Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor in Geotechnical Engineering

Position Description: Geotechnical Engineering

A full-time, tenure-track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor position in Geotechnical Engineering is available. We seek candidates with expertise in Geotechnical Engineering, including but not limited to soil mechanics, novel tools for site investigation and instrumentation, design and analysis of tailings storage facilities, or related areas, and a demonstrated ability to work across disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal problems. The successful candidate will have access to the Geotechnical Centre and will contribute to the resilience and sustainability of civil infrastructure, with an emphasis on advancing geotechnical engineering practice through innovative analysis, design, and construction approaches. Practical experience in geotechnical design, site investigation, or construction that complements academic research will be considered a significant asset.

As part of this cluster hiring initiative, this position will be filled alongside a complementary appointment, 3781, 3782, 3783 and 3784 fostering strong collaboration across disciplines. Each successful candidate will be expected to develop and sustain externally-funded, collaborative research programs that strengthen partnerships with the Geotechnical Centre, The Water Research Centre, Centre for Computational Geostatistics (CCG), and industry partners. Candidates are encouraged to pursue each 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.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in their respective field—such as Geotechnical, Geoenvironmental, Environmental, Mining, Water Resources, Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline—by the appointment start date, and demonstrate either an established record or exceptional potential for excellence in research and education. The successful applicant will show a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and effective mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels, alongside demonstrated ability or clear potential to develop and sustain an externally funded research program. Evidence of scholarly achievement appropriate to the candidate’s career stage is also required, reflecting a trajectory of impactful contributions to their field.

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.

• Cover letter that includes highlights of the candidate's profile and clearly indicates how they can contribute to the cluster vision.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including the candidate’s research, teaching, and service experience related to the role and responsibilities as well as the qualifications above.
• Research statement that outlines main areas of current research, along with short- and long-term research goals for a research program (2 pages maximum).
• Teaching statement that includes past teaching/mentoring experience; a brief teaching philosophy; and evidence of, or potential for, teaching effectiveness (2 pages maximum).
• 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 June 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM.