Chair, Mechanical Engineering, York University, Lassonde School of Engineering

The Lassonde School of Engineering (Lassonde) is committed to addressing the historical under-representation of women in Engineering by providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all who wish to study, practice and undertake research in engineering. Our commitment to this goal is exemplified by the Lassonde 50:50 challenge, which aims to promote gender equity at all levels of the academic and professional pipeline. To help meet this challenge, we seek a female colleague who will have an established national and international research reputation, relevant administrative experience, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and innovative curriculum development and/or implementation.

Lassonde invites applications from experienced women-identified academics to lead our Mechanical Engineering Department as its Chair for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional two years upon mutual agreement. The successful candidate will be appointed to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the rank of Full or Associate Professor in the professorial stream. The Chair will continue the ground-breaking work in developing the Renaissance EngineerTM. This transformative learning experience is supported by a $115M new building that is gaining the attention of the world. Recognized as one of the top 10 emerging leaders in the global state-of-the-art engineering education, now is an exciting and opportune time to join Lassonde in actively participating in its growth trajectory. Lassonde is a crucial part of York University, Canada’s third largest and globally ranked among the top 26 in the 2019 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.

This role is a unique opportunity to continue to shape the future of a young and vibrant Department by implementing visionary educational and research initiatives. We seek applicants who will contribute to our academic programs, promote interdisciplinary teaching and research, and help the University to achieve its aspirations. You will be instrumental in helping us to become a global leader in the field. The Department offers an accredited Bachelor of Engineering degree program, a MASc and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. It currently comprises about 20 faculty members, working in a rich and exciting discipline that allows us to grapple with global challenges around energy, water, quality of life and poverty. A unique aspect of our department is involvement in the complementary fields of: Engineering Education; Entrepreneurship & Commercialization; and Design Engineering.

As the successful candidate, you will be an enthusiastic advocate for the Department, showing collegial leadership, furthering the quality of the academic programs, and building national and international partnerships with institutions in academia and industry. You will also implement the strategic vision for the Department, continue the acquisition of the state-of-the-art infrastructure, and continue faculty recruitment. The Chair will operate the Department to enhance and grow its education and research missions. The Chair must strongly advocate for the Department, lead the shared development and realization of the Department’s strategic plans, enhance junior faculty mentoring, and foster a collegial environment in which faculty feel they can reach their full professional potential. Candidates must have a first degree (BASc, BEng or equivalent) and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field, a proven record of academic leadership, a distinguished national and international reputation in research, significant experience in student education and engagement (preferably in Mechanical Engineering), commitment to support the advancement of fellow faculty members at all levels. The successful candidate should also be a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, or be licensed soon after appointment. For further information, please visit https://peo.on.ca/. The Department expects the successful candidate to maintain an active sponsored research program. Candidates from all areas of Mechanical Engineering or related areas are encouraged to apply. York is a large and diverse institution located in Canada’s largest city and there are many opportunities and support for collaboration, both on campus and within the wider community.

The following documents are required as part of the application package: (i) a cover letter (ii) a detailed curriculum vitae (iii) a statement of contribution to teaching (iv) three samples of the most significant and relevant scholarly work conducted; (v) names and contact details (full mailing address, phone number, e-mail address) of at least three referees. Applicants should complete the online application process at https://apply.lassonde.yorku.ca/prog/chair-mech/. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is April 30, 2020, but the position will be open until filled. The start date of the appointment will be July 1, 2020 (or by mutual agreement). All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

York University has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and to expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Candidates who require accommodation during the selection process are invited to contact Alex Czekanski, Search Committee Chair, at alex.czekanski@lassonde.yorku.ca.

York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA Program, which applies to women, members of visible minorities (racialized groups), Aboriginal (Indigenous) people and persons with disabilities, can be found at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or by calling the AA line at 416-736-5713.  Applicants wishing to self-identify can do so as part of the online application process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous peoples in Canada will be given priority. No application will be considered without a completed mandatory Work Status Declaration form which is included as part of the online application process.

About the Lassonde School of Engineering

Established in 2012, the Lassonde School of Engineering, York University offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, computer science, and earth and atmospheric science. We have created a culture where tomorrow’s professionals are becoming Renaissance Engineers™ – multidisciplinary problem solvers, critical thinkers, leaders and entrepreneurs who understand creativity, communications, social responsibility, and cultural diversity. We seek committed faculty who can contribute to our innovative approaches to incorporating research in the curriculum, experiential education, technology-enhanced learning and other pedagogical innovations. You can find further information about the Lassonde School of Engineering at http://lassonde.yorku.ca/.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, contact Amorell Saunders N’Daw or Beth McLennan at 1-866-822-6022.

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