Assistant Professor in Health Science Communication

AI-driven Health Science Communications

As part of a major expansion of its research programs in Health Science Communications, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa invites applications for a tenure-track position specializing in the emerging intersection of Explainable AI (XAI), Generative AI for Personalized Health Messaging, and Multimodal AI Health Communication.

We seek an innovative scholar with expertise in developing transparent and interpretable AI solutions that facilitate trust and clarity in health-related communication. The ideal candidate will have experience creating generative models to deliver personalized, culturally sensitive, and context-aware health messages. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate proficiency in multimodal AI, integrating text, image, video, and audio to enhance patient-centered health education and communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and expand cutting-edge research programs linking Explainable AI, generative health communication, and multimodal technologies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare, computer science, communication, and public health.
• Secure research funding and publish influential studies in top-tier journals and conferences.
• Mentor students and junior faculty in AI-driven health communication research.

About the University

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading university and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded territory of Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada's capital.

Position Details

Title: Assistant Professor

Terms: Vacant tenure-track position

Duties: Academic staff functions include, in varying proportions:

• Teaching
• Scholarly research activities
• Academic service
• Undergraduate and graduate student supervision

Location: Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Montpetit Hall (MNT), University of Ottawa, 125 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 1A2, Canada

Salary and Benefits

Salary: Salary scale for an assistant professor starts at $99,377 (as of May 1, 2025)

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability leave, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, a pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Qualifications

Education: PhD or equivalent and / or Postdoctoral experience in Health Communication, Computer Science, Health Informatics, Public Health, or a closely related field.

Work experience:

• Demonstrated expertise and scholarly contributions in XAI, Generative AI, NLP, and multimodal machine learning methods.
• Track record of funded research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Commitment to ethics, equity, and inclusivity in health communications and AI.
• Excellent communication skills in either English or French. Passive (or active) knowledge of one's second official language (French or English) is a requirement for tenure. English-French bilingualism is an asset.

Application Requirements

Candidates should include the following in their application:

• A cover letter, including a statement on the level of bilingualism
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (please include any personal circumstances and/or career interruptions such as parental or sick leaves that may have impacted your research trajectory; these will be taken into consideration in the selection process)
• A research plan
• A statement of teaching philosophy
• A statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion philosophy and concrete practices (~1 page)
• The names of three people who may be contacted by the University for letters of reference.

Application deadline: Applications received prior to November 29, 2025, will be given first consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered until the position is filled.

Contact: Frédérique Tesson, Director, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, eiss-ishs.admin@uottawa.ca

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Accommodations

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

Bilingualism

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.