Tenured or Tenure-Track Cluster of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Positions in Geotechnical Engineering Full-time

Faculty Position in Geotechnical Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta invites applications for a faculty position as part of a coordinated cluster of five positions reflecting our commitment to advancing collaborative research and teaching in complex global issues including infrastructure resilience, environmental sustainability, and responsible resource development.

These five positions are strategically designed to work collaboratively to address broad challenges that require expertise in Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Mining Engineering. Together, the successful candidates will advance research at the critical interfaces between earth systems, water resources, and the built and natural environments, addressing areas such as: climate-resilient infrastructure founded on evolving subsurface conditions; sustainable mining practices that integrate geostatistical prediction with geoenvironmental remediation; drinking water quality and treatment; surface hydrology and contaminant transport modelling; and innovative engineering solutions that bridge geotechnical, hydrological, and environmental engineering principles.

The cluster will foster collaboration across traditional disciplinary boundaries, leveraging emerging technologies including advanced sensing and monitoring systems, data science and uncertainty quantification methods, artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive modeling, and digital tools for integrated earth systems analysis. Faculty hired through this cluster are expected to actively engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration, joint supervision of students, and development of integrated research initiatives across the cluster themes.

The successful candidates will have access to world-class experimental and computational facilities and collaborative research environments, including the Geotechnical Centre, the Water Research Centre (WRC), and the Centre for Computational Geostatistics (CCG). These platforms provide integrated capabilities spanning advanced laboratory testing, water infrastructure and treatment research, spatial modelling and uncertainty quantification, as well as geotechnical and geoenvironmental laboratories, water quality testing facilities, and field sites across Alberta's diverse landscapes from the boreal forest to the Rocky Mountain foothills. Successful candidates are expected to establish multidisciplinary research programs. An ability to develop and teach courses in at least two of the four disciplines (Geotechnical, Mining, Environmental, and Water Resources) is considered an asset.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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

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 June 4, 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.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people – from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just.