Assistant Professor in Neuroinfectious Diseases

Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry

Western University

Appointment Type and Rank:                         Full-time, probationary (tenure track) appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor

Number of Positions:                                          1

Posting Date:                                                        October 19, 2026 

Closing Date to Apply:                                        Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Anticipated Start Date:                                      July 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Position Profile: The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is broadly seeking applicants in the field of neuroinfectious diseases. We encourage applications from candidates whose research examines pathogens such as parasites, fungi, viruses, bacteria, or other agents, as well as the host immune responses to these infectious agents. Applicants will be expected to develop an innovative research program focused on understanding the neurological consequences of infectious diseases, including both pathogen-mediated mechanisms and host immune responses.

Academic Expectations: The successful candidate will be appointed to a full-time, probationary (tenure track) appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The candidate will be expected to develop an externally funded independent research program and will be supported through the provision of dedicated space and start-up funds within an interdisciplinary research environment, including core facilities and the ImPaKT CL2+/CL3 Containment Facility. There will be opportunities to establish collaborative linkages with researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to train graduate students and will carry out teaching responsibilities within the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, although protected time from teaching is provided at the onset of the pre-tenure stage.

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required:

The successful applicant will hold a PhD or MD/PhD and will have an established track record of excellence in neuroinfectious disease research, including success in securing external awards. The position is for an emerging scholar and that the successful applicant will have an outstanding record of research in the form of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, awards, invited talks, and other scholarly achievements, as appropriate for their career path and stage.  The successful individual will be expected to have exceptional communication skills, and willing to provide leadership in this field of study. Excellence in teaching may also be demonstrated through materials such as sample course syllabi (either of courses delivered by the candidate or planned for the future), or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application. Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience.

Compensation Details: The annual salary for this will be $110,000- $130,000 CAD, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package and a salary that is commensurate with qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. 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.

Department: The Department, established in 1939, has a mandate of research and education in Microbiology and Immunology. Teaching occurs predominantly in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The Department is home to 30 well-funded, internationally renowned scientists and clinician scientists whose research spans key areas of infection and immunity, including the molecular and cellular biology of microorganisms and viruses, as well as the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system. Within the department, there is a developing focus in neurovirology and neuroimmunology that involves collaboration with a larger consortium of Western neuroscientists and neurologists. Additional information about the department and collaborators can be found at: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/microbiologyandimmunology/, https://win.uwo.ca/  and https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/cns/.

The Faculty: The mission of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is to deliver outstanding education, advance high-impact research and innovation, and partner with communities to improve health for today and tomorrow. Within the Schulich School, research is conducted throughout its seven Basic Science Departments, fourteen Clinical Departments, and affiliated research centers and institutes. The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) is a leading Canadian undergraduate program that is the foundation for a successful future in the medical sciences. We deliver advanced clinical training in the heart of one of Canada’s premier hospital networks, rooted in Western’s legacy of medical excellence. In addition, the Schulich School offers an intensive educational experience and clinical training that shape world-class, community-focused medical and dental practitioners.

The University: With annual research funding exceeding $300 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.

The City: London, Ontario is Canada’s 10th largest city situated in southwestern Ontario with a population of 400,000 in a catchment area of 2.4 million located midway between Toronto and Windsor/Detroit. London, known as the “Forest City”, has an extensive park system with river valleys, tree-lined streets, and over 350 km of bicycle paths. London has a reasonable cost of living and hosts an international airport, galleries, theatre, music, sporting events, and excellent restaurants. The region has a strong economy and excellent primary and secondary school systems for residents with children. London, Ontario is a diverse city, home to many cultures, ethnicities, and faiths. This growing diversity is supported by community strategies like the Community Diversity and Inclusions Strategy, and a significant increase in visible minorities. The city attracts immigrants due to its combination of amenities, livability, and housing affordability, and offers settlement services and community groups to aid integration. See www.ledc.com/why-london to learn more.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a letter of interest of no more than five pages providing details on the candidate’s current and proposed research program. Candidates should additionally send a teaching philosophy statement, a diversity statement, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three relevant references. Please ensure that the form available at the link below is completed and included in your application submission: http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position-Form.pdf

 

The application package should be assembled into a single PDF document for submission to:

Dr. Jimmy D. Dikeakos

Professor and Chair

Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Western University

via email to jessica.jamieson@schulich.uwo.ca.

 

Existing Vacancy Disclosure Statement:  This position is an existing vacancy.

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 application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Jessica Jamieson at Jessica.jamieson@schulich.uwo.ca or at 519-661-2111, ext. 86852.