The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health sciences faculties. With 20 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education and research, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta (UofA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) invite applications for Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . This is an opportunity to lead a large, diverse academic department at an important point in its evolution: bringing people together around a shared vision, strengthening educational and working environments, and building on significant clinical and research strengths to advance women's and reproductive health in Albe rta and beyond.
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 Obstetrics and Gynecology brings together more than 20 full-time academic and 100 clinical faculty, with expertise spanning general obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology, reproductive sciences and urogynecology. Clinical programs are anchored at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, a tertiary referral centre serving northern Alberta and parts of northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, with teaching across multiple Edmonton-area hospitals. The Department provides undergraduate medical education, Royal College-accredited residency training, and fellowship, subspecialty and graduate training opportunities.
Research is a major strength and opportunity. Department faculty conduct fundamental, translational and clinical research and work closely with collaborators and research institutes across the University. A particular strength is the Department's close connection with the Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) , Canada's only research institute dedicated to women's, children's and perinatal health. In 2026, WCHRI received a $93.5-million, 10-year commitment from the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation and Alberta Women's Health Foundation, the largest gift in University of Alberta history. Together with the Department's three endowed research chairs and broader University research strengths, this creates an exceptional platform for interdisciplinary discovery and innovation in women's and reproductive health.
The Department is entering an important period of renewal and opportunity. The next Chair will have the opportunity to bring faculty, staff and learners together around a shared direction, strengthen respectful and high-quality learning and working environments, and build trust and alignment across a complex clinical-academic network. Alberta's ongoing health-system transformation creates a further opportunity to help shape new models of education, research, care and partnership. The role offers substantial scope to deepen partnerships across the University, WCHRI and Alberta's health system and to advance the Department's contributions in education, research and clinical innovation.
LEADERSHIP MANDATE
The Chair is the academic and administrative leader of the Department and will provide visible, collaborative leadership across its clinical and academic sites. Working with faculty, staff, learners, Faculty and University leadership, Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health, WCHRI and other partners, the Chair will work in close partnership with the Clinical Corridor Department Lead for Obstetrics and Gynecology to align academic and clinical priorities across an evolving health system.
The Chair will:
● Bring people together around a clear, shared vision for the Department and translate priorities into action and measurable progress;
● Strengthen a respectful, inclusive and accountable culture by building trust, supporting effective teamwork, listening to diverse perspectives and addressing difficult issues constructively;
● Champion high-quality educational environments across undergraduate, residency, fellowship and graduate programs, supporting learners, educators and program leaders to succeed;
● Advance excellence and innovation in research and academic clinical care, leveraging the Department's strengths and partnerships, including WCHRI;
● Recruit, develop and retain excellent faculty and staff, support career development and mentorship, and foster emerging leaders;
● Build strong, productive relationships across the Department, Faculty, University and health system, and with research institutes and external partners, and navigate effectively within a large, complex academic health sciences environment;
● Exercise sound judgment, make timely decisions, and steward financial, space, infrastructure and human resources responsibly, transparently and fairly.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will be a credible, engaged academic leader with the judgment and relational skills to bring people together and lead effectively through complexity and change. They will demonstrate:
● Strategic leadership: the ability to articulate a compelling vision, establish priorities and translate strategy into action, make timely decisions and lead effectively through change;
● People and culture leadership: a demonstrated ability to build trust, foster collaboration, listen well, create respectful and psychologically safe environments, and address conflict constructively while maintaining clear expectations and accountability;
● Educational leadership: a strong commitment to high-quality learning environments and to supporting learners, educators and educational programs;
● Academic leadership: a strong record of academic accomplishment and commitment to excellence and innovation in research and clinical care;
● Collaboration and system navigation: the ability to build trusted, productive relationships across disciplines, sites, institutions and health-system partners, and to navigate effectively within a large, complex academic health sciences environment;
● Stewardship, judgment and communication: sound decision-making, responsible, fair and transparent management of people and resources, and clear, timely communication with diverse stakeholders, including in difficult situations.
Candidates must hold an MD or equivalent degree and hold Royal College certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology, or equivalent qualifications from another recognized certifying body, and be eligible for licensure as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Alberta. Completion of a clinical fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology or Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery or Maternal-Fetal Medicine or Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is required for candidates trained in any of these subspecialties.
Interested candidates should submit the following in one file:
● a cover letter describing your relevant leadership and academic experience, your vision for the Department, and the priorities you would bring to its next phase of development (maximum 3 pages);
● a statement describing your leadership approach, including how you build trust, lead through change and foster inclusive, respectful and high-performing learning and working environments (maximum 1 page);
● a statement describing your approach to building effective partnerships within a complex academic and health-system environment (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 ddoudiet@ualberta.ca .
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry has adopted the Okanagan Charter and is committed to health promoting learning and working environments supporting safety and wellbeing.
ABOUT US
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
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.
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 ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. AHS is one of the top five most integrated health systems in the world and is recognized internationally as a global leader in this area. Alberta's unique single health care system brings together acute care, mental health, continuing care, home care, and emergency services under a single authority. Connect Care, the AHS provincial electronic health records system launched in 2019, provides a single access point, and data resource for complete, up to date health information on all Albertans.
