Description
Assistant Professor
Subsurface Resource Engineering
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
The Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Subsurface Resource Engineering. The anticipated 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 an emerging scholar who possesses a strong background and training in the area of subsurface resource engineering. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking and have demonstrated potential to develop an original, innovative, and high-impact engineering research program related to subsurface resources. It is expected that the research program will result in the creation of knowledge and technologies that are translatable and will contribute to sustainable energy solutions for society. Application areas include, but are not limited to, geothermal energy extraction, cleaner oil recovery technologies, decarbonization and carbon sequestration, hydrogen recovery and underground storage, subsurface characterization and monitoring, reservoir engineering, enhanced petroleum recovery processes, and cleaner extraction processes for critical minerals.
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 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 benefit from a rich ecosystem that includes world-class scholars, a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, a commitment to excellence in education, and an equitable, diverse, and inclusive university community that supports transdisciplinary research, partnerships and collaborations with both internal and external stakeholders.
Position Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, petroleum engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, a Ph.D. (preferably in engineering) related to subsurface resource engineering, a strong research record, and teaching experience. Industry experience is an asset.
The successful candidate must demonstrate:
- a track record of high-quality research and high-quality journal publications
- potential to establish a strong research program at the University of Calgary in an area related to subsurface resource engineering
- potential to 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
- potential to attract and provide supervision, mentorship, and a high-quality training experience to trainees, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars
- an ability to support positive student learning outcomes and experiences
- an ability to teach core undergraduate courses in the Chemical Engineering and Oil & Gas Engineering programs, including courses related to reservoir engineering and reservoir characterization, as well as graduate courses
- strong oral and written English communication skills
- alignment with (i) Ahead of Tomorrow, the University of Calgary strategic plan, (ii) Energy for the Common Good, the University of Calgary Energy Research Strategy, and (iii) Schulich Momentum, the Schulich School of Engineering strategic plan
- a commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Engineering.
The successful candidate is expected to be eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
How to Apply
Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please note that applications only allow up to four attachments, which may require you to merge documents.
Applications should include:
- 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 Curriculum Vitae with a complete list of publications.
- A research proposal describing projects you will undertake during your first five years in this position (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 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 October 17, 2025.
Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. Arindom Sen
Chair, Academic Selection Committee
Head, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Email: asen@ucalgary.ca
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