Assistant Professor in Biomaterials Engineering and Mechano-Biology

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta is seeking applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank with a focus on biomaterials engineering and mechano-biology. We welcome applications from scholars with research in these or related areas: bioprinting, regeneration, bioplastics, mechano-biology, and biomaterials for biomedical applications.

The urgent need for efficient biologics and vaccine production, and tissue engineering, especially for emerging health threats, is critical. Although seemingly disparate examples, addressing these needs requires developing fundamental knowledge in scalable processes that leverage advancements in metabolic engineering, cell culture technologies, and bioseparation techniques. By focusing on these areas, engineers can create economically viable and environmentally sustainable processes, contributing to a transition to more sustainable practices that can be implemented across multiple industries.

This role will be in the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering. Applicants who value working across disciplinary boundaries, within and outside engineering, as well as with communities and industry, are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are looking to join a Faculty with a growing focus on interdisciplinary research and an emphasis on high-quality teaching, we welcome your application!

Faculty members are full members of the department and play an active role in democratic processes and governance. The responsibilities of the role include active participation in teaching, research, and service:

• Teaching (40%): Participation in teaching programs, including classroom teaching, supervision of students conducting research, and personal interactions with and advising students. An Academic Faculty member may decide on specific course content and instructional methodology, recognizing the approved course description, and academic policy approved by the Department, the Faculty, and the University. Teaching is year-round with most courses in the Fall (September to December) and Winter (January to April) semesters. Teaching assignments are decided in discussion with the Department Chair. As the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board accredits the undergraduate degree programs, licensure as a Professional Engineer is required. Licensure must be obtained within five years of hire date.
• Research (40%): Participation in research, including the preparation or performance of creative works and reflective inquiry, and disseminating research results by means appropriate to the discipline. Academic Faculty members are encouraged to seek funding for research from granting agencies or other sources.
• Service (20%): An Academic Faculty member shall be actively engaged in service to the University and participate in the collegial responsibilities of departmental, Faculty, and University governance. Provision of service to the discipline of the Academic Faculty member; participation in the governance of the University, the Faculty, and the Department, and dissemination of knowledge to the general public by making available the Academic Faculty member’s expertise and knowledge of the discipline.

Annually, Faculty Members prepare and submit a report of their university responsibilities to the Department Chair and the Dean.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer or become a licensed Professional Engineer through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) within five years from the date of hire.
• A record of publication in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings as well as research experience and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses for bioprocessing and biomaterials.
• A record of service and volunteerism broadly related to their research, teaching, and/or access, community and belonging.
• Teaching experience and training in teaching, lesson planning, and curriculum design.
• Grant application and financial management experience and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching, research, service, and volunteer work related to the role, as well as community boards and organizations, outreach to, and support for underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Industry experience in engineering, trades, sciences, and technology industries.
• Experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects as well as with managing large, multi-year research projects.
• Experience working with industry and community partners for research projects.
• Team, lab, and facility management experience, including but not limited to safety, supervision, and procurement.

Application Instructions

Please ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria above. To apply, please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following:

1. Cover letter (2 pages max) that includes highlights of the candidate’s profile. The cover letter should include a narrative of the candidate’s most significant contributions to research, teaching and service.
2. Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications.
3. Research Plan that outlines main areas of current research and short- and long-term research goals (2 pages max) and up to 3 recent peer-reviewed research publications.
4. Teaching Dossier that includes:
   1. Maximum 1-page teaching philosophy.
   2. Evidence and potential for teaching effectiveness, such as related training, teaching assistantships, courses instructed, recent course evaluations, and example course outlines for courses you delivered as an instructor.
   3. Identification of specific courses at the undergraduate and graduate level that you 
      have the ability and interest to teach.

Next Steps

• Applicants will be accepted until the closing date. University representatives will review application packages, and should the Hiring Committee advance your application, you will be contacted for an online pre-interview.
• For applicants selected for interviews, three letters of reference will be requested. Applicants will be expected to contact the three referees and arrange to have them submit their letters of reference via email attachment. Details will be provided to those candidates selected for interviews.

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

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Alberta

The Faculty of Engineering aims to maintain its position among the top schools in North America. We will do this through innovation and excellence from faculty members and staff who value collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and an engaging and positive work culture. We are dedicated to building a better future for society by:

1. Building the future through people in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
2. Developing minds and hands with heart by taking a holistic approach to provide an exceptional student experience through education and enrichment that strives to develop the highest-calibre engineers: Those who possess both technical acumen and emotional intelligence, expanding the traditional definition of “engineering.”
3. Demonstrating the ever-expanding value of our contributions through community engagement, research impact, and value to society.
4. Solving the world’s greatest challenges by uniquely positioning the engineering field to help uplift the whole of humanity.

The University of Alberta exists to inspire and ignite the human spirit in pursuit of a better tomorrow. Its work is rooted in a commitment to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered while honouring Indigenous identities, languages, cultures and world views. As one of the world’s top 100 teaching and research universities, the U of A ranks among the top 4 in Canada, providing a $19.4 billion annual economic impact in Alberta alone. The U of A seeks to challenge, to change, and to always be Leading with Purpose. More than 46,000 students and 14,000 staff shape the U of A, with outstanding achievements in learning, research, creativity, innovation and engagement across five campuses — including one rural and one francophone. The U of A attracts top talent in rigorous undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 17 faculties across three colleges and more than $621 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A has more than 340,000 alumni worldwide, with alumni-founded companies generating more than $250 billion in annual revenue.

Working and Living in Edmonton

Benefits, Health, & Wellness

We offer a health and wellness benefits package that includes a health spending account, parental leave, and pension benefits. For Faculty members, some moving and relocation expenses may be reimbursed. Spouses/partners may be offered employment services through the University’s Spousal/Partner Employment Program. The campus offers a medical clinic, and multiple childcare and housing options within steps of campus. Academic faculty members are offered parental and medical leave, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits. The Faculty of Engineering values families and aims to minimize long-distance separation when possible through our spouse/partner hiring practices.

Living in Edmonton

Edmonton is home to over one million people and Alberta’s capital. Edmonton offers a vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem, federal and provincial government offices, and the Corporate Offices of the provincial healthcare system. The city offers the amenities of a large urban centre while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Several faculty members live in nearby neighbourhoods with a range of multi-family and single-family housing options within walking and biking distance of the University. Alberta is among Canada’s top provincial school systems with several primary and secondary schools near campus. Edmonton is known internationally for its thriving arts and festival scene with one of North America’s largest stretches of urban parkland, and top-ranked health care services.