Position Description
The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary invites applications for the position of Associate Dean, Sustainability Engineering, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024. This is a key leadership position within the Schulich School of Engineering (SSE). The Associate Dean appointment is a five-year term, renewable subject to review. The successful candidate will be offered a tenured academic appointment at the Professor level.
The Schulich School of Engineering is searching for an outstanding leader, transdisciplinary relationship-builder, and academic to assume the role of Associate Dean to lead the school’s Sustainability Engineering initiatives. The role includes serving as Department Head-equivalent for the new BSc in Sustainable Systems Engineering program, responsibility for the Sustainability Engineering budget in collaboration with the Administrative Manager (Sustainability Engineering), and leading the recruitment of faculty members. We are seeking a candidate who has achieved excellence and impact in their career, has a track record of building collaborations and providing support to other members, and has the potential to facilitate transdisciplinary conversations. The successful candidate will build, support, and promote Sustainability Engineering in the context of the University’s strategic plan Ahead of Tomorrow, the ii' taa'poh'to'p Indigenous Strategy, the Institutional Sustainability Strategy, and the Schulich School of Engineering’s Strategic Plan Schulich Momentum, while creating reciprocal relationships with industry, government, and the broader community on a regular and sustained basis to promote Sustainability Engineering.
Candidates must have a recognized track record of teaching and externally funded transdisciplinary research or contributions to transdisciplinary research teams in an Engineering or related field with a focus on sustainability and meet the University of Calgary requirements for appointment at the Professor rank. Experience with educational leadership, pedagogical innovation, and/or sustainability policy will be considered an asset. It is required that the Associate Dean will have earned a doctoral degree in Engineering or a closely related discipline and either is registered as a Professional Engineer in Canada or is eligible to be registered as a Professional Engineer in Canada.
Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to mentor and support junior faculty members and students, open and transparent approach to resolving complex issues in an academic unit, and have good communication skills. The Associate Dean will foster the continued pursuit of scholarly and research excellence in Sustainability Engineering and build internal and external relationships to benefit the Sustainability Engineering initiative. The Associate Dean will be a committed advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; truth and reconciliation; and a healthy work environment for all members of Sustainability Engineering.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online via the 'Apply Now' link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments (which may require you to merge documents). A complete application should include:
- Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
- A maximum three-page statement providing a 3-to-5-year vision for Sustainability Engineering with respect to research and educational activities. The statement should also speak to your leadership style and decision-making approach, along with your ideas to support engagement and the enablement of faculty and staff in a recently established academic unit.
- Statement of research interests, accomplishments and vision (maximum of 2 pages)
- Statement of teaching philosophy (maximum of 2 pages)
- Statement on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (maximum of 2 pages)
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024
Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. Anders Nygren
Vice Dean, Schulich School of Engineering
Email: nygren@ucalgary.ca
Sustainable Systems Engineering
The BSc in Sustainable Systems Engineering is a technical, transdisciplinary engineering program focusing on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles, with a goal of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The program focuses on sustainably engineered systems and integrates material from a number of engineering disciplines (civil, chemical, mechanical, geomatics, software and electrical), as well as science, indigenous studies, agriculture, and business.
Schulich School of Engineering
The Schulich School of Engineering, founded in 1965, is home to six engineering departments, nearly 200 faculty members, over 4000 undergraduate students, and more than 2000 graduate students. Guided by its strategic plan Schulich Momentum, the school continues to pursue its vision of recognition for enhancing its global research impact and driving innovation, for expanding access to and inclusivity in engineering, for contributions towards Truth and Reconciliation, and for enriching student success and experience.
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 (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
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)
Additional Information
To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering.
The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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.