Assistant Professor in Bioorganic Chemistry

Simon Fraser University

The Department of Chemistry at Simon Fraser University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Bioorganic Chemistry. We are seeking an outstanding scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service. The expected start date for this position is July 15, 2025.

This position aims to recruit a top emerging talent in the general area of bioorganic chemistry with an emphasis on organic synthesis and/or chemical biology. Areas of particular interest include the design and testing of biologically relevant organic molecules, and applications of high-throughput assays to discover new bioactives. The position will build on SFU’s international recognition in this area, world-class facilities for drug discovery, and growing capabilities in automated synthesis. Applications that leverage SFU’s Center for High-Throughput Chemical Biology (HTCB, https://www.sfu.ca/htcb.html) are a particular focus of this search. The HTCB is a world-leading facility for robotic liquid handling and high-throughput screening, with a particular emphasis on image-based screening. The center enables biological evaluation of large libraries of compounds (e.g. those designed and generated through automated synthesis, computer-based design, and machine learning) and supports users by providing full-time professional staff and a suite of established biological assays.

Chemistry at SFU
The Department of Chemistry (http://chemistry.sfu.ca/) comprises 27 research faculty, with research interests spanning: organic chemistry and chemical biology; inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry; material science; and nuclear science. Current departmental strengths of relevance to this position include medicinal chemistry, natural products chemistry, and chemical biology. The Department has a vibrant graduate program and is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Furthermore, SFU’s core facilities such as the HTCB, Cedar (one of Canada’s most powerful academic supercomputers), and the Big Data Hub provide opportunities for interdisciplinary research and foster interactions with research partners across the University, government, and local industries. The department is supported by four full-time research technical staff and has access to SFU’s Science Technical Centre which includes a machine shop, electronics shop, and scientific glassblower, all managed by full-time professional staff.

The department is also firmly committed to inclusive excellence and diversification across our ranks, including, but not limited to, removing barriers to employment [and higher education] for racialized persons, people with marginalized sexualities and/or gender identities, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities. We take pride in fostering a supportive and accommodating environment for all our members.

Situated on the Burnaby campus, the Department of Chemistry is a short walk from the University Childcare Centre, athletic facilities, the SFU pool, and scenic hiking trails. The Department hosts a wide range of professional and social activities including seminar series, internal presentation and poster competitions, graduate caucus events, and weekly coffee socials.

Qualifications
Candidates with a Ph.D. degree or equivalent, postdoctoral experience, and a clear indication of potential to grow in stature as a scholar in the areas of Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field are preferred.

Preferred candidates will demonstrate:
• A strong record of research activity as demonstrated by publications, conference presentations, research and travel grants, and other relevant activities.
• The potential for effective teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Key Responsibilities
The Department is seeking candidates who will:
• Develop and maintain a vigorous and externally funded research program;
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in organic chemistry;
• Supervise and mentor graduate students;
• Contribute to service activities within the department, faculty, and university;
• Engage with the broader scientific and academic community.

How To Apply
Please submit your application as a single PDF file. All application materials should be sent via email to the Department Chair’s Assistant, Michelle Tong (email: chemsec@sfu.ca). Candidates should address their applications to Dr. Charles Walsby (Department Chair and Chair of the Search Committee). A complete application file should contain the following information:

• A 2-page cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements, including how you would contribute positively to SFU’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI);
• An up-to-date, full curriculum vitae (include details of qualifications, research, teaching, scholarly record and funding, and list of collaborations/partnerships);
• A 3-page research statement and explanation of how the research aligns with this position;
• A 1–2-page statement of teaching philosophy and experience, including experience with and understanding of inclusive teaching and diverse student needs;
• Names and contact information for 3 referees who can comment on your suitability for this position;

We recognize that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness, research delays due to COVID-19) can impact research achievements, and we commit to ensuring that these are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by 18th December 2024. Applications received after this date may be reviewed if the position is still open. The anticipated start date for this position is 15th July 2025.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact SFU’s Equity Office at edi@sfu.ca.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment 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.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. The base salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 - $133,322 (dependent on experience). SFU also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including pension, health, and dental benefits. For details on the benefits offered by SFU, please visit the Faculty Relations website.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details, see the full Collection Notice.