Job Description

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The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) and University of Alberta are committed to leading the world in virology discoveries and cures. We are pleased to invite applications from established investigators internal and external to the University of Alberta to apply for the position of Director, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology (LKSIoV). This is a 0.3 FTE (full time equivalent) position, reporting to the Vice-Deans (Research). The Director will be offered a tenured faculty appointment within the Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department in FoMD and will be expected to contribute to research, education, and service in the remaining 0.7 FTE.
The director appointment is for a five-year term and has the potential for renewal by the Dean based on discussion with the LKSIoV Oversight Board and Vice-Deans (Research). The length of the second term is up to five years, to be dependent upon the needs of the Institute, FoMD, and the incumbent. The tenured faculty appointment will continue in accordance with FoMD and University of Alberta policies.
The is a University of Alberta research institute founded in 2010 with a broad scope. The Institute currently has 65 members who are world renowned and have a wide breadth of expertise including the fields of virology, bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, vaccinology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The Institute draws members from 15 departments across five Faculties at the University of Alberta, as well members located in other Canadian and foreign institutions.
The vision for the LKSIoV is to be a global leader in promoting scientific advancements aimed at expanding our understanding of viruses and other select pathogens, their respective disease pathogenesis, and host immune responses to such infections. The Institute is also involved in the discovery of new methods and approaches to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure pathogen-related disease, and to reduce the burden of infectious disease around the world. These goals will be achieved through leadership in cutting edge pathogen and immunology research.
The successful candidate will be a strategic leader, who inspires excellence and engages Institute members and partners in effective collaboration. They will have outstanding interpersonal skills and show evidence of building and supporting high-quality research teams. They will have an excellent record of research accomplishments and a commitment to service and leadership.
The FoMD has adopted the Okanagan Charter and is committed to health promoting learning and working environments supporting psychological safety and wellbeing.
Responsibilities:

• The Director of the LKSIoV is responsible for the strategic leadership of the institute in collaboration with the FOMD Vice-Deans (Research); and in consultation with various strategic partners/constituencies (internal and external) to the University of Alberta. In this role, the Director will foster excellence in discovery, translational, clinical, public health, and technology related health research, directed toward infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.
• Forge institute collaborations and strengthen links with local, national, and international research organizations, provincial-healthcare entities and industry.
• Maintain effective relationships and work collaboratively with other University Institutes, Centres, Departments, Faculties, Colleges, and partners to advance knowledge and health through research.
• Promote a collaborative interdisciplinary environment that nurtures research breakthroughs with potential for translation into clinical applications.
• Play a leadership role in the identification of emerging research themes and priorities in the LKSIoV, and assist investigators in the development of large-scale LKSIoV projects (including research infrastructure and core facilities).
• Develop and oversee career, educational, and training opportunities for LKSIoV junior investigators and trainees.
• Lead efforts to secure public and private sources of funding for the LKSIoV in collaboration with the University of Alberta Office of Advancement.
• Advocate for LKSIoV and infectious diseases research to the public. Perform outreach and enhance public awareness of the importance and contributions of the LKSIoV.
• Plan and manage the LKSIoV annual budget and staff, ensure efficient operation and disbursement of funds with the assistance of LKSIoV administrative staff. Develop and implement a business model for financial self-sustainability.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate has:

• A PhD and/or MD (or equivalent).
• An established track record of leadership in at least one of the fields of virology, bacteriology, parasitology, immunology, vaccinology, diagnostics, or therapeutics.
• An internationally recognized research program in any of the fields mentioned above.
• A record of high-impact publications.
• Evidence of attracting and supervising graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
• A strong external funding record supporting their program's research activities.
• An aptitude for or demonstration of:

• building research capacity.
• creating a shared organizational vision.
• promoting strong partnerships across groups, disciplines and academic units.

Application Instructions
Interested applicants are to submit:

• A statement of interest outlining their vision and goals for LKSIoV and how their experience makes them an appropriate candidate for the director position;
• A description of their research leadership philosophy (maximum 1 page);
• A description for how they plan to collaborate with both internal and external partners (maximum 1 page);
• An Access, Community, Belonging (ACB) statement outlining past contributions to ACB and the resulting impact on academic (research/scholarship, teaching/learning), professional (non-academic or clinical work), and/or community (local, national, international community-based) settings (maximum 1 page);
• Academic CV
• Research statement highlighting their program of research

Please submit your application as a single document in PDF format online. Posting will remain open until the position is filled, but review of applications will start on September 1st, 2025.
Further information with respect to the position may be sought from the Chair of Medical Microbiology and Immunology (mmiea@ualberta.ca) or the Vice-Deans of Research, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (vdradmin@ualberta.ca).
About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
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.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis 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.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Skills Required