CRC Tier 2 Position in Medicinal Chemistry for Neuroscience

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.
Compensation Details: $120,000 to $150,000 Annually
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 [email protected] 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 for this position will be $120,000 to $150,000 annually, 
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. 
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.

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: [email protected]