The Miriam Burnett Research Chair in Urological Sciences

Western University

Position Profile: The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is seeking applicants for the endowed Miriam Burnett Research Chair in Urological Sciences within the Lawson Research Institute (Lawson), to conduct innovative research evaluating novel interventions in urological disease prevention and in emerging therapeutics in areas including infection, inflammation, cancer, stone disease and sexual dysfunction. To respect the interests of donors to the Chair, and particularly Mrs. Burnett, who was personally committed to advancing research in urinary tract infection and probiotics, the intent is to appoint an outstanding scientist who will dedicate a portion of time to working on microbiome-related projects that have relevance to urology. The successful candidate will be appointed to a full-time, Externally Funded Limited Term joint appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will be jointly appointed in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Surgery.

The Chair will be supported to develop an externally funded research program with dedicated space within an interdisciplinary research environment supported by core facilities. The successful candidate will be located at the St. Joseph’s Hospital/Lawson Institute facility. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to train graduate students and will carry out teaching responsibilities within the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. There will be opportunities to establish collaborative linkages with researchers within the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Western University and the Human Microbiome and Probiotics group at Lawson.

Qualifications: The successful applicant will have completed a PhD or MD/PhD, with a demonstrated track record of external funding success and publications in peer-reviewed journals. The successful individual will be expected to have exceptional communication skills and be willing to provide leadership in this field of study. Teaching experience at the undergraduate level that includes both lecture and laboratory-based courses is preferred.

Compensation Details: The Chair appointment is for a five-year period, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term pending review recommendation. The Externally Funded Joint Limited Term appointment is expected to have an initial five-year term, with the potential for renewal. Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience.

Department Profile: The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, established in 1939, has the unique mandate of research and teaching in Microbiology and Immunology. Teaching occurs predominantly in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the School of Graduate Studies. Research spans key areas of infection and immunity, namely the molecular and cellular biology of microorganisms and viruses, as well as the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system. Additional information about the department can be found at: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/microbiologyandimmunology/

Department Profile: The Department of Surgery has over 100 surgeons and scientists, one basic science graduate degree program, and seven Royal College academic training programs; enrolling over 160 trainees at various levels. The Department is comprised of eight Divisions: Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Urology. Notwithstanding Paediatric Surgery, each Division has an active post-graduate residency training program. In addition, there are four sub-units tied to one or more Divisions: The Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC) based at St. Joseph’s Health Care, London; the Multi-Organ
Transplant Program based at University Hospital; the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic based on Western’s campus; and the Trauma Program based at Victoria Hospital.

Division Profile: The Division of Urology is affiliated with London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London. The Division has demonstrated high academic productivity within the Department of Surgery and continues to produce high impact and cutting-edge research across all Departmental research nodes (Fundamental Sciences; Big Data/ICES; Surgical Education; and Quality Improvement/Clinical outcomes). The Division of Urology at Western University is highly dedicated to the scientific advancement of Urology. This devotion to research crosses all urological subspecialties including andrology, male sexual health, urinary incontinence, reconstruction, oncology, endourology, pediatrics and renal transplantation. Several of our faculty are international experts renowned in their respective fields of study and are considered internationally as pioneers in urological research. Exceptional research productivity is demonstrated through over 120 publications per year across 14 clinical and 2 full time PhD research faculty. Our faculty are consistently funded through highly competitive local, national, and international grants. Research has been an integral part of our urological residency and fellowship training programs at Western. Many of our trainees complete Masters of Surgery, Masters of Education or Master's of Business Administration degrees simultaneously with their core clinical training, many of whom have gone on to becoming leaders in the field of urology.

The School: The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Western University recognize that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader. Western recognizes that research excellence is strengthened by a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to fostering equitable representation and inclusive excellence across all areas of our research community.

The University: Western’s campus is located in the city of London, Ontario. With an enviable national reputation and an international profile that ranks among the top universities world-wide, Western pushes the boundaries of pedagogical and scholarly excellence while setting a national standard for a student experience that is second to none. Western serves as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations and is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. There are more than 38,000 students within Western’s 12 Faculties and Schools and 3 affiliated University Colleges. Approximately 4,000 faculty and staff work in partnership to deliver 400+ specializations, majors, and minors, as well as innovative modular degree programs. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit Western Strategic Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan and for information on Western’s research areas please visit Research Western.

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 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. It is a safe and culturally diverse city. London possesses an international airport, galleries, theatre, music, and sporting events. See www.ledc.com/why-london to learn more.



Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin after July 30, 2025 with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2026 or as negotiated.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest providing details on the candidate’s current and proposed research program and statement of academic qualifications, curriculum vitae, the names and addresses of three 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. Dekaban via email to mnicrcapplications@groups.uwo.ca.

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 Jessica.jamieson@schulich.uwo.ca or at 519-661-2111, ext. 86852