Queen's National Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, and Data Justice

Queen’s National Scholar in Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, and Data Justice

Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and the School of Computing

Queen’s University, Canada

The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the School of Computing in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University invite applications for a joint Queen’s National Scholar position at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured) with specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, and Data Justice, with a preferred starting date of July 1, 2021 but this is flexible. The QNS in Artificial Intelligence, Medicine and Data Justice is one of five QNS being recruited this year in support of the Black Studies program and planned BA Minor/General in Black Studies. Further information on the Queen’s National Scholar Program can be found on the website of the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) at:  https://www.queensu.ca/vpr/prizes-promotions/national- scholars-program.

Applicants must self-identify as Black persons, including those from Africa or of the African diaspora (e.g. African and Africa descended people from the Caribbean, North America, Europe, or Latin America).

The successful candidate must have a PhD or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Medicine, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or a related discipline completed by the appointment start date. ABDs will be considered; however these candidates must include a clear plan for degree completion and transition into a faculty. They are expected to play a major role in the launch and delivery of the planned BA Minor/General in Black Studies as well as the graduate programs in related areas in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and at the School of Computing. They will collaborate with Biomedical, Medical and Computing colleagues in aspects of AI and health data justice including machine learning, digital twins, human‐AI collaboration, the ethics of design, normative implications of computerization on equity- deserving groups, race-based medicine, and social justice questions about the impact of AI on clinical care.

They will also have the opportunity to engage with researchers across the University on ethics, policy and specific AI applications in medicine.

The main criteria for selection are academic and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will provide evidence of high-quality scholarly output that demonstrates a record for independent research leading to peer‐ assessed publications. A commitment to secure external research funding, as well as strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, dedication to academic and pedagogical excellence in support of the two units’ programs, and an ongoing commitment to fostering equity and diversity are requirements for this position. Ability to work in collaborative multidisciplinary settings, to participate in course development and to supervise and mentor students are also essential. The successful candidate will be expected to make contributions through service to the School or Department, Faculty, University, and/or broader community. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

As a Queen’s National Scholar, the ideal candidate will clearly demonstrate three main attributes:

• Excellence in providing rich and rewarding learning experiences to students;
• Excellence in developing innovative, collaborative or interdisciplinary research programs that align with Queen’s priorities; and 
• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Further information on teaching and research priorities at Queen’s is available in the Queen’s Academic Plan, found via:  https://www.queensu.ca/strategicplanning/academic and the Queen’s Strategic Research Plan, found via:  https://www.queensu.ca/strategicplanning/research.

People from across Canada and around the world come to learn, teach and carry out research at Queen’s University.  Faculty and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, long term disability insurance, life insurance and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. The preferred candidate will also participate in a pension plan. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying employees, their spouses and dependent

children. Queen’s values families and is pleased to provide a ‘top up’ to government parental leave benefits for eligible employees on maternity/parental leave. In addition, Queen’s provides partial reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for employees with dependent children in daycare. Details are set out in the Queen’s-QUFA Collective Agreement. For more information on employee benefits, see Queen’s Human Resources.

Additional information about Queen’s University can be found on the Faculty Recruitment and Support website. The University is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Kingston’s residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and creative opportunities. Visit Inclusive Queen’s for information on equity, diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives.

Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research‐intensive universities with a global reputation and is a recognized leader in Canadian higher education. The School of Computing and Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences are mid-sized units with strong undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral programs.

This opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as Black persons, including those from Africa or of the African diaspora (e.g. African and Africa descended people from the Caribbean, North America, Europe, or Latin America). Recognizing the intersectionality of identities within Black communities, applications from Black candidates who also, for example, identify as women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons are welcome. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Queen’s University has developed a special program, as described by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, in connection with the search to fill this position.

To comply with federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information as to how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

In addition, the impact of certain circumstances that may legitimately affect a nominee’s record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee’s research

productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.

A complete application consists of:

• a cover letter (including one of the two statements regarding Canadian citizenship / permanent resident status specified in the previous paragraph); 
• a current Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications, awards and grants received);
• a writing sample – either a publication or a work in progress;
• a statement of current and prospective research interests;
• a statement of teaching interests and experience (including teaching outlines and evaluations if available);
• a statement of experience in and commitment to facilitation and promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion; and,
• the names of three (3) references, preferably from more than one university or other appropriate institutions. At least one referee must be arm’s length. 

Applicants should send all documents in their application packages by email as a single PDF by May 31, 2021 to:   dbmsrecruit@queensu.ca.   Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed only if the position remains unfilled.

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Ms. Jackie Moore, Administrative Assistant, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (dmbsrecruit@queensu.ca).

Academic staff at Queen’s University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA), which is posted at  https://www.queensu.ca/facultyrelations/faculty-librarians-and-archivists/collective-agreement and at https://www.qufa.ca/.

Appointments are subject to review and final approval by the Principal. Candidates holding an existing tenure-track or continuing-adjunct appointment at Queen’s will not be considered.