Acknowledging that UPEI is located on the unceded land of the Mi’kmaq Nation of the Wabanaki Confederacy in the traditional district of Epekwitk, the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) welcomes applications from exceptional candidates for one (1) term contract faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank in the area of Bioresources. This term contract appointment is anticipated to start on August 1, 2022, or as soon as is possible, and will end on April 30, 2024.

As a term contract appointment, the primary responsibility of the successful candidate will be to teach in the bioresource focus area at the undergraduate level, and possibly the graduate level, and to provide other teaching support as needed. The successful candidate is also encouraged to engage, as much as is possible, in a program of research and scholarly work and also, where possible, to contribute to ongoing curriculum development and other service-related activities which contribute to the governance and functioning of both the Faculty and the University. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

About our Program

The FSDE is committed to developing engineers with exceptional design and professional skills combined with a global perspective — engineers who are broadly capable, globally, and socially aware, creative, communicative, and entrepreneurial. Sustainable design engineers are problem solvers. They use design skills, engineering knowledge, math, and science to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to modern-day problems. A sustainable solution is one in which all factors and stakeholders are considered. It goes beyond just providing an innovative, efficient, attractive, on-time, and on-budget solution. It also considers how such goals are achieved and their impact on people, the environment and society. The FSDE aspires to develop and mentor graduates who embody these ideals.

The teaching model used in the FSDE’s undergraduate program is unique in Canada. It is based on an innovative design clinic model that is integrated throughout all years of the program. In the design clinics, students are immersed in hands-on, project-based, experiential learning while working on real projects for a wide range of people from the community, municipalities, government, industry, and others. The program provides students with a solid technical foundation which supports the development of their design skills. As part of the teaching model, the program also demands that students learn and exhibit the professional skills necessary to succeed as an engineer.

The FSDE’s capacity in research and scholarly work and in graduate programming is also rapidly expanding. We currently offer both a MSc program and a PhD program in Sustainable Design Engineering. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarly work with national and international partners with significant support from industry, tri-council funding, and other federal funding programs. Much of this activity is highly interdisciplinary in nature and reaches beyond the current focus areas of the undergraduate program: mechatronics, bioresources and sustainable energy.

The FSDE is housed in a cutting-edge 7,000 square-metre facility specifically designed to foster innovation and industry-university collaboration. With a view of enhancing the student learning experience, the facility represents a move away from the traditional classroom and includes design studios, ideation spaces, well-equipped workshops and laboratories and a large range of supporting staff. To better foster industry collaboration and partnerships, the new facility is home to a number of facilities closely aligned with the FSDE’s three focus areas.

Application Instructions:

The successful candidate must have an earned doctoral degree in an engineering discipline that is closely aligned with the bioresources discipline. Industry experience, or experience gained through collaborative work with industry, including experience in engineering design; collaborative R&D projects; entrepreneurship; technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization; and intellectual property, will be considered a strong asset. Experience in teaching engineering design will also be considered a strong asset. Additionally, the successful candidate must be eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer (or Engineer-in-Training) in the Province of Prince Edward Island.

Candidates must submit to the individual listed below, a cover letter citing the competition number listed above, a full curriculum vitae, and a list of three (3) referees including an email address for each. Additional statements, as indicated below, must also be submitted for the application to be considered complete.

A statement outlining the candidate’s overall teaching philosophy and methodology, and their experience with and plans for hands-on, experiential-based learning, engineering design education and the development of innovative teaching methods.

A statement of their existing research and scholarly work experience and any plans for how they anticipate engaging in research and scholarly work while holding a term contract appointment.

A one-page statement on how the candidate will implement the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in their teaching, research and scholarly work, and other activities.

Appointment will be at the Assistant Professor rank with step and salary commensurate with credentials and experience. Term contract faculty receive a comprehensive fringe benefits package including group life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental health, travel insurance, RRSP, and long-term disability insurance. This appointment is subject to final budgetary approval.

An application package including and addressing all of the elements listed above must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to:

Dr. Wayne Peters, P.Eng.
Interim Dean
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PE Canada C1A 4P3
Telephone: (902) 566-0505
E-mail: fsdewedesign@upei.ca

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Review of applications will begin on June 13, 2022; however, if necessary, the competition will remain open until the position is filled.