Assistant Professor (tenure track) in AI-Enhanced Pharmacology Research

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Alberta is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in both pharmacology and machine learning/artificial intelligence with areas of research specialization including, but not limited to, drug design/docking, cryo-EM, bioinformatics, cellular network modelling and pharmacogenomics. The successful applicant will be expected to establish and maintain an independent research program in one of the areas mentioned above.

This position is eligible for consideration for a CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) Chair, emphasizing the intersection of cutting-edge research in pharmacology and machine learning. We welcome applications from candidates with expertise in any research topic within the broad areas of pharmacology and machine learning. The department is open to considering a diverse range of research interests, and applicants are encouraged to highlight their unique contributions to these fields.

While the main focus of this position is research, this individual will be an active member in the research and undergraduate and graduate teaching programs in the Department of Pharmacology.

We are seeking applications from individuals with:

• PhD in pharmacology or related field
• A plan to develop an independent academic research program emphasizing the application of AI/Machine Learning to pharmacology research
• Demonstrated strengths in pharmacological research supported by a track record of publications
• Relevant postdoctoral experience in drug design/docking, cryo-EM, bioinformatics, cellular network modelling and/or pharmacogenomics.

Strategic partnerships to support this position have been arranged with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), Department of Psychiatry, the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, and EPICORE Centre, Department of Medicine.

The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is a non-profit organization that supports world-leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning and translates scientific advancement into industry adoption. Amii is one of 3 centres of excellence in the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.

The University recognizes that career paths can be varied and may include career interruptions. We encourage, but do not require, candidates to provide any relevant information to facilitate a fair assessment of academic record and productivity.

Department summary

The Department of Pharmacology is a research-intensive department focused on drug-receptor interactions and their downstream signalling effects, and the application of this knowledge to individuals and populations. Our primary strengths are in the areas of cancer drug transporters, neurosciences, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. We are also committed to excellence and innovation in pharmacology education and have strong, and growing, undergraduate and graduate programs.

The FoMD is comprised of 21 departments, 7 Research Institutes, and 6 Core facilities. Core facilities provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure and expertise.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, more than 300,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

How to Apply

Please click on the “Online” link below and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including a list of publications with links (as applicable)
• References, the names and contact information for three (3) referees
• Teaching dossier that includes a brief teaching philosophy (maximum 750 words) and evidence of teaching effectiveness (submit as an attachment under "Statement of Teaching/Research Interests")
• Research statement that outlines main areas of research and future plans (maximum 750 words; submit under “Research Plan”)

As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please select the appropriate answer identifying if you are a Canadian Citizen/Permanent resident on the application page.

The position will remain open until filled but review of the applications will begin on August 15th, 2024.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.