Lawson Research Institute (Lawson), the research arm of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, seeks applicants for the Finch Family Term Chair in Mental Health Systems Transformation, funded through the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and supported by the generosity of London’s Finch family. The successful applicant will be supported to focus on a 5-year program of research dedicated to transforming system-wide gaps that currently prevent efficacy of our mental health system in the London/South-West Ontario region with the potential to scale provincially and beyond. This role may suit individuals wishing to conduct a funded visiting professorship, or early career investigators wishing to conduct an advanced post-doctoral term geared to providing a more independent experience.

Lawson has recently launched as a focused research institute serving St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Mental health care is a key area of both clinical and research focus. Our clinical mental health program encompasses complex adult mental health care as well as forensics mental health and provides support to the ten counties of Southwestern Ontario. Our research environment enjoys benefits from collaborations across Lawson including, but not limited to, internationally recognized research programs in advanced imaging, chronic endocrine-related diseases, a host of surgical specialities, aging/geriatrics, and rehabilitation. Lawson researchers also benefit from close collaborations with Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, Fanshawe College, and our local community organizations.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD and/or MD with research experience in the field of health systems/healthcare delivery, with a preference for those with experience in mental health systems. The candidate’s research excellence will be evaluated based on: publications in top quality journals and impact of the work (patents, clinical practise guidelines, citations and uptake of the findings), a record of attracting external funding from a variety of sources (government, industry, non-profits), evidence of facilitating external collaborations and cross sectoral partnerships, and a record of leading and providing mentorship to diverse research teams including students/trainees and in working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. The suitability of the candidate will be heavily weighted on the research vision and plan for approaching an area of systems transformation over a 5-year term. The research proposal submitted will include a culture of inclusive excellence and belonging and a mentoring/training philosophy. The successful candidate will hold the skills required for engagement, partnership, and leadership on national and international initiatives. The successful candidate will be capable of effectively communicating their strategic goals to other research disciplines as well as the broader community.

Lawson is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community, and we support an inclusive culture for our clients, families, research scientists, staff, participants and patients, trainees, volunteers and partners. We welcome applications from Black individuals and other racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQA+ persons, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas within our community. Lawson is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience, including non-traditional career paths.

London is the fastest-growing city in the province of Ontario, with a diverse population approaching 500,000. London’s nickname is “The Forest City”, with an extensive riverside public park system, and is Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music. The cost of living is reasonable, commuting times are short and the city is host to excellent venues for music, theatre, art, sports and dining. Potential applicants should forward, in confidence, a cover letter, curriculum vitae showcasing a documented record of research activity and leadership (including success in securing external funding support), statement of research interests, and contact information of three reference names to:

Lisa A. Porter, Ph.D., VP Research & Scientific Director
St. Joseph's Health Care London
Lawson Research Institute
268 Grosvenor Street
London, Ontario, N6A 4V2
Canada


All application materials should be prepared and submitted in English to amanda.aspden@sjhc.london.on.ca


Applications will be received until the position is filled. Start date will be negotiated.

Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. Lawson invites applications from all qualified individuals. Lawson is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, 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 Amanda Aspden at Amanda.Aspden@sjhc.london.on.ca or by phone 519-646-6100, ext. 77749.

Immunization Requirements
Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.
Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing