Assistant Professor - Biomedical Communications

University of Toronto • Mississauga, ON

24d • CA$145,000 - CA$185,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Biomedical Communications program in the Department of Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) invites applications for a full-time, tenure stream position in Biomedical Communications. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Biomedical Communications is a multidisciplinary field whose practitioners design, create, and research the use of visual media for communication in medicine and science. When well designed, visual media – such as illustrations, simulations, interactive experiences, animations, and information/data visualizations – can help to translate complex scientific and medical knowledge for a range of audiences, from principal investigators to the public at large. Research into evaluation metrics, optimal design processes, best practices, efficacy, audience-specific design, narrative strategies, and other affordances of biomedical media form a growing field of inquiry. We are seeking exceptional candidates with research and practical expertise in one or more of the aforementioned research areas with a focus on visual media design in medical/scientific contexts. This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Requirements

• Earned a PhD degree in one of the following areas: Medical Sciences, Life Sciences, Education, Design, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching.
• Demonstrate practical ability in creative design or visualization, evidenced through, for example, commissions, publications, curatorial work, presentations, or public exhibitions.
• Research and teaching interests clearly focused on a medical/science context and complement and enhance existing departmental strengths.
• Evidence of research excellence demonstrated through a record of publications in highly ranked and field-relevant journals as well as forthcoming publications meeting high international standards.
• Additional evidence of research excellence can include presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, research mentorship, strong endorsements from referees of high standing, and a compelling Research Statement with a clear vision of novel and rigorous future research.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below, as well as evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities), and strong letters of reference.
• Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.
• Evidence of creative practice demonstrated through relevant entries in the curriculum vitae.
• Provide a statement describing their contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities; efforts undertaken to develop inclusive pedagogies, collaboration, and engagement with underrepresented communities; and mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates must demonstrate, in their application materials, an ability to foster diversity on campus and within the curriculum or discipline, and must show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial environment.

Responsibilities

• Pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.
• Teaching courses in the Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC) graduate program, as well as the undergraduate Biomedical Communications minor.
• Participating in curricular and administrative activities that support the proper functioning of the MScBMC graduate program (e.g., membership in student Master’s Research Project committees, attending student critiques, and participating in cohort selection activities such as applicant interviews)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree