Western University: Industrial Chair in Radiation Induced Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at The University of Western Ontario (Western) invites applications for a full-time faculty position in materials chemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor (Probationary Tenure-track), Associate Professor (Probationary Tenure-track or Tenured), or Full Professor with Tenure. The successful candidate will be expected to fill an Industrial Chair in Radiation Induced Chemistry.

Applicants must have a PhD degree in Physical Chemistry or a related discipline. Research expertise in the studies of materials degradation under ionizing radiation or other harsh and dynamic conditions is strongly preferred. Research experience in chemical dynamics, interfacial reaction kinetics, radiation-induced chemistry, electrode reaction dynamics and/or corrosion science is an asset. A strong record of research appropriate for the applicant’s career stage in the form of publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals, research awards, invited talks at relevant venues and other scholarly achievements is required. Relevant industrial experience (e.g. an industrial post-doctoral fellowship) is an asset.

Demonstrated research interests that benefit the environmentally safe and sustainable use of nuclear power, such as interest in the mechanisms and kinetics of the degradation of metallic nuclear materials and/or mass transfer processes are favored. The successful candidate will be expected to interact with scientists and engineers from the Department of Chemistry, and the Faculties of Science and Engineering, and from industry and government laboratories to develop coherent research projects for solving relevant complex technical issues. Evidence for past or on-going successful collaborations and industry partnerships is an asset.

The Industrial Chair position is funded by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). NWMO was established in 2002 under the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (http://www.nwmo.ca). The company’s mandate is to collaborate with Canadians to develop and implement a management approach for the long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel that is socially acceptable to Canadians, including First Nation and Metis peoples, technically sound, environmentally responsible, and economically feasible. In addition to the research funded through the Chair, it is expected that the successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop an innovative, independently-funded experimental research program with the potential to secure external funding in both the public and private sectors as evidenced either by their current success in securing research funding or their potential for future partnerships as detailed in their research plan.

The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the teaching mission in the Department of Chemistry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to the research training of undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral fellows. Evidence of successful contributions to teaching and mentorship is a strong asset.

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 both undergraduate and graduate programs. We are ranked #4 in total NSERC funding and #2 in NSERC Partnership Funding in the nation. Our Department is home to 31 faculty, including 10 current or former Canada Research Chairs and NSERC Industrial Research Chairs.

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. Further information about Western can be found at http://www.uwo.ca/

Western is also home of Surface Science Western (https://www.surfacesciencewestern.com), the Western Nanofabrication Facility (https://nanofab.uwo.ca/) and the Tandetron Accelerator Facility (http://www.isw.physics.uwo.ca/), three research facilities specializing in the analysis and characterization of surfaces, materials and nanomaterials. They offer access to the latest in analysis technology and techniques including secondary ion mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy with focussed ion beam, X-ray photoelectron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry. In addition, Western has strong ties to the Canadian Light Source (https://www.lightsource.ca/).

Information about the City of London, which boasts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music and sporting events can be found at https://london.ca/living-london.

Western’s Office of Faculty Recruitment and Retention is available to assist in the transition of the successful applicant and their family.

The salary and appointment will be at the rank commensurate with qualifications and experience (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor). 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 fits this position
3. An up-to-date curriculum vitae
4. A description of research interests and plan (maximum of 3 pages)
5. A teaching and mentoring statement (maximum of 1 page)
6. Contact details of at least three professionals who can provide letters of support

The application package can be sent to:
Dr. Kim Baines, Chair of the Search Committee 
Department of Chemistry 
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada
Email: chemsearch@uwo.ca

Applications will be reviewed starting December 12, 2020 and will continue to be considered until the position is filled. The preferred starting date is July 1, 2021, but is negotiable.

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 Emily Adams at 519-661-2190 or eadams29@uwo.ca.