Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy in the Faculty of Science is pleased to announce a search for a full-time faculty position in a research area related to anticorrosion coatings and protective thin films. The successful applicant will be nominated for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 2 position and will be appointed in a probationary (tenure-track) appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, or a tenured appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. The rank and salary will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date will be January 1, 2024, or later.

The successful candidate will have research expertise in the growth and modifications of functional coatings and thin films by physical techniques, such as physical vapor deposition, sputtering, plasma and similar methods, as well as method development. Expertise in anticorrosion and protective coatings and their applications involving potential collaborations with industrial partners will be a plus. Related expertise at Western resides in Physics & Astronomy (materials science, interface science), Chemistry (corrosion and materials degradation), the Western-Soochow Centre for Synchrotron Radiation, Materials Engineering (Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Composites Research), an emerging Nuclear Hub and interdisciplinary centres such as Western’s Bone and Joint Institute, Surface Science Western, Interface Science Western, and Western’s Nanofabrication Facility. The successful applicant will be expected to establish collaborations with one or more of these units.  Additional information about the Faculty of Science is available at:  https://www.uwo.ca/sci/

In accordance with the CRC regulations set for Tier 2 Chairs https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/, Tier 2 chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have less than 10 years of experience as an active researcher in their field at the time of nomination) who have demonstrated research excellence and have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their research field within five to ten years. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process; please contact Research Development at the University of Western Ontario at ResearchWesternCRC@uwo.ca for more information. Please consult the Canada Research Chair website for full information, including further details on eligibility criteria http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program- programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx. As chairholders, candidates must have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent students and trainees, and propose an original, innovative research program of high quality.

Applicants must possess a PhD in Physics or a closely related area. They will have an outstanding record of research in the form of publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, awards, invited talks and other scholarly achievements, as appropriate for their career path and stage. Evidence of research impact and an emerging international research reputation will be considered strong assets, as will the ability to attract external research funding.

Candidates are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment demonstrated through the application materials. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to teaching and research supervision at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Demonstration of and/or potential for effectiveness in teaching and mentorship is important and includes plans to involve trainees in research and other high-impact learning experiences. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in service to the University and the profession. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, as well as evidence of leadership potential, will be considered assets.

Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning. As a community leader we understand that our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization are mutually supporting and contribute to our pursuit of research excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world applications. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses, located within the City of London. 

London has a growing population of approximately 500,000 with a diverse cultural mix and the hospitals serve a region of two million. London is safe, family-oriented, affordable, and located in the heart of the beautiful Great Lakes region. It is known as the “Forest City”, due to its abundance of trees. The center of London is graced by the Thames River with nearly 30 kilometers of bicycle trails hugging the riverbanks. London is a one-hour drive to Stratford, known for its exceptional influences in the arts and theatre performance. In addition, London is central to its nearby cities of Toronto, Detroit and Niagara Falls.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a research-intensive department in Western's Faculty of Science and has expertise in both theoretical and experimental astronomy and physics. The Department is responsible for undergraduate and graduate programs in physics and astronomy and for service mathematics instruction for engineers. The Department is home to 33 full-time faculty members, most engaged in externally funded research. The Department maintains an in-house Electronics Shop, as well as a Machine Shop with technicians highly skilled in vacuum system modifications and repairs.

A complete application consists of:

• Cover letter addressing how the candidate’s expertise fits this position and complements existing strengths at Western
• Curriculum vitae including publication list
• Research statement, preferably three pages or less, highlighting past, current, and future research plans
• Statement of experience and plans for advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in post-secondary education, community-based or other professional settings in physics and astronomy, preferably no more than two pages
• Statement on teaching and mentoring philosophy or experience, including a description of plans to involve trainees in research and other high-impact learning experiences
• Contact information for three letters of reference. Letter-writers will not be contacted until the shortlist stage of the
• Completed application form, available at https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full- time-application-form.pdf

Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.

Western University’s Recruitment and Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families.

The application package can be submitted via email in a single PDF file to:

Dr. Lyudmila Goncharova, Search Committee Chair

Department of Physics & Astronomy, Western University

London Ontario, Canada

E-mail: p-a.search@uwo.ca

Consideration of applications will begin on July 10, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication 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/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, 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 recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Emily Adams at eadams29@uwo.ca

Posted on the Faculty Relations website May 8, 2023.  Posting number:  2023-019

About Western University

Combining more than 1,350 faculty members and more than 30,000 students, the university has established itself as a globally recognized destination for academic excellence and leadership development achieved through learning and research. Western prides itself on challenging the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Through 11 faculties, a school of graduate and postdoctoral studies, and three affiliated university colleges, this vibrant centre of learning offers its students more than 400 specializations, majors and minors as well as innovative modular degree structures allowing students to combine numerous disciplines. https://www.uwo.ca/about/whoweare/index.html

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