Assistant Professor in Pregnancy / Perinatal Biomedical Research

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry in partnership with the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) invites applications from outstanding early-career researchers for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the field of pregnancy/perinatal physiology.

We are seeking a visionary scientist whose research program investigates fundamental mechanisms of pregnancy, development, and early-life environments to improve pregnancy and perinatal, fetal, and children's health outcomes. This position is strategically intended to complement the world-class perinatal/pregnancy research ecosystem at the University of Alberta.

Pregnancy complications and adverse intrauterine environments affect up to one in four pregnancies worldwide, carrying lifelong health consequences for both the pregnant person and the child. The successful candidate will establish an independent, innovative research program utilizing advanced physiological models, cellular and molecular biology techniques, and/or translational in vivo systems to bridge the gap between pregnancy complications, early neonatal development and pediatric outcomes.

We welcome applicants exploring a broad spectrum of discovery science in pregnancy and perinatal physiology, including but not limited to:

• Pregnancy Complications: Understanding the mechanisms by which maternal physiological adaptations to pregnancy, placental development/function, and maternal cardiovascular–placental interactions contribute to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and alter the fetal environment and developmental trajectory.
• Fetal Programming & Development: How early-life and intrauterine disruptions modify fetal organogenesis, cellular differentiation, and later-life systemic health.
• Maternal-Fetal Signaling: Molecular cross-talk between maternal tissues, placental structures, and the developing fetus that governs healthy maturation.
• Translational Discovery: Identification of early biomarkers, mechanistical targets, or innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing the impact of pregnancy complications on maternal and offspring health.

The successful candidate will be embedded within a premier health research environment at the University of Alberta:

• Synergistic Opportunities: Work collaboratively alongside leading scientists to bridge microenvironmental placental mechanisms with systemic fetal and neonatal outcomes.
• Infrastructure Access: Utilize cutting-edge resources within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s Core Research Facilities and the specialized infrastructure supported by the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI).
• Supportive Launch: Receive a competitive institutional start-up package, institutional mentorship, partial teaching release during the initial years, and access to domestic and international funding networks.

The Assistant Professor role is the starting point on the academic faculty member career pathway at the University of Alberta. The successful candidate will be expected to balance research, teaching, and service commitments, with specific expectations to:

• Lead an independent, discovery-based research program focused on the physiological mechanisms driving perinatal, fetal, or pediatric health outcomes.
• Secure robust external funding from Tri-Council and other agencies to sustain a state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
• Collaborate across disciplines to build research bridges within the University’s perinatal network, complementing established strengths in maternal-fetal interface and trophoblast biology.
• Deliver excellence in teaching and mentorship, fostering an inclusive, high-performance training environment for diverse undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scholars.
• Contribute to academic governance and service activities within the Department, Faculty, Institute, and broader university community.

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD in Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of high-impact postdoctoral training in a relevant basic science laboratory setting.
• An outstanding track record of peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, alongside demonstrated potential to secure competitive external research funding.
• Demonstrated ability or high potential to teach undergraduate and graduate courses (such as fetal/developmental physiology) and successfully mentor diverse trainees.

How to Apply

Please ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria above. To apply, please select the Apply Now icon below and submit the following in ONE PDF document:

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae, including your research, teaching, and service experience related to the role and responsibilities, as well as the qualifications above (narrative CV formats are accepted).
3. A research plan (3 pages) that summarizes your short- and long-term vision for an independent, discovery-based research program focused on perinatal/fetal health.
4. A statement of mentorship and teaching (1 page) that outlines your philosophy, teaching interests, and strategies to support diverse students.
5. An Access, Community, and Belonging & Indigenous engagement statement (1 page) that outlines your experiences or actionable strategies for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a particular focus on how your research, mentorship, and advocacy will champion Access, Community, and Belonging and foster meaningful, respectful engagement with Indigenous communities (see UofA Indigenous Initiatives).
6. Provide the names and contact information for three professional referees (letters will only be requested for short-listed candidates).

The University of Alberta recognizes the impact that life circumstances (e.g., maternity/parental leave, illness, family care, or systemic delays) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These circumstances will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.