Faculty Positions

Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) at Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Nucleic Acids Biochemistry with a potential start date of July 24, 2023. Simon Fraser University (SFU), on the outskirts of Vancouver, BC, is Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive university and one of Canada’s top employers, well situated at the intersection of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and community engagement. SFU’s excellence as an engaged university is derived from our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion, and the pursuit of decolonization, indigenization, and reconciliation. SFU has three campuses located in beautiful British Columbia’s largest municipalities – Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey - our students, faculty, and staff are privileged to live and work on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səli\ lw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓ícə̓ y̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen Peoples.

Research: We invite applications from a diverse community of early career stage scientists in the broad area of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry. The successful candidate is expected to develop an innovative and internationally recognized research program, to obtain external funding and to disseminate discoveries through high quality peer-reviewed publications and presentations. The position comes with abundant opportunities to mentor, train and work with graduate students, undergraduates, and other highly qualified personnel. Assistant professors in MBB receive competitive start-up resources and career mentorship.

Teaching: The successful candidate will be involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in nucleic acids biochemistry and foundational courses in molecular biology and broader aspects of biochemistry. They will contribute to ongoing curriculum and program development.

Service: The individual hired will participate in service to the Department, the University and the research community. This will include serving on departmental and university committees, participating in departmental initiatives, and reviewing manuscripts and grant applications.

Qualified candidates will have a strong record of research productivity commensurate with their experience in the broad field of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry. The candidate must have a Ph.D. degree or equivalent and postdoctoral experience. Experience and skills in teaching are an asset and qualities of collegiality and respect and inclusivity are valued. The successful candidate will exhibit an openness and curiosity that fosters scientific innovation and collaboration.

How to apply: Applicants should submit a single PDF containing, in the following order, (1) cover letter, (2) CV, (3) concise research proposal (maximum four pages), (4) a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) the names and contact information for at least three referees. Please email the application PDF to Lisa Craig, MBB Chair, at mbbchair@sfu.ca. Screening of applications will commence on Nov. 1, 2022. This competition will remain open until the position is filled.

About the Department: The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry currently has 27 research faculty, 58 Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and 610 undergraduate majors. The department has five core research foci: Nucleic Acids Function; Genomics & Bioinformatics; Cells, Development & Disease; Immunology & Infectious Disease; and Structural Biology. Graduate education at both the Doctoral and Master’s levels is research-intensive, and students and faculty enjoy a collaborative relationship. Courses and instruction at all levels are designed to develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and communication. We have a rich undergraduate program that offers foundational courses in molecular biology and biochemistry in the lower division, and a broad array of upper division courses, allowing students to tailor their degree to suit their interests and goals.

Undergraduate students have ample opportunity for research experience working with MBB faculty, through Co-Op Education and Directed Research courses. We strive for creativity and innovation in the classroom, with due attention to the needs of students in marginalized communities.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications.

Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

SFU is committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations, please contact the Specialist, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Faculty Relations.

SFU offers benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty; please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Service page for more details.

Information regarding the responsibilities, terms and conditions of employment of Research Faculty are listed in the SFU-SFUFA collective agreement.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see the Collection Notice.