Assistant Professor in Engineering for Sustainable Development, Schulich School of Engineering

Position Description

The Sustainable Systems Engineering program in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Engineering for Sustainable Development. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024, or a mutually agreed upon date.     

Sustainable Systems Engineering is a technical, life-centered transdisciplinary field focusing on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles with the goal of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The program will train engineers that will have the knowledge, awareness and competencies needed to manage and implement engineering solutions that minimize negative impacts, strive to achieve at least net neutral outcomes, and, ideally, are restorative with people and the planet in mind.

The successful applicant will align with the University of Calgary's Ahead of Tomorrow strategic vision and support its strategic academic and research priorities of transdisciplinary scholarship, future-focused program delivery, and deeper community integration.  

This position offers an unparalleled opportunity to spearhead transformative transdisciplinary research, foster impactful collaborations, and inspire the next generation of engineers to champion sustainability. The position is focused on advancing research in one or more of the following critical areas: renewable energy, water and sanitation, sustainable infrastructure, focusing on inclusive and collaborative engineering practices. Candidates with Indigenous and community-based focus in the above areas of research are highly desired. The candidate’s research should integrate the interconnectedness of environmental, social and human dimensions, and economic factors into decision-making through the SDG lens, aligning it with the core principle of adopting a systemic approach to assess benefits and costs. The goal is to advance major contributions towards the rapid acceleration of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global sustainability efforts. Transdisciplinary collaboration is a core component of the position, involving the forging of strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities, governments, NGOs, industry leaders, and multidisciplinary research teams to translate innovative ideas into practical, scalable solutions for societal benefit. Teaching and mentorship are also an integral part of the position, encompassing the design and delivery of courses that seamlessly integrate SDGs into engineering practices and mentoring graduate students to instill a commitment to sustainability and responsible engineering. Furthermore, inclusivity, gender equality, and social equity within engineering projects are championed within the SSE with a commitment to ensuring that sustainable solutions are accessible to all communities, promoting equitable access to a more sustainable future. Qualifications are expected to reflect the high standards and expertise required for leadership in this transformative research program.

The successful candidate should be familiar with current challenges in sustainable engineering and design.  This includes demonstratable experience in the following areas:

• Proven expertise in sustainable infrastructure design, development, and implementation.
• Familiarity with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in sustainable infrastructure.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and collaborative engineering methodologies.
• Experience in leading interdisciplinary teams to address complex challenges.
• Track record of promoting diversity and fostering collaboration within academic and research settings.
• Experience in conducting research with a focus on Indigenous and community-based approaches in renewable energy, water and sanitation, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural, social, and environmental considerations related to Indigenous and community-based research.
• Proven ability to integrate environmental, social, and human dimensions into research projects.
• Experience in developing holistic approaches that consider the interconnected nature of sustainability challenges.

These experience requirements aim to attract candidates who are not only experts in their specific fields but also dedicated to promoting inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable practices in engineering research and education. The ideal candidate demonstrate interest in the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global sustainability efforts. We seek an individual with proven contributions towards substantial progress on the SDGs, showcasing a commitment to fostering positive change on a global scale. Furthermore, the candidate should possess a distinguished record of impactful research aligning with broader sustainability objectives, underscoring their dedication to addressing pressing global challenges through scholarly endeavors.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop and teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses core to engineering and on topics related to Sustainability Systems Engineering specifically SDGs, sustainable infrastructure, water, and renewable energy.  The candidate will actively contribute to teaching, curriculum development, graduate student supervision and mentoring and is expected to provide service supporting SUSE, School, University and Profession.  As a University of Calgary community member, the successful candidate will support and contribute to equity, diversity, inclusion, and a positive working and learning environment.  

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must hold a B.Sc. in an engineering discipline and a doctoral degree specializing in a Sustainability related discipline; have a strong research track record; and provide evidence of excellence in teaching. Relevant industrial experience is an asset.  Candidates should have strong oral and written English communication skills. All candidates must be eligible for registration as a professional engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

The successful candidate will benefit from a rich ecosystem that includes world-class engineering scholars, a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, and a university community that supports transdisciplinary research, partnerships, and collaborations and supports research and teaching excellence.  The University of Calgary is a national leader in sustainability systems, with research activities and programs spanning departments, schools, universities, and communities. 

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the `Apply Now’ link and include in one PDF file (which may require you to merge documents):

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests, accomplishments, and vision (3 pages)
• Statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages)
• Statement on equity, diversity and inclusion, and indigenous engagement (2 pages)
• Statement on sustainability and the role it plays in your research (2 pages)

Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. Marjan Eggermont
Interim Associate Dean Sustainability, Schulich School of Engineering
Email: [email protected]

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions when assessing the candidate’s research productivity.

Additional Information

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Schulich School of Engineering, click here.

About the University of Calgary
 
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
 
About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.