. Western has a full range of academic and professional programs for over 37,000 undergraduate and graduate students (see www.uwo.ca to learn more). The university campus is in London, Ontario, with a metropolitan census of approximately 530,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. London boasts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music, and sporting events and is located close to several lakes and facilities for outdoor activities (www.goodmovelondon.ca). Western’s Recruitment and Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families to the university and city. Interested and qualified applicants should prepare an application package that includes a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of research objectives, the names of three academic referees, and the application form available at: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time- application-form.pdf.

Please send completed application packages as a single compiled PDF to:

Professor Alison Allan; Chair, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology

AND

Professor Greg Gloor; Chair, Department of Biochemistry

c/o Faye Carr
Medical Sciences Building, MSB 407
Western University
London, Ontario Canada N6A 5C1
EMAIL: faye.slote@schulich.uwo.ca

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin after June 1, 2021. Anticipated start date is September 1, 2021 or as negotiated.

Business Address: Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, N., London, Ontario N6A 5B8,

www.uwo.ca

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 Faye Carr by email: faye.slote@schulich.uwo.ca or by phone 519-661-2111 ext. x86802. Posted on Faculty Relations website April 20, 202 (#2021-022).

POSITION TITLE	Research coordinator – CoVaRR-Net Immunology and Functional Genomics Pillars coordinator
DEPARTMENT	Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
EMPLOYMENT TYPE	Temporary Full-Time
HOURS OF WORK	37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, additional hours may be required.
EMPLOYEE GROUP	Non-Union
REPORTS TO	Anne-Claude Gingras

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The CoVaRR-Net program is a newly formed pan-Canadian rapid response network to monitor and characterize SARS-CoV-2 variants. The program is led by Marc-André Langlois at the University of Ottawa, and is organized around eight thematics pillars, each led by a Principal Investigator. A position is available for a talented Project Coordinator to help lead two of the “pillars” of the CoVaRR-Net program. The successful applicant will be based in Toronto. The current funding allows for a contract of 1 year.

The Project coordinator will report to Prof. Anne-Claude Gingras at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (gingraslab.lunenfeld.ca), lead of the Functional Genomics Pillar, and to Prof. Jennifer Gommerman at the University of Toronto, lead of the Immunology and Vaccines Pillar.  The coordinator is expected to spend 50% of their time to support each pillar.

The Gingras lab is part of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute’s Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology group (www.lunenfeld.ca/expertise) whose faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in signalling networks, cancer and developmental biology, structural biology, imaging, high- throughput screening and proteomics. The Institute provides a research-intensive environment with modern and cutting-edge core facilities that include robotics, proteomics and imaging that drive technology development (Network Biology Collaborative Centre, NBCC; nbcc.lunenfeld.ca). Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute labs engage in productive collaborations within the Institute, Sinai Health System, the larger University of Toronto community, and beyond. The University of Toronto has one of the most concentrated biomedical research communities in the world, including 9 academic hospital research institutes that are fully affiliated with the University.

The Gommerman lab is part of the Department of Immunology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (https://www.immunology.utoronto.ca/faculty/jennifer-gommerman). Located in the Medical Sciences Building, the Gommerman lab has access to a full spectrum of Immunology core facilities in flow cytometry, imaging, microbiome research and human immunology services. The Medical Sciences Building is also the teaching hub for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 The CoVaRR-Net relies on synergies and efficient communications across all pillars, with other members of the scientific community and with government bodies, for rapid response to the emergence of new Variants of Concerns (VOCs) for SARS-CoV-2.

 

The successful candidate will

• assist the pillar leads in the organization of the work of the two pillars, and set-up a communication strategy for cross-pillar interactions.
• be responsible for interaction with the project coordinators of the other pillars, and the extended CoVaRR-Net team.
• assist in the coordination/management of team meetings.
• assist in the coordination/management of funding opportunities.
• help coordinate and support activities across the entire continuum, including:
  • conducting literature reviews,
  • creating research ethics board application submissions (e.g., research protocols, information sheets, consent forms, interview guides),
  • assisting with the preparation of Material Transfer Agreements
  • performing data entry to manage study data,
  • collecting research data,
  • conducting statistical analyses,
  • interpreting data,
  • assisting with manuscript preparation and editing.
  • monitoring biosafety requirements and developing protocols pertaining to handling and transport of hazardous goods
• as needed, perform experiments to pursue the mission of the pillars, including:
  • recombinant DNA cloning
  • Protein purification
  • Immuno-assays
  • Cell culture and viral neutralization assays

 

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, molecular genetics or related speciality
• Strong publication record
• Demonstrated proficiency in some or all of the following techniques: molecular biology, protein expression, cell culture, immunological methods, biochemistry
• Training and/or relevant experience in project management

.     Competency in conducting literature reviews, research design, research methods, managing data, data analysis, knowledge translation.

• Must be able to exercise good judgment, exercise considerable independence,take initiative and possess strong interpersonal skills
• Must possess exceptional communication skills (verbal, written and presentation) and be comfortable engaging and exchanging information with members of the network
• Proficiency in French an asset

 

Application Instructions

Apply through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/85880)

1) Please include a cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would be an ideal candidate.

2) Provide a CV or biosketch.

3) Provide the name and contact information for three individuals that can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

 

Posting open until April 15. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

POSITION TITLE	Research Associate – Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Specialist
DEPARTMENT	Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
EMPLOYMENT TYPE	Temporary Full-Time
HOURS OF WORK	37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, additional hours may be required.
EMPLOYEE GROUP	Non-Union
REPORTS TO	Anne-Claude Gingras

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a Research Associate (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry specialist) to support the CoVaRR-Net program. The CoVaRR-Net program is a newly formed pan-Canadian rapid response network to monitor and characterize SARS-CoV-2 variants. The program is led by Marc-André Langlois at the University of Ottawa, and is organized around eight thematic pillars, each led by a faculty member. A position is available for a talented Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Specialist (equivalent to a Research Associate position) to help to develop and disseminate reagents and perform critical assays for the CoVaRR-Net program. The successful applicant will be based in Toronto. The current funding allows for a contract of 1 year.

The Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Specialist will report to Prof. Anne-Claude Gingras at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (gingraslab.lunenfeld.ca), lead of the “Functional Genomics and Structure-Function of VOCs Pillar”. The Specialist will work as part of this Pillar which is co-led by Profs Jason Moffat (UofToronto), James Rini (UofToronto) and Nozomu Yachie (UBC).

The Gingras lab is part of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute’s Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology group (www.lunenfeld.ca/expertise) whose faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in signalling networks, cancer and developmental biology, structural biology, imaging, high- throughput screening and proteomics. The Institute provides a research-intensive environment with modern and cutting-edge core facilities that include robotics, proteomics and imaging that drive technology development (Network Biology Collaborative Centre, NBCC; nbcc.lunenfeld.ca). Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute labs engage in productive collaborations within the Institute, Sinai Health System, the larger University of Toronto community, and beyond. The University of Toronto has one of the most concentrated biomedical research communities in the world, including 9 academic hospital research institutes that are fully affiliated with the University.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 CoVaRR-Net relies on synergies and efficient communications across all pillars, with other members of the scientific community and with government bodies, to ensure a rapid response to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concerns (VOCs).

The mission of the “Functional Genomics and Structure-Function of VOCs Pillar” is to accelerate the functional and structural characterization of SARS-CoV-2 variants (i.e. protein mutants) through: a) the generation of synthetic sequences corresponding to each of the variants being tested; b) the transfer of these sequences into appropriate expression vectors for immediate sharing with the Canadian community; c) the purification of recombinant proteins (small scale) for testing variant function in vitro (e.g. binding to the host receptor), and d) the rapid dissemination of resources, protocols and knowledge to the scientific community.

The Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Specialist will have a key role in supporting the activities of the pillar, including, but not limited to:

• design and synthesis of sequences corresponding to the prioritized variants and cloning them into entry vectors;
• deposition of the constructs and maps in the CoVaRR-Net biobank, and in public resources available outside of Canada;
• subcloning of the variants into relevant expression vectors as selected by the Pillar lead and co-leads;
• production (small scale) of proteins in mammalian cells or other expression systems;
• purification (small scale) of proteins for testing;
• execution of binding assays and other biochemical and biophysical assays that can provide information on VOCs;
• communication of all results to members of the pillar and external collaborators;
• assisting with preparation of the results for publication or reports to government bodies.

 

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular genetics, molecular biology or a related speciality
• Strong publication record
• Demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology (recombinant DNA cloning, vector design, etc.)
• Demonstrated proficiency in protein expression, protein purification (protein purification from mammalian cells is an asset)
• Experience with other cell culture systems, immunological methods, and biochemical and biophysical methods is an asset
• Competency in conducting literature reviews, research design, research methods, managing data, data analysis, knowledge translation
• Must be able to exercise good judgment, exercise considerable independence, take initiative and possess strong interpersonal skills
• Must possess excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentation) and be comfortable engaging and exchanging information with members of the network

 

Application Instructions

Apply through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/85892)

1) Please include a cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would be an ideal candidate.

2) Provide a CV or biosketch.

3) Provide the name and contact information for three individuals that can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Posting open until April 15. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.