Faculty Service Officer - Chemical and Materials Engineering

Competition 1391

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

The Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta is seeking applications for a Faculty Service Officer (FSO) position. In accordance with the Faculty Service Officer Agreement , this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits.

This position plays a key role on the instructional team that offers the design and lab courses with our Materials Engineering program. The main responsibilities include: the development and delivery of lectures and labs, development of teaching materials, preparation of handouts and instructions; supervision of teaching assistants, assistance to students in preparing reports, setting and grading examinations, and assigning final grades. In addition to assigned teaching duties, the incumbent is expected to assist with continuously improving the curriculum including leading the development of active learning activities, and be actively engaged in departmental research activities and provide service to the Department, Faculty and the University.

The Role and Responsibilities

Faculty Service Officers report to the Department Chair and are full members of the department and play an active role in democratic processes and governance. The responsibilities of the role include:

• Teaching (50%): Participation in teaching programs, including classroom teaching, and personal interactions with and advising students. An FSO 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, licensure as a Professional Engineer is required and good standing must be maintained.
• Outreach/Service/Administration (30%): Contribute to the Department, Faculty, and University activities, including: a) participate in operational duties which include, but are not limited to: manage lab technicians and teaching assistants, prepare submissions for undergraduate lab funding, organize field trips for students, plan and implement labs, etc. b) assist in other functions such as open house, outreach to schools, orientations.
• Research Support (20%): Maintain technical competence and act in support of the departmental research activities, including: a) participate in various departmental research and educational projects in collaboration with academic faculty members. This participation should be at a high level so that the FSO is a co-author of refereed publications resulting from this research. b) provide guidance to undergraduate and graduate students working in research-intensive activities, e.g., Dean’s Research Awards, co-op students, capstone projects, graduate student candidacy and final examinations. c) either individually or in partnership with other academic faculty members, the incumbent may apply for and hold research funds.

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. We will do this through innovation and excellence from faculty members and staff who value collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and an engaging and positive work culture. We are dedicated to solving the world’s greatest challenges and building a better future for society by:

1. Building the future through people in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
2. Developing minds and hands with heart by taking a holistic approach to provide an exceptional student experience through education and enrichment that strives to develop the highest-calibre engineers: Those who process both technical acumen and emotional intelligence, expanding the traditional definition of “engineering.
3. Demonstrating the ever-expanding value of our contributions through community engagement, research impact, and value to society
4. Solving the world’s greatest challenges by uniquely positioning the engineering field to help uplift the whole of humanity

The University of Alberta exists to inspire and ignite the human spirit in pursuit of a better tomorrow. Its work is rooted in its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, while honouring Indigenous identities, languages, cultures, and world views. As one of the world’s top 100 teaching and research universities, the U of A ranks among the top 5 in Canada, providing a $19.4 billion annual economic impact in Alberta alone. The U of A seeks to challenge, to change, and to always be Leading with Purpose. More than 44,000 students and 13,000 staff shape the U of A, with outstanding achievements in learning, research, creativity, innovation, and engagement across five campuses — including one rural and one francophone. The U of A attracts top talent in rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 17 faculties across three colleges and more than $550 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A has more than 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Working and Living in Edmonton

Benefits, Health, & Wellness

We offer a health and wellness benefits package that includes a health spending account, parental leave, and pension benefits. For academic members some moving and relocation expenses may be reimbursed. Spouses/partners are offered employment services through the University’s Spousal/Partner Employment Program. The campus offers a medical clinic, and multiple childcare and housing options within steps of campus. Academic members are offered parental and medical leave, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits. The Faculty of Engineering values families and aims to minimize long-distance separation when possible through our spouse/partner hiring practices.

Living in Edmonton

Edmonton is home to over one million people and Alberta’s capital. The city offers the amenities of a large urban centre while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Several academic members live in nearby neighbourhoods with a range of multi-family and single-family housing options within walking and biking distance of the University. Alberta is among Canada’s top provincial school systems with several primary and secondary schools near campus. Edmonton is known internationally for its thriving arts and festival scene with one of North America’s largest stretches of urban parkland, and top-ranked health care services.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Materials Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
2. Must be a licensed Professional Engineer through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) or hold an equivalent professional engineering degree.
3. Effective teaching experience and training in teaching, lesson planning, and curriculum design.
4. Ability to effectively develop, instruct, and engage learners in engineering curriculum.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Teaching, research, service, and volunteer work related to the role as well as community boards and organizations and outreach to and helping in underserved and underrepresented communities.
2. Supervision of teaching assistants.
3. Grant application and financial management experience and/or training.
4. Industry experience in engineering, trades, sciences, and technology industries.
5. Experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects as well as with managing large, multi-year research projects.
6. Experience working with industry and community partners.
7. Team, lab, and facility management experience, including but not limited to safety, supervision, and procurement.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. The University of Alberta aims to increase our diversity, equity, and inclusivity and has 5-year plans in the Strategic Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Indigenous Strategic Plan. Alongside this plan, the Faculty of Engineering is taking steps in our student recruitment and hiring processes to support Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 Goal to increase the proportion of newly licensed female-identifying engineers to 30% by the year 2030.

How to Apply

Please ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria above. To apply, please select the Apply Online icon below and submit the following:

1. Cover letter that includes highlights of the candidate’s profile and the names of the 2 referees (see below for more information).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Teaching Dossier (please submit under "Interests") including
   1. Maximum 1-page teaching philosophy, and
   2. Evidence and potential for teaching effectiveness, such as related training, teaching assistantships, courses instructed, recent course evaluations, and example course outlines for courses you delivered as an instructor.

Next Steps

• Applicants will be accepted until September 6, 2024. University representatives will review application packages, and should the Hiring Committee advance your application, you will be contacted for an online pre-interview.
• Please note that applications with missing information or components will not be considered.
• For applicants selected for interviews, two letters of reference will be requested. Applicants will be expected to contact the two referees and arrange to have them submit their letters of reference via email attachment. Details will be provided to those candidates selected for interviews.