Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Level: N

Please note, this is a 16-month temporary full-time contract opportunity covering a leave of absence.

About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us
The Department of Ophthalmology specializes in training clinical and surgical learners in the discipline of Ophthalmology which includes several subspecialties such as Glaucoma, Retina, Cornea, Pediatrics, Neuro Ophthalmology, and Oculoplastics. This is done through a highly adaptable program that includes tailor-made curriculum and educational programs for learners.

Responsibilities
The Program Assistant coordinates and supports all aspects of the Undergraduate Program within the Department of Ophthalmology, ensuring compliance with program standards and contributing to a high-quality educational experience for learners. Working closely with the Undergraduate Program Director, the Program Assistant serves as the first point of contact for current and prospective students, faculty, and other stakeholders, providing information and guidance regarding application and admission processes, orientation, program eligibility, clerkship and fourth-year rotations, and referrals to appropriate resources as needed. The role is responsible for the preparation and coordination of rotation schedules, facilitating communication among students, faculty, and administrative teams, and providing administrative and operational support to ensure the consistent delivery of the undergraduate medical education curriculum. In addition, the Program Assistant assists with the planning and execution of large-scale educational and departmental events, including the annual Department of Ophthalmology Research Day, Focal Problems, and the Interprofessional Eye Forum, ensuring smooth logistics and successful program delivery.

Qualifications

Education:

• 3 year Community College Diploma in Business Administration

Experience:

• 2 years of experience providing administrative support and customer service in an academic setting and working closely with students 
• Experience in a medical academic setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Self-motivated multi-tasker with strong organizational skills
• Creative problem-solving skills and sound professional judgment, especially regarding confidential/sensitive matters
• Strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple activities on a daily basis with strict deadlines
• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with internal and external clients
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and follow through on work assignments
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to provide a supportive and friendly environment for trainees
• Ability to process information with a high degree of accuracy, and follow formal business practices with high attention to detail
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, faculty members, students and the public
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills to complete accurate calculations
• Knowledge of Western/Schulich policies and procedures preferred
• Working knowledge of undergraduate medical education requirements, policies and procedures (including medical education, curriculum, accreditation and licensing bodies) preferred

Union Statement
Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:
This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #43824 by 11:59PM on July 23, 2026