Description

The Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is pleased to invite applications for an appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in the area of AI Driven Discovery and Optimization of Clean Energy Materials. The successful candidate will be nominated for a Tier I Canada Research Chair. The anticipated appointment start date is July 1, 2026, or a mutually agreed upon date.

The University of Calgary and, in particular, the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, is globally recognized for energy research and energy technology development. Leveraging its existing strengths, the University has embarked on a new strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, which emphasizes transdisciplinary scholarship, deeper community integration, and future-focused program delivery. Based on our historic successes, the University Energy Research Strategy, Energy for the Common Good, aims to expand energy research and training activities, and promote collaboration across the campus and with external stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring sustainable, affordable, and climate-appropriate energy services for society. In alignment with this strategy, the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering is building on its leadership in energy research and scholarship by sharpening its focus on creating safe, secure, and socially responsible energy supplies for the world.

Position Description

We are seeking a research leader with a strong international reputation for advancing AI-driven discovery and optimization of clean energy materials. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking with a demonstrated ability to create, lead, and grow an original, innovative, and high-impact engineering research program focused on AI driven discovery and optimization of advanced materials for clean energy conversion, storage and utilization. It is expected that the collaborative and transdisciplinary research program will result in the creation of knowledge and technologies that will accelerate the creation of sustainable energy solutions, improve energy efficiency, and support integration of renewable energy. Potential areas of application include, but are not limited to, (i) materials for next-generation batteries, electrolyzers, and fuel cells, (ii) high-performance (electro)catalysts used in different applications including hydrogen and CO utilization, (iii) environmentally responsible alternatives to persistent substances, such as undesirable perfluorinated compounds (e.g., PFAS) used in thermal management, membranes, and electronic components, and (iv) optoelectronic and quantum materials.  As Canada’s energy university, the University of Calgary houses world-class expertise in experimental research and physical modeling of energy materials, including a robust electrochemical cluster and active research in hydrogen production, carbon capture, catalysis, and sustainability. 

In alignment with the University of Calgary's strategic plan, and in support of its academic and research priorities, the successful candidate will actively contribute to the supervision of undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will also provide service to the Department, School, University, community and profession, contribute to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices, workplaces and learning environments, and add to the collegial and vibrant academic community. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research ecosystem that combines world-class expertise with a collaborative and inclusive culture. The University of Calgary is recognized as Canada’s energy university, with strengths spanning electrochemistry, catalysis, hydrogen, carbon capture, and emerging clean energy materials. Researchers benefit from world-class research infrastructure, such as the Dynamic Imaging Lab, Laboratory for In-Operando X-ray Spectroscopy (LINX), and the Centre for Far-from-Equilibrium Nanostructured Cleantech Materials (CeFar), as well as a strong culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnership across disciplines and sectors.

Position Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, a Ph.D. (preferably in engineering) related to AI Driven Discovery and Optimization of Clean Energy Materials, a very strong research record, and teaching experience. Industry experience is an asset. 

Applicants at the Associate Professor level must be nearing eligibility for promotion to full professor, and 

must present evidence of an established, externally funded (at the level of Canadian Tri-Council or equivalent peer-reviewed National/International organization) research program focused on AI Driven Discovery and Optimization of Clean Energy Materials. They must be recognized as an internationally respected scholar with a strong publication record that reflects their experience in discovery and/or translational engineering research. Evidence of successful teaching and/or graduate student supervision, and national/international research collaborations are required, and experience creating and leading interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary teams is a required asset of the applicant.

Applicants at the Professor level must present evidence of a well-established, externally funded (at the level of Canadian Tri-Council or equivalent peer-reviewed national/international organization) research program focused on AI Driven Discovery and Optimization of Clean Energy Materials. With an extensive and impactful publication record that reflects their experience in discovery and/or translational engineering research, the applicant must be recognized nationally and internationally as outstanding within their community, discipline, or field. Evidence of outstanding teaching and/or graduate supervision, national/international research collaborations, and experience creating and leading large interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary teams are all required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate: 

Evidence that they can establish a strong research program at the University of Calgary in an area related to AI Driven Discovery and Optimization of Clean Energy Materials

They can attract competitive external funding to support their research activities, including funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), provincial sources, and industry

They can attract and provide supervision, mentorship, and a high-quality training experience to trainees, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars

They can support positive student learning outcomes and experiences 

 An ability to teach core undergraduate and graduate courses in the Chemical Engineering program

 Strong oral and written English communication skills 

 Alignment with (i) Ahead of Tomorrow (https://ucalgary.ca/about/ahead-of-tomorrow, the University of Calgary strategic plan, (ii) Energy for the Common Good (https://research.ucalgary.ca/energy), the University of Calgary Energy Research Strategy, and (iii) Schulich Momentum (https://schulich.ucalgary.ca/about/schulich-momentum), the Schulich School of Engineering strategic plan

 A commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Engineering.

The successful candidate must be eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA; https://www.apega.ca). 

The applicant must also meet the criteria for a Canada Research Chair at the Tier I level. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx).

For more information and to apply: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/17397400-canada-research-chair-tier-i-and-associate-slash-full-professor-ai-driven-discovery-and-optimization-of-clean-energy-materials

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via UCalgary Careers. Please be aware that the application process allows for a maximum of four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (you are encouraged to merge documents to reduce the number of attachments):

 §    A Cover Letter (maximum three pages). The letter should include a statement of your research interests and accomplishments, as well as your research vision for the position. Your vision should demonstrate alignment with the research priorities of the University of Calgary and the Schulich School of Engineering. 

§    A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

§    A research proposal describing your research program and the projects you will undertake during your first five years in this position at the University of Calgary (maximum three pages). Include the methodologies you will use, the types of equipment or facilities required to successfully conduct the described research, potential funding sources, and the impact of the projected outcomes of this work. 

§    Statement of teaching philosophy that promotes learning and success (maximum two pages). This can include information on teaching experience, training, and mentoring, both inside and outside the classroom, at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels.

§    A statement on how you will contribute to creating and maintaining positive work and learning environments (maximum two pages). Include your perspectives on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA), and discuss how you plan to support EDIA both at the University (e.g., in research and scholarship activities, as well as in teaching and learning activities inside and outside the classroom), and within your profession.  

§  The names and contact information for three referees. Note that referees will only be contacted for candidates who are shortlisted. 

The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged, but not required, to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing a candidate’s research productivity.

The Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering respects, appreciates, and values diversity. We encourage diverse applicants to apply for this position. A number of resources are available on campus to support diversity and inclusion, including two daycares, the Q Centre, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Women's Resource Centre. For more information, please visit www.ucalgary.ca.

Applications will be accepted until April 2, 2026 

Questions may be addressed to: 

Dr. Arindom Sen

Chair, Academic Selection Committee

Head, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Email: asen@ucalgary.ca

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (oic@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (https://careers.ucalgary.ca/pages/academic-careers).

About the Schulich School of Engineering

The Schulich School of Engineering (https://schulich.ucalgary.ca/) has six engineering departments, including the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering (https://schulich.ucalgary.ca/chemical-petroleum/home). The school is home to nearly 200 faculty members, over 4000 undergraduate students, and more than 2000 graduate students. Guided by its strategic plan, Schulich Momentum, the school continues to pursue its vision of recognition for enhancing its global research impact and driving innovation, for expanding access to and inclusivity in engineering, for contributions towards Truth and Reconciliation, and for enriching student success and experience.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.  

With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.