Canada Research Chair Tier 2 Position - Mechanical Engineering

University of Saskatchewan

The College of Engineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair appointment in Materials for Nuclear Applications.
The Canada Research Chair (CRC) Program is the flagship of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries in research and development (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca). The College is committed to enhancing its research and training capacity related to materials and advanced manufacturing used in nuclear applications, including advanced and legacy nuclear energy, mining, and fuel. This strategic chair will complement existing activity in energy, mining, and critical minerals, and will stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations across the College's diverse engineering fields. The Chair will enhance the research ecosystem with a focus on innovation and scientific exploration.
Researchers whose work relates broadly to the unique qualities required of materials and their application in nuclear applications are encouraged to apply. Examples may include but are not limited to development and testing of alloys, composites, or coatings; computational methods in material development and analysis; solid mechanics; tribology; and reliability. The College seeks expertise that complements its existing strengths and catalyzes research and training in materials, mechanics, and manufacturing for the nuclear industry. This appointment will be made in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The successful candidate will initiate, lead, and collaborate in research activities; supervise graduate students; compete successfully for external research funding; teach undergraduate and graduate courses; and undertake relevant administrative activities.

Eligibility
Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., applicants must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please contact the Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives for more information. The impact of leaves will be carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement.

Minimum Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess a PhD degree in a related area. Candidates must be qualified to successfully pursue professional registration with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (www.apegs.ca). This registration is required to teach undergraduate courses in an accredited engineering program in Canada. Candidates must have state-of-the-art research experience in material technology and engineering and/or solid mechanics related to materials. Demonstrated research impact through quality publications in peer-reviewed venues in a field relevant to the focus of the Chair is expected. Demonstrated potential as an instructor in either formal or informal settings is also expected.
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in its faculty complement and is proud to support career opportunities that address the under representation of members of the four designated groups defined under the Employment Equity Act (women and gender equity seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; and persons with disabilities) among chair allocations. In consideration of the University’s strategic directions and to achieve the EDI targets and goals of the USask CRC action plan, as established by the CRC Secretariat, this position is restricted to individuals who self-identify as a member of one of the four designated groups. USask relies on section 56 of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to give this preference in employment. Recruitment will be guided by the CRC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements and Practices) and by the strong commitment of the University of Saskatchewan to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Ideal Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a PhD degree in a field directly relevant to the focus of the Chair, with some portion of their training in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline. They will currently be registered as a professional engineer or engineer in training in Canada, or country that is a signatory to the Washington Accord. Indications of a strong research program with robust graduate student involvement and strong prospects for financial support will be advantages. Experience collaborating across multiple research groups and across institutions will also be advantages. Successful delivery of undergraduate and/or graduate university courses, experience developing new courses, and formal professional development and/or certification in teaching and/or pedagogy will be assets.

Why USask
The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community, and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 24,000.
The University of Saskatchewan is home to Canada’s only synchrotron (www.lightsource.ca), the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (fedorukcentre.ca), the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre (sssc.usask.ca), and in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency is host to the 2025 National Canadian Nuclear Energy Management School. USask is a participant in the Canadian Nuclear Labs (CNL) Academic Partnership Program, and a member of the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE). University, College, and partner facilities for material testing and analysis will ensure the chair has the necessary support to lead groundbreaking research in nuclear materials and their application. To further enhance the research capabilities and support the chair's ambitious projects, additional investments will be considered to update and expand the existing infrastructure.
The College of Engineering at USask offers a comprehensive range of engineering undergraduate and graduate programs, including biomedical, chemical/biological, civil/geological/environmental, electrical/computer, engineering physics, and mechanical engineering. The Mechanical Engineering program is the largest in the College, with an active and engaged student body, and commitment to supporting hands-on experiential learning. Faculty in the Department include University Master Teachers, Distinguished Researchers, winners of other teaching and research recognitions, and experienced leaders and administrators. The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to help shape the future direction of research and training in the unit and College.
This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.
Applications must be made using the University’s online application portal (careers.usask.ca). The application materials must clearly indicate how the minimum qualifications have been met and should highlight any special experience that connects to the ideal qualifications. Complete applications will include a curriculum vitae, a research statement, a teaching statement, statement of alignment with the diversity goals of the CRC program, and the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
USask is committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact Alan Reynolds: alan.reynolds@usask.ca).