Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Resilience and Sustainability of Infrastructures

Western University

Western University is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors to our society.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Western University invites applicants for a tenured Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) position in the area of Resilience and Sustainability of Infrastructures. The appointment will be tenured and at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor. The successful candidate will submit an external nomination for a seven-year term position as a Tier 1 CRC, eligible for renewal once to a maximum of two seven-year terms as a CRC. The nomination should be submitted to the CRC portal before the deadline of October 22, 2024. The appointment at Western University will be conditional on the success of the CRC nomination.

Western recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader. Western understands that our pursuit of research excellence and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting. As such, Western is committed to achieve and maintain an equitable representation amongst our Canada Research Chair holders, as well as within Western’s broader research enterprise. To address Western’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, in our chairholders and pursuant to Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, only applicants who self-identify as a woman, which includes individuals from Gender Equity-Seeking Groups (individuals who identify as transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary and Two-Spirit) will be considered for this CRC opportunity. Candidates must self-identify in their cover letter.

In accordance with the CRC program for Tier 1 Chairs, candidates must be outstanding and innovative world-class researchers who have made a major impact and are recognized internationally as leaders in their fields. Applicants with research expertise in built infrastructures, such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, underground structures, or treatment facilities and in infrastructure services, such as water or transportation systems, will be considered.

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate must be a top-tier researcher whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their field and who is recognized internationally as a leader. They should have a track record of attracting and training graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and have an established record of national and international collaborations. They should be committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and Decolonization in their professional practice.

The candidate will be expected to lead a world-class research program with robust external funding and to teach undergraduate and graduate courses within the Civil and Environmental Engineering program. In addition, the candidate will be expected to supervise graduate students and participate in other educational and professional activities including administrative activities of the Department, Faculty and University. The ability to become eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer in Ontario is required for this appointment.

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff, and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Western University has a full-time enrollment of about 32,000 students in a range of academic and professional programs. Further information about Western can be found at http://www.uwo.ca/, the Faculty of Engineering at http://www.eng.uwo.ca/, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at http://www.eng.uwo.ca/civil/. Western Engineering’s Mission, Vision and Values can be found at https://www.eng.uwo.ca/files/departments-units/human-resources/values-mission-statement.pdf. Western’s Recruitment & Retention Office is available to assist in the transition of successful applicants and their families.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is one of the top civil engineering programs globally [ranked # 1 in Canada and among the top 20 in the world for six consecutive years in the Academic Ranking of World Universities] with a strong reputation in environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation and wind engineering. Our success in attracting students and funding is based on our dedication to excellence in teaching and research. The department’s research strength is supported by unique research facilities and centers such as the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory, the Wind Engineering Energy and Environment (WindEEE) Research Institute, the Institute of Catastrophic Loss Reduction, and the Geotechnical Research Center.

Western recognizes the potential impact that legitimate career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV.

If you share our commitment to excellence in research and teaching and are eager to pursue a rewarding academic career at Western, please send (i) a cover letter, (ii) a detailed curriculum vitae, (iii) a research statement describing your research impact, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows training, and future plans, (iv) a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, (v) an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement, (vi) copies of three representative publications, and (vii) the names and contact information of three referees. Applications should be sent to:

Dr. Ashraf El Damatty, Chair
c/o Stephanie Laurence, Administrative Officer
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering at Western University,
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B9
Email: stephanie.laurence@uwo.ca

Review of applications will commence on March 1st, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Please ensure that the form available at https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full-time-application-form.pdf is completed and included in your application submission.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Dr. El Damatty by email at damatty@uwo.ca or by phone at 519-850-2345.

Posting number: E-CEE-2024-002