Graham King Research Chair
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering & Department of Surgery

Appointment Type and Rank: Associate Professor, Tenured or Professor, Tenured

Number of Positions: 1
Posting Date: October 29, 2026
Closing Date to Apply: November 28, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Position Profile:
Applications are invited from exceptional candidates for the endowed Graham King Research Chair, Western University effective July 1, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful applicant will receive an academic appointment at a rank that is commensurate with their qualifications, experience, and record of performance in teaching and research. The position will be a joint appointment with the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and the Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The Chair appointment is for a five-year period, with the possibility of renewal pending review recommendation.

Academic Expectations:
The Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, in collaboration with the Department of Surgery, seeks an energetic and dynamic candidate who will be able to contribute to research and teaching efforts as well as other aspects of academic service. The ideal applicant is expected to have achieved an international reputation in orthopaedic biomechanics, particularly in the field of hand and upper limb research. Expertise in the application of engineering-based studies to address clinical problems such as fracture fixation, soft-tissue and ligament repair, and implant replacement is highly desirable. Expertise in experimental studies focusing on the kinematics and load transfer of the joint, including the use of advanced testing systems that permit the simulation and measurement of joint function is also desirable. In addition, applicants with experience in computational modeling of upper limb joints to assess kinematics and stress analysis of the native and implant-reconstructed joint will be strongly considered. Experience in the supervision of a variety of projects that have demonstrated a robust collaborative effort, particularly with surgeons and trainees in orthopaedic surgery, is a desirable component of the candidate’s experience.

The applicant is expected to have maintained a high level of academic teaching and mentorship, which includes the delivery of courses in Mechanical Engineering to both undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated outstanding research potential and an independent publication record.



He or she will be expected to attract peer-reviewed external research funding, supervise graduate students, as well as teach undergraduate and graduate courses.

The successful candidate will lead the Biomedical Engineering Research activities of the Hand and Upper Limb Centre at the Roth-McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. He or she will be expected to develop and maintain an ongoing vigorous research program in collaboration with faculty within the Department of Surgery and academic researchers.

The appointment will be in the Faculty of Engineering, with joint appointment in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and/or the Lawson Health Research Institute.

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required:
Successful candidates will have completed a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical and/or Biomedical Engineering and provide evidence of excellence in research and impact through publications in the highest quality journals, and have an established internationally-recognized, externally-funded research program, with evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations. An exceptional profile with respect to training of students at the undergraduate and graduate levels is also highly desired, as is evidence of effective teaching at the university level. The ability to become eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer in Ontario is required for this appointment.

Compensation Details: The rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The upper end of the salary range for this position exceeds $200,000 CAD per annum.

Affirmation Policy Statement
Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process,



led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Department: The Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering (MME) is one of six academic units in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing an excellent student experience. The Department aspires to become one of the top Mechanical and Materials Engineering Departments in the world by offering unique academic programs that actively engage undergraduate and graduate students, pursuing excellent research, providing growth opportunities for faculty members and staff, and creating an atmosphere where intellectual challenge is encouraged.

For more information visit: https://www.eng.uwo.ca/mechanical/

The Department of Surgery has over 110 surgeons and scientists, one basic science graduate degree program, and seven Royal College academic training programs; enrolling over 160 trainees at various levels. The Department is comprised of eight Divisions: Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Urology. Notwithstanding Paediatric Surgery, each Division has an active post-graduate residency training program. In addition there are four sub-units tied to one or more Divisions: The Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC) based at St. Joseph’s Health Care, London; the Multi-Organ Transplant Program based at University Hospital; the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic based on Western’s campus; and the Trauma Program based at Victoria Hospital.

For more information visit: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/surgery/

The University: Western University delivers an exceptional academic experience. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff, and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence, and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth to better serve our communities.

📌 Graham King Research Chair - Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering & Department of Surgery (London)
🏢 Western University, Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department
📍 London