Assistant Professor - Biomedical Communications

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 and Qualifications

Candidates must have 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, and have a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. The successful candidate will demonstrate practical ability in creative design or visualization, evidenced through, for example, commissions, publications, curatorial work, presentations, or public exhibitions. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests are clearly focused on a medical/science context and complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths.

Candidates must also provide evidence of research excellence which can be 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 will be 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 will be demonstrated through relevant entries in the curriculum vitae.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.

In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load. This will include:

• 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)

Hiring Salary Range

The expected salary range is $145,000 to $185,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

About Us

Over a two-year curriculum, the professional Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC) Program engages students in the creation and evaluation of a range of visual tools, including medical illustration, media and user experience design, animation, and virtual simulations.

The MScBMC program is unique in Canada and one of a handful of accredited master’s level medical visualization programs in the world. This graduate degree is offered through the Institute of Medical Science in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. The program’s state-of-the-art facilities are principally based on the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.

At UTM we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. With an enviably diverse student body, we especially welcome applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black, or racially visible (persons of colour), and who have experience working with, teaching, or mentoring diverse groups or students. 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. Candidates must submit 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. If you have questions about this statement, please contact Professor Steven Short (steven.short@utoronto.ca).

For more information on working at the University of Toronto, please visit https://www.utoronto.ca/research-innovation/working-at-uoft.

Application Process

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by October 19, 2026.All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. Applicants must submit the following materials:

• a cover letter;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• a recent writing sample;
• a teaching dossier, including
  • a teaching statement, sample course materials, and
  • teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above;
  • an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (as noted above); and
  • the name and contact information of three references.

The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee within 48 hours of an application being submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that referees submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. Submission guidelines and details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Maria Hussain at utmbio.chair@utoronto.ca.

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

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

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