Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Mechatronics Engineering (Assistant/Associate Professor)

The Lassonde School of Engineering's new Mechatronics Engineering program merges Space, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer and Software engineering and emphasizes an integrative approach with a focus on experiential education. We are seeking one applicant with research interests in Mechatronics Engineering, broadly defined. The successful candidate will be appointed to a home department best suited to their research and teaching (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or Earth and Space Science and Engineering) or joint appointment across two units, and is expected to provide leadership in the ongoing development of the Mechatronics program at Lassonde.

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program seeks to attract outstanding researchers for careers at Canadian universities. Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment at the time of nomination, with consideration for career breaks) who have the acknowledged potential to lead their field of research. Appointment to a Tier 2 Chair is for five years, is renewable once, and comes with enhanced research support from the program. Applicants who are more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-relate appointment (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please see the CRC website for further eligibility details.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities among CRCs, this position is open only to qualified researchers who indicate on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below) that they identify as women or gender non-conforming (e.g., genderfluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, trans man, trans woman). The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

In alignment with the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation, York University requires that Indigenous applicants provide supporting documentation to affirm their citizenship or membership to an Indigenous collective. This policy ensures that positions and funding intended for the Indigenous chairs in the program benefit First Nations, Inuit, and Métis applicants. For more information regarding accepted supporting documentation, please consult the Directive on the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation.

York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

This position is intended to recruit external candidates to add to the University’s research strength in the areas identified in this ad.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Degree: PhD in Mechatronics, or a closely related field is required, either in hand or near completion by the appointment’s start.
• Scholarship:
  • A coherent and well-articulated program of research and specialization in Mechatronics, broadly defined.
  • A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research from both government and industrial sources.
  • A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field of recognized international calibre (e.g., research plan, a record of high-quality publications (including forthcoming publications) in significant journals/major conferences in the field, awards and achievements, and strong recommendations from referees of high standing).
  • A record or evident promise of a willingness to take on a leadership role in the development of Mechatronics-related research within Lassonde.
• Teaching:
  • A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., teaching accomplishments, pedagogical innovations, official student and peer evaluations).
  • Capable of teaching in both in-person and blended/remote settings, and at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Suitable for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
• Additional: Candidates must hold, or be eligible to obtain, a Professional Engineering (or Limited) license in Canada shortly after their appointment.

Hiring Policies:

• The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Assistant Professor is in the range of $139,000 - $169,000, at the rank of Associate Professor is in the range of $152,000 - $182,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. York University offers generous benefits and salary provisions.
• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
• York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
• York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
• York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact Michael Jenkin, Professor and Mechatronics Engineering Program Coordinator, at jointron@yorku.ca.

Application Process:

• Due date for completed applications: December 13, 2026.
• Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter; 3) a statement outlining their teaching philosophy and contributions to teaching (and curriculum development, if applicable); 4) research statement; 5) three sample research publications. Candidates selected for further consideration will be asked to provide details for three confirmed referees.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
• Direct questions about the position to Dr. Michael Jenkin, Professor and Mechatronics Engineering Program Coordinator, at jointron@yorku.ca.
• Submit materials: online at https://apply.interfolio.com/195787

Learn More About York:

• York University generates and shares knowledge through our research, teaching and engagement with communities around the world. The 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan showcases the depth, breadth and ambition of research at York.
• York’s commitments to social justice are laid out in our Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, the Framework & Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework for York University.
• Follow the activities and accomplishments of York’s faculty, students and staff on YFile.

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Determined by the Hiring unit and York University, not the CRC program.