Position number: 17596

Term

Department of Medical Microbiology & Inf. Diseases

Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Posting start date: September 23, 2026

Advertised until: October 14, 2026 or until filled

Full time:

Yes

Permanent

No

Start date

February 1, 2027

For more information please contact: Karen Soares - [email protected] The School of Biomedical Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, invites applications for the position of Head, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Applications are invited from persons holding a current full-time faculty position within the University of Manitoba. This position is normally for a five-year term commencing February 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Compensation associated with the Head appointment will be commensurate with university policies and applicable collective agreements.

The University of Manitoba’s Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MMID) is a highly collaborative research environment featuring an integrated team of investigators, educators, and practitioners. MMID is nationally and internationally recognized for its research excellence in antimicrobial resistance, host-pathogen interactions, HIV prevention and control, and viral pathogenesis. Close collaborative ties with the National Microbiology Laboratory Branch of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Partners for Health Development in Africa (PHDA), and the International Infectious Diseases and Global Health training program create unique and competitive training programs for MMID trainees and propel innovative research.

With strengths in fundamental biomedical sciences and community-based research, MMID strives to create and translate new knowledge, engage with the community, and inform policy to improve the lives of those in the region and throughout the world.

The incoming Head will lead MMID through a key phase of growth, driving interdisciplinary research during a pivotal era for global infectious disease strategy.

The Department consists of nine full-time tenure-stream faculty members and 76 affiliated members and offers graduate programs in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Further information about the Department of MMID can be obtained from https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/medicine/department-medical-microbiology-and-infectious-diseases.

Responsibilities

This position presents a unique opportunity to lead a well-established academic department recognized for excellence in research, graduate education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while helping to shape the future direction of the School of Biomedical Sciences through active participation in its executive leadership team.

The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:

- Create and maintain an inclusive, supportive, and collegial environment for learners, staff, and faculty members.
- Provide strategic leadership for the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and align departmental priorities with the goals and objectives of the School of Biomedical Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, and University.
- Contribute as a member of the School of Biomedical Sciences Executive Council to the development, implementation, and stewardship of School-wide strategy, priorities, policies, and initiatives.
- Develop and implement a strategic vision that advances the integration, excellence, and impact of the Department's research, graduate education, postgraduate medical education, and scholarly activities.
- Oversee graduate curriculum, academic programming, and program administration within the Department.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the School of Biomedical Sciences and promote opportunities for partnership across departments, colleges, health system organizations, and external stakeholders.
- Support and advance research excellence by enhancing the department's competitiveness for peer-reviewed national and international funding.
- Promote knowledge mobilization and translation of research discoveries to academic, professional, community, governmental, and public audiences.




- Create a learning and research environment that attracts outstanding trainees and supports their success through mentorship, scholarship, and professional development.
- Manage departmental resources and planning to support academic priorities and long-term sustainability.

Qualifications Required Qualifications The successful candidate will:

- Hold a Ph.D. and/or MD, or equivalent academic credential and be eligible for appointment as Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in accordance with University policies.
- Hold a full-time faculty appointment at the University of Manitoba.
- Demonstrate an established record of excellence in infectious diseases scholarship, evidenced by significant contributions to research, education, clinical innovation, public health, health systems improvement, knowledge translation, policy development, or other scholarly activities relevant to the discipline.
- Demonstrate an established record of excellence in medical microbiology and infectious diseases teaching.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide effective academic and administrative leadership in support of the Department's research, educational, and scholarly missions.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement strategic priorities and work effectively within a complex academic organization.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and the professional development of learners, faculty, staff, and affiliated members within a collegial academic environment.
- Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

- Established track record in fundamental biomedical sciences, paired with experience bridging basic research with clinical infectious diseases, diagnostics, or public health applications.
- Experience fostering interdisciplinary collaborations among basic, translational, and/or clinical scientists.
- Previous academic leadership experience, including responsibility for academic programs, faculty development, research initiatives, budgetary oversight, or administrative functions.
- Experience contributing to strategic planning and the advancement of institutional priorities within a department, school, faculty, or comparable academic unit.
- Demonstrated experience supporting the recruitment, engagement, mentorship, and professional development of learners, faculty, and affiliated members across basic science and clinical domains.
- Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with external partners, including government, health system, research, community, and industry organizations, where appropriate.

Additional Information The administrative duties of Department Heads are governed by the University policy entitled “Heads of Departments”, by the terms of collective agreements, and by the policies and protocols of the College and the Faculty. The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access & participation and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, Black, racially marginalized communities, disabled persons and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

An inclusive, open, and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, access, and participation, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups,



we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive to include diverse perspectives and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews).

The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant's record of research achievement. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process. We encourage you to self-identity aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently under-represented viewpoints, expertise, and forms of excellence to this role.

To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically under‐represented groups, and pursuant to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission Policy I‐7, preference will be given to applicants who self‐identify as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized communities, as well as other historically underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQIA+ . All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.

Applicants must submit their application for consideration through the University of Manitoba Careers Portal by searching for Requisition #50149

Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a letter outlining their interest and suitability for the position, a personal statement including your positionality, demonstrated commitment and approach to issues pertaining to anti-racism and social justice (including principles of equity, access, and participation) in the following areas: teaching, research, and service and/or other experiences and the names of three references.

Any qiestions regarding the position can be directed to:

Search Committee Chair:

Dr. Chris Anderson

A101B Chown Building, 753 McDermot Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6

Email: [email protected]

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

Additional information:

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global. Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or (phone hidden). Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.

📌 Dept Head of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Winnipeg)
🏢 University of Manitoba
📍 Winnipeg