"Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Geotechnical Engineering"

McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track position in geotechnical engineering at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, located on the main university campus, to begin on July 1, 2026, or on a mutually agreed date thereafter. Consideration for positions at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor will be based on commensurate experience.

As one of the top departments of civil engineering in Canada, we have a strong international reputation in both research and teaching. With a vision of building healthier communities to create a brighter world, our faculty members work collaboratively in the following four research themes: Resilient Infrastructure Systems, Smarter Mobility, Water Security and Climate Change, and Intelligent Energy Systems. For this position we are seeking an outstanding colleague who could create synergies with our existing research themes and establish an exciting research program in novel and emerging areas of geotechnical engineering.

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, McMaster Engineering has a long history of excellence in cutting edge research, student-focused education, innovative programs, leading faculty, and achieving students. We integrate experiential learning into every facet of the student journey, offer Canada’s largest undergraduate research program, vibrant co-op opportunities, and much more. With 210 faculty members, about 8,000 undergraduate and 1,400 graduate students, we are a world-class centre for academic excellence and innovation.

Founded in 1887, McMaster University is one of only four Canadian universities ranked among the top 80 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2022 and is home to more than 70 research centres and institutes. Named Canada’s most research-intensive university in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 by Research Infosource, McMaster is dedicated to teaching, learning and service. With a student population of more to 36,000, McMaster welcomes students from 120 countries as well as Canada. Discover more of what McMaster Engineering and the Hamilton area can offer to academic professionals and their families by reviewing the Information Guide highlighting our research excellence, family-friendly resources and rich local culture. Opportunities for continuous personal and professional growth are also made available through our Faculty’s Fireball Academy and the MacPherson Institute.

We seek a talented and dynamic colleague in geotechnical engineering who will contribute to the excellence of the department in research, teaching, and service. We will consider exceptional candidates in all geotechnical engineering areas relevant to the department's vision of building healthier communities to create a brighter world and addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We seek candidates who can collaborate with our existing faculty, such as by bridging theoretical and applied aspects of geotechnical engineering. Candidates working in interdisciplinary, crosscutting research areas that include geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and resilient infrastructure systems are desirable. Geotechnical fields that relate to infrastructure for nuclear reactors, resilience to climate change, smart cities, and renewable energy systems are of particular interest.

Applicants are expected to have a PhD in Civil Engineering or related areas, and must demonstrate an impactful record of research, reflected by publications in relevant high-quality peer-reviewed journals and external grant acquisition (for established researchers). The successful candidate will teach both undergraduate and graduate level courses. They will be expected to establish a strong externally-funded research program, supervise graduate students, and foster collaborations within the Department, Faculty, University, and beyond.

Applicants should also possess outstanding leadership and communication skills, a commitment to excellence in service, and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. All candidates will be expected to participate in the normal administrative, educational, and professional activities of the Department, Faculty and University. Applicants are expected to have licenses for the practice of engineering in Canada or the ability and eligibility to apply for an engineering license with the Professional Engineers of Ontario or an equivalent provincial engineering regulatory body in Canada within three years.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities (“visible minorities”), persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

We invite all applicants to complete a brief Diversity Survey as part of the application process. It takes approximately two minutes to complete. All questions are voluntary, with an option to decline to answer. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. Inquiries about the Diversity Survey may be directed to hr.empequity@mcmaster.ca. Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Office of the Dean of Engineering at 905-525-9140 ext. 24900 to communicate accommodation needs.

Please submit the following materials through the University’s electronic portal: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/current-opportunities/ Job Opening # 71441 by October 6th, 2025, to: Dr. Lydell Wiebe, Chair, Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, JHE 301, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7.

• Letter of application demonstrating how the candidate meets the selection criteria outlined above and describing, if applicable, the impact that career interruptions may have had on research productivity.

• Curriculum vitae.

• Statement on research interests and vision, and how it integrates with McMaster Civil Engineering.

• A selection of three (3) recent research publications.

• Statement on teaching interests and philosophy, including evidence of and/or plans for teaching effectiveness.

• Statement on contributions to inclusive excellence in teaching, research, and service, including a description of how you will advance the University’s commitment to building an inclusive community and to fostering a culture which embraces and promotes rich diversity of the campus community.

• Name, title, phone number, and email address of at least three (3) referees. Letters of reference are not required at the time of application, but will be requested at a later stage, and only for the shortlisted applicants.

To be fully considered, applications must be received in McMaster’s online application system by October 6th, 2025. However, the review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The effective date of appointment is negotiable, but July 1, 2026 is preferred. All applicants will receive an online confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews. Direct any inquiries about this position to the Department of Civil Engineering at civil@mcmaster.ca.