CRC Tier 2 Position in Medicinal Chemistry for Neuroscience

Western University

CRC Tier 2 Position in Medicinal Chemistry for Neuroscience
Departments of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Appointment Type and Rank: Assistant Professor, Probationary (tenure-track)
Number of Positions: One
Posting Date: January 28, 2026
Closing Date to Apply: The deadline for applications is March 16, 2026.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026 or as negotiated
Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy.

Position Profile: The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, jointly with the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario (Western University) invites applications for a full-time probationary (tenure track) faculty position in Medicinal Chemistry, at the rank of Assistant Professor. This position is part of a larger initiative by Western University to build a cross-Faculty, world-class program in molecular biotherapeutics and diagnostics that spans the continuum from discovery to first-in-human trials. Successful candidates will join recent faculty hires across multiple departments, with expertise in bioinformatics, biotherapeutics, imaging, inflammation, and public and Indigenous health.

We seek a medicinal chemist working in the field of small molecules directed at the understanding and/or treatment of neurological illness. The research field is broadly stated as synthetic organic chemistry, with emphasis on medicinal chemistry and chemical biology themes related to neuroscience. The candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized research program in the design, synthesis and evaluation of molecules, targeting pathways for translational neurological research.

In accordance with the regulations set for Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca), Tier 2 chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have less than 10 years of experience as an active researcher in their field at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process; please contact Research Development at The University of Western Ontario at ResearchWesternCRC@uwo.ca for more information. Please consult the Canada Research Chair website for full information, including further details on eligibility criteria at http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/ .

Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning. As a community leader we understand that our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization are mutually supporting and contribute to our pursuit of research excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives.

Academic Requirements: The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to contribute to the teaching excellence of the institution in areas of interest to the Departments of Chemistry and Physiology and Pharmacology including synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels which may be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments and teaching statement. Evidence of impactful contributions to teaching, mentorship and leadership activities related to teaching can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters. Candidates having demonstrated experience in research training of undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows is expected. Candidates must provide evidence of excellence in research, including a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals, forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, presentations at field-relevant conferences, awards, and strong endorsements from referees of top international stature.

The successful candidate will be expected to mount independent and innovative research, outlined in the submitted research statement, and to establish a competitive, and externally funded research program with multisectoral organizations.

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required: Candidates must have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry or related field with a demonstrated record of excellence in research. Additional experience as a postdoctoral researcher or equivalent is required.

Compensation Details: The salary will be (range: 120 – 150 K) commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Further details can be accessed at: http://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html.

Affirmation Policy Statement: Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Departments: The Department of Chemistry (https://www.uwo.ca/chem/) is a research-intensive department in Western’s Faculty of Science (https://www.uwo.ca/sci/), with large undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department is home to approximately 30 faculty, including 10 current or former Canada Research Chairs and Industrial Research Chairs. Chemistry at Western has core research strengths in molecular and macromolecular materials, as well as surface and interfacial chemistry and materials degradation. The Department of Chemistry has comprehensive in-house core infrastructure including professionally managed modern NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction facilities. Western researchers also have access to the BioCORE facility (https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/biocore/) to support research in the area of biochemistry.

The Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/physpharm/) Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (https://www.schulich.uwo.ca) is the largest basic science Department in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The Department is heavily engaged in basic, translational, and clinical research with strong impacts demonstrated at the national and international levels. Researchers will have access to recent, professionally managed, major on-site infrastructure investments in multimodal and single-cell imaging, translational neuroimaging, high-throughput metabolomics, proteomics and genomics, pre-clinical biotherapeutic production, animal facilities, CL2 and 3 facilities, and GMP production. It is anticipated that successful candidates will participate in this initiative by providing their critical expertise in this continuum, and contribute to large-scale funding proposals, by working closely with clinician-scientists, basic scientists and facility directors to advance these research priorities.

The University: As part of our commitment to research excellence and future looking priorities, Western is embarking on a bold plan to erect a state-of-the-art 300k ft2 Bioconvergence Building, featuring key core facilities necessary for the development of biotherapeutics. Research labs in this building will be highly collaborative, with integrated wet and dry experimentalists, and data driven research groups. Candidates will have an outstanding opportunity to engage in multi- or transdisciplinary research projects as part of the bioconvergence cohort.
With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. The University is highly ranked internationally, falling within the top 1 % of universities in the world (Center for World University Rankings 2025). Western also ranks in the top 3 universities in Canada for student services (Maclean's University Rankings 2024) and the top 15 in the world for sustainable development (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025). 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. The university campus is located in London Ontario, has a full-time enrollment of about 34,000 students in a thriving city of approximately 530,000, located midway between Toronto and Detroit. With parks, river valleys, tree-lined streets, and bicycle paths, London is known as the “Forest City” (https://www.ledc.com/why-london).

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a complete application package electronically as one pdf file, that includes (in the indicated order):

1) A completed Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form (available at https://www.uwo.ca//facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf),
2) A cover letter addressing how your expertise and proposed research fit this position,
3) An up-to-date curriculum vitae,
4) A description of research interests and plan (maximum of 4 pages plus references), including possible funding sources and EDI plan, where applicable,
5) A teaching and mentoring statement including how you will contribute to an equitable, diverse and inclusive (EDI) academic environment (maximum of 2 pages). Provide evidence of excellence in teaching and mentorship.
6) Provide evidence of excellence in leadership and potential to reach international recognition within 5 -10 years.
7) Contact details of at least three professionals who can provide letters of support upon request.

The application package can be sent to:

Chair of the Search Committee
Department of Chemistry
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
Email: chem.search@uwo.ca

Western reserves the right to review applicants to ensure eligibility for funding under
applicable research security policies.

Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to list career disruptions and explain the impact of these career interruptions on their record of performance, if applicable.

Western’s Recruitment and Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications 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 NAME, CONTACT INFORMATION