Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader. Assistant or Associate Professor in Sustainable Transportation Futures in Edmonton

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta is seeking applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in sustainable transportation futures. This Canada Impact+ Emerging Leader position is associated with Dr. Susan Shaheen’s Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Sustainable Transportation Futures at the University of Alberta. Salary and research support will be specified in the appointment offer.

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, independent, and externally funded research program, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, supervise students and other highly qualified personnel, and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration across the Faculty, the University, and with external partners. Applicants whose work connects transportation technologies with energy, infrastructure, climate resilience, logistics, digital systems, policy, or community needs are particularly encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of clean, resilient, accessible, and globally competitive transportation through cutting-edge research and education.

The successful candidate will hold an academic appointment in the Faculty of Engineering, with an academic home determined according to the candidate’s expertise and alignment with one of the Faculty’s five departments.

Priority Areas of Research

Applications are invited from candidates whose research advances sustainable, resilient, and inclusive transportation systems. Areas of interest include:

• Clean transportation technologies and energy systems involving electrification, hydrogen, sustainable fuels, critical minerals, vehicle-grid integration, and distributed energy resources;
• The decarbonization of difficult-to-electrify freight, aviation, marine, and long-distance transportation systems;
• Next-generation aviation and autonomous air systems for passenger transportation, freight, defence, and rural or northern mobility;
• Climate-resilient transportation and energy infrastructure, smart charging, multimodal logistics, low-emission supply corridors, Arctic and northern supply chains, first- and last-mile transportation, and accessible mobility for rural, remote, underserved, older, and disabled populations.

Research may integrate technology development and testing with systems modelling, lifecycle and environmental assessment, infrastructure planning, safety, regulatory and policy analysis, community acceptance, affordability, accessibility, equity, public health, and economic competitiveness.

Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program Eligibility and Appointment

Applicants must:

• Have been both working and residing outside Canada on July 1st, 2026
• Be within five years of the start of the first appointment permitting independent research as of that date, with adjustments for eligible career interruptions and part-time appointments under the program’s rules.
• Be able to begin full-time employment at the University of Alberta no later than July 1st, 2027.

Successful nominees will be appointed at the University of Alberta as Assistant or Associate tenure-track Professor. Successful nominees will be expected to start their position within 12 months of accepting the award. The award value is $100,000 per year over six years and is renewable up to six additional years at the same amount. Chairholders will be required to take up their appointment on a full-time basis.

The University of Alberta recognizes the legitimate impact that life circumstances can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and that these circumstances will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

The Role and 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 role include active participation in teaching, research, and service:

• Teaching: 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 policies approved by the Department, the Faculty, and the University.
• Research: Participation in research, including the preparation or performance of creative works and reflective inquiry, and disseminating research results by means appropriate to the discipline.
• Service: 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.

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.

About the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program

Launched in December 2025, the Impact+ Emerging Leaders program is a one-time national initiative designed to support Canadian institutions in growing and sustaining a critical mass of expertise in priority areas identified by the Government of Canada to address pressing domestic and global challenges.

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 through innovation and excellence from faculty members and staff who value collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and an engaging and positive work culture.

Working and Living in Edmonton

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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications for the Faculty of Engineering Appointment

A Ph.D. in Engineering, or a closely related field, is required. Experience in effectively communicating the results of research within and outside of the academy, including publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Licensure, progress towards licensure, or eligibility for licensure as a Professional Engineer or Licensee in Alberta is required through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). Ability to effectively develop, instruct, and engage learners in the engineering curriculum. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Following are Considered an Asset

• 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
• Teaching experience and training in teaching, lesson planning, and curriculum design