Tenured or Tenure-Track Cluster of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Positions in Robotics in Civil Engineering

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

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta invites applications for a faculty position as part of a coordinated cluster hiring initiative focused on advancing next-generation infrastructure systems through the integration of advanced materials, structural engineering, robotics, automation, and digital construction technologies. This strategic investment aims to position the University of Alberta as a global leader in digital construction and advanced infrastructure systems by fostering close collaboration between advanced steel structures and civil engineering robotics.

The Cluster Vision

This position is part of a broader cluster hiring initiative designed to work synergistically with a complementary appointment to transform how steel infrastructure is designed, fabricated, assembled, and maintained. Together, the successful candidates will pioneer research at the intersection of structural engineering and robotics, addressing challenges such as: automated welding and quality control in modular steel fabrication; robotic systems for on-site assembly and inspection of steel structures; digital twins integrating structural performance monitoring with robotic maintenance systems; and advanced manufacturing processes that optimize both structural performance and constructability. Both positions will contribute to the Steel Centre and the Nasseri School of Building Science and Technology, with access to experimental facilities for large-scale structural testing, robotics laboratories, and cyber-physical systems simulation facilities across the University of Alberta.

Position Description: Robotics in Civil Engineering

A full-time, tenured or tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position in Robotics in Civil Engineering, with expertise in the design, integration, and deployment of robotic systems for the built environment. Candidates are expected to have either a strong, established record in research and education in civil engineering robotics or to demonstrate exceptional potential for developing such a program.

As part of this cluster hiring initiative, this position will be filled alongside a complementary appointment, 3694 Tenured or Tenure-Track Cluster of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Positions in Steel Structures, fostering strong collaboration across disciplines. Both successful candidates will be expected to develop and sustain externally-funded, collaborative research programs that strengthen partnerships with the Steel Centre, the Nasseri School of Building Science and Technology, the Hole School of Construction Engineering, and industry partners. Candidates are encouraged to pursue both fundamental and applied research that advances the scientific foundations of next-generation infrastructure systems. These positions are part of the University of Alberta's priority to build a diverse faculty; thus, candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Steel Centre

The CISC Centre for Steel Structures Education and Research (The Steel Centre) at the University of Alberta is an industry-driven, student-centred education and research network dedicated to continually advancing the steel industry, engaging in collaborative steel structures research, providing innovative education opportunities, and developing leaders of the future. The Steel Centre was established in 2016 to encourage a clear focus for forward-looking academic instruction, mentorship, curriculum development, and research on industrially-relevant issues. The steel Centre is home to 7 full-time and affiliated faculty members, over 12 partner companies, dozens of graduate students, and over $1 million in annual research funding. Researchers at the Steel Centre actively collaborate with partner organizations, other institutes and universities to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Learn more about the Steel Centre here: https://www.steelcentre.ca/

Nasseri School of Building Science and Engineering

The Nasseri School of Building Science and Engineering at the University of Alberta is a leading interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in building science, civil engineering, construction, and infrastructure systems. Established through the transformational gift from the Nasseri family, the Nasseri School provides a collaborative platform that integrates engineering, architecture, and data-driven technologies to address complex challenges in the built environment. The School brings together a diverse group of faculty, researchers, industry partners, and students to pursue impactful research in areas such as sustainable and resilient infrastructure, advanced materials, digital construction, automation, and smart buildings. With strong connections to industry and government, the Nasseri School emphasizes applied research, experiential learning, and the development of future leaders who can bridge theory and practice to shape the next generation of the construction and infrastructure sectors. Learn more about the Nasseri School here: https://www.nasserischool.ca/

The Hole School of Construction Engineering

The school has helped the construction industry in Alberta improve its project and business performance by delivering cutting-edge tools and practices to construction owners, contractors, and tradespeople while providing a unique training opportunity for highly qualified personnel. Our industrial research partnerships focus on advancing research, student education, and overall practice to define the HSCE’s research and graduate education programs. Our collaborative approach has garnered widespread funding from numerous agencies, policymakers, and industrial practitioners and demonstrates our value of industrial relevance and partnerships.

The Assistant Professor role is the starting point on the Academic Faculty Member career pathway at the University of Alberta. Faculty Members are Full Members of the department and play an active role in democratic processes and governance. The responsibilities of the roles 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 in our Faculty, licensure as a Professional Engineer or Licensee in Alberta is required for faculty members teaching engineering design content. Licensure must be obtained within five years of the 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.

The Department Chair supervises Faculty Members. Annually, Faculty Members prepare and submit a report of their university responsibilities to the Department Chair and the Dean. We offer a competitive market salary. For information about the responsibilities, salary, benefits, leaves, and related details, see the most recent collective agreement for Academic Faculty Members.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering / The School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, which also encompasses the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, believes that innovation, professionalism, and excellence stem from faculty members who value collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusivity of perspectives. The Department aims to maintain its position among the top schools in North America. Our faculty members have developed dynamic and collaborative research programs in all areas of Civil, Environmental, Mining, and Petroleum Engineering and have engaged in partnerships that range from not-for-profits to large corporations. The Department is committed to the development of faculty members’ growth as leaders – both inside and outside the University. Our graduate program attracts dedicated students from leading institutions worldwide and presently has an enrolment of over 500 students, including approximately 200 PhD students.

Working at the University of Alberta and Living in Edmonton

The University of Alberta is in Edmonton, home to over one million people and Alberta’s capital. Edmonton offers a vibrant start-up ecosystem with several large locally-owned construction and manufacturing companies, federal and provincial government offices, an international airport, a city council dedicated to innovation as a ‘smart city’, a focus on urban development, and ending homelessness. The city offers the amenities of a large urban centre while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Many faculty members live within walking or biking distance from campus in neighbourhoods with various housing options from condos to detached homes in one of Canada’s most affordable cities. Edmonton is known internationally for its thriving arts scene with a variety of family activities, an array of indoor and outdoor sports and fitness opportunities, one of North America’s largest stretches of urban parkland, and top-ranked healthcare services. The campus offers childcare, and there are multiple housing options within steps of campus. Faculty Members are offered parental and medical leave, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits. The Faculty of Engineering values families and aims to minimize their long distance separation when possible through our spouse/partner hiring practices. We invite you to visit these websites for information about the University of Alberta (www.ualberta.ca/facultyand-staff/index.html), the Faculty of Engineering (www.ualberta.ca/engineering/index.html), and the City of Edmonton (www.edmonton.ca).

The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D. in civil engineering, robotics, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. We seek candidates with expertise in robotic system design for off-site modular fabrication and on-site assembly and inspection; multi-agent and collaborative automation; the social and economic dimensions of robotic systems; and experimental validation of robotic systems, along with a demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and practical challenges. The successful candidate will contribute to improving the productivity, safety, resilience, and sustainability of Canada's built environment, with an emphasis on robotic systems for off-site construction, field-deployable automation and inspection, and advanced fabrication and assembly processes. The candidate will be expected to develop and sustain an externally funded, collaborative research program of timely interest to provincial and federal funding agencies, as well as address practical aspects of robotics that attract industry-sponsored research.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" and provide the listed documents in one single file. The research and teaching statements should reflect the candidate’s values, work-related skills, and experience.

1. Cover letter that includes highlights of the candidate's profile and clearly indicates how they can contribute to the cluster vision.

2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including the candidate’s research, teaching, and service experience related to the role and responsibilities as well as the qualifications above.
3. Research statement that outlines main areas of current research, along with short- and long-term research goals for a research program (2 pages maximum).
4. Teaching statement that includes past teaching/mentoring experience; a brief teaching philosophy; and evidence of, or potential for, teaching effectiveness (2 pages maximum).
5. The names of at least three referees. The referees will only be contacted if the candidates are selected for interviews.

Review of applications will begin May 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full 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.