Department Chair, Emergency Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta (UofA) invites applications for Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. This is an opportunity to lead a large, diverse academic department and shape the future of emergency medicine in Alberta and beyond across education, research, innovation and academic clinical care.

Within the College of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of Canada’s leading academic health sciences faculties, with the University of Alberta ranked fifth in Canada and among the top 100 globally for Medical and Health in the 2026 Times Higher Education rankings. The Department of Emergency Medicine is a leading clinical and academic centre dedicated to excellence in education and research. It provides Royal College-accredited residency training, undergraduate core rotations and electives, and partners with the Faculty’s CFPC Emergency Medicine residency program. More than 200 academic and clinical faculty members, including some supported by alternative funding mechanisms, work across hospitals in Edmonton, Red Deer and Grande Prairie.

Department researchers work closely with research institutes and collaborators across the University. These collaborations are supported by distinctive strengths in AI and health data, including the University’s ranking of second in Canada and eighth worldwide for artificial intelligence in the 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects and the new Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Institute. Together, these assets create significant opportunities for interdisciplinary research and innovation in emergency medicine.

The next Chair will have the opportunity to shape the Department’s next phase of growth at a time of significant change in health-system delivery, academic medicine and technology. The role offers substantial scope to strengthen connections across the Department and deepen collaborations across the University and Alberta’s health system.

LEADERSHIP MANDATE

The Chair is the academic and administrative leader of the Department and will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, learners, Faculty and University leadership, Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, research institutes and external partners. The Chair will:

• Provide a clear, compelling vision for the Department and translate strategic priorities into action and measurable progress;
• Advance excellence and innovation in education, research and clinical programs, while identifying opportunities for academic and programmatic growth;
• Recruit, develop and support faculty, staff and learners, foster emerging leaders, and create conditions in which individuals and teams can succeed;
• Build strong, productive relationships across the Department’s sites and programs and with the Faculty, University, health system and external community, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Foster a respectful, inclusive and supportive culture grounded in professionalism, fairness, accountability and belonging;
• Steward financial, space, infrastructure and human resources responsibly and transparently, aligned with Department, Faculty and University priorities; and
• Communicate clearly, listen to diverse perspectives, address difficult issues constructively, and make fair, timely and well-informed decisions.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership: the ability to articulate a compelling vision, translate strategy into action and lead effectively through change;
• Academic leadership: a strong record of academic accomplishment and commitment to excellence and innovation in education, research and/or clinical care;
• People leadership: an ability to recruit, develop, support and bring out the best in faculty, staff and learners;
• Collaboration: the ability to build trusted, productive relationships across disciplines, sites, institutions and health-system partners;
• Stewardship and judgment: sound decision-making and responsible, transparent management of people and resources; and
• Culture and communication: a commitment to professionalism, fairness, inclusion and belonging, together with excellent listening, communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Candidates must hold an MD or equivalent degree and either Royal College certification in Emergency Medicine and/or Pediatric Emergency Medicine, a CFPC Certificate of Added Competence in Emergency Medicine [CCFP(EM)], or equivalent qualifications from another recognized certifying body.

Interested candidates should submit the following in one file:

• a cover letter describing your relevant leadership and academic experience and your vision for the Department (maximum 3 pages);
• a statement describing your leadership approach, including how you foster inclusive, respectful and high-performing environments (maximum 1 page);
• a statement describing your approach to building effective internal and external partnerships (maximum 1 page); and
• your curriculum vitae.

To support masked review, please do not include your name or other directly identifying information in the leadership and partnership statements. Candidates are encouraged to describe relevant experiences and examples without identifying specific institutions or individuals where possible. Identifying information can be included in the cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates requiring a clinical appointment with Alberta Health Services or Covenant Health will need to submit a second application through DoctorJobsAB.

Confidential inquiries are welcome at [email protected].

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry has adopted the Okanagan Charter and is committed to health promoting learning and working environments supporting safety and wellbeing.

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

The academic appointment is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.