Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position from early career academic researchers working in emerging fields in Aerospace Engineering. The successful applicant is expected to combine core expertise in aerodynamics, aircraft dynamics and control, composite airframes, advanced aircraft propulsion systems, avionics with a demonstrated potential to form a research program that incorporates recent advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and multidisciplinary design optimization for the synthesis of next-generation autonomous air systems. We seek researchers who can collaborate across disciplines to address the critical technical, economic, environmental and social realities that challenge the transformation of the aerospace sector into an environmentally sustainable industry.

The successful applicant will:

- be appointed to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor with appointment at the rank of Associate Professor considered for eligible applicants based on academic qualifications within their current institution;

- become a researcher affiliated with the UVic Centre for Aerospace Research (CfAR), and significantly expand the CfAR portfolio of academic-industry research partnerships;

- contribute to the design and delivery of course based curricula for the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate (BEng) and Master’s of Aerospace Engineering (MEng) degree programs.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria offers Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. degree programs. We have 28 faculty members, over 550 undergraduate students, and over 140 graduate students. Industrial collaboration enriches our teaching and research activities, and our expertise in Biomedical Systems, Clean Energy Systems, Aerospace, Advanced Vehicles, Mechatronics and Robotics is demonstrated in vibrant undergraduate and graduate curricula that expose our students to cutting-edge engineering tools, technologies and systems. With an excellent collegial atmosphere and strong collaborative spirit, the Department empowers faculty and staff who innovate modes of course delivery, champion project based and experiential learning and enrich the student learning experience across all years of our degree programs. For our faculty, teaching and mentorship extend beyond the classroom as our students participate in various team-based extra-curricular learning activities culminating in international competitions. Our faculty contingent includes winners of institutional, provincial and national awards for teaching excellence. Information on the Department can be found at http://www.uvic.ca/engineering/mechanical/ .

This research-intensive position benefits from existing infrastructure, equipment, human resources and an international collaborative network at CfAR. The Centre provides a portfolio of design and manufacturing facilities that the successful applicant can exploit to design, build and operate innovative fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft (as examples) and to develop hands‑on experiential learning components in their courses. The CfAR experimental laboratories in design, composites manufacturing, propulsion, avionics and flight sciences enable graduate students (MASc and PhD) and researchers to undertake challenging research that emphasizes a ‘design‑build‑fly’ philosophy to aerospace innovation. The successful candidate is expected to leverage these resources to aggressively pursue next‑generation aerospace technologies that can help to transform how aviation and related technologies can be leveraged to improve the quality of life for Canadians and globally.

This position is one of two new positions in aerospace engineering that will drive expansion of the aerospace research and development portfolio in the UVic Faculty of Engineering and CfAR. The second separate position is being advertised by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UVic. All posted positions for the UVic Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science can be found here: Faculty Postings

The candidate’s qualifications, experience, overall market demand and rank will determine a final salary offer. Industry experience is an asset. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of $115,000 - $142,000. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves and pension plan.

Requirements

The successful candidate will:

- hold a Ph.D. in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or a closely-related discipline;

- be a registered professional engineer in Canada, or be eligible to apply for registration with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (details available at www.egbc.ca );

- demonstrate particular analytical and/or experimental research creativity in the design, characterization, modelling, experimentation and/or systems integration of aerospace systems;

- demonstrate the potential to achieve international recognition in their field through dissemination of research in both traditional (academic literature) and non‑traditional venues;

- have a demonstrated ability to establish collaboration across disciplines, develop academic, government and industry partnerships, and engage in aerospace initiatives with real world impact. This may be evidenced by:

- participation in aerospace networks or centres that facilitate interdisciplinary research and development activities;

- experience in identifying and navigating regulatory, policy and financial barriers to the adoption of innovative aerospace systems;

- contributions to the commercialization and flight testing of experimental next‑generation aircraft;

- have clear ideas and aspirations to contribute to the Mechanical Engineering Department’s drive to increase the diversity of our student population and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for all; and

- demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate engineering education as evidenced by:

- potential for excellence in teaching courses related to the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering disciplines, and,

- an inclusive approach to mentoring and supervising diverse students both in classroom and in research environments.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; if you are neither a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, please indicate if you are authorized to work in Canada, and be prepared to provide a copy of your permit authorizing same.

Contact information

Candidates should submit a single PDF document that includes:

- a cover letter providing an overview of the candidate’s qualifications and how their research experience would complement the position as described;

- a max 3-page description of the candidate’s proposed research program;

- a max 2-page description of the candidate’s teaching experience and philosophy;

- a max 2-page statement on how a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion would be embodied in the teaching and research activities;

- In forming their EDI statement, applicants are asked to refer to the Equity Action Plan, particularly its 5 universal goals, and elaborate on how they would build and lead a diverse research team that champions inclusivity, ensures that all members have opportunity to reach their full potential and works to create opportunities for meaningful collaborations across the UVic campus.

To be considered, please submit your application package via email to: mech.asst.chair@uvic.ca with the subject line “MECH Aerospace Engineering: Asst Prof. position” by 12 January 2026. Applications should be addressed to: Dr. Brad Buckham

Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

Application deadline

January 12, 2026

Equity statement

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups .

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca . Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

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