Physics Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta is seeking applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position in advanced nuclear engineering. 

Applications are invited from candidates with research expertise in areas such as fusion systems, plasma science and engineering, advanced reactor technologies, nuclear materials, microreactor design or SMR systems, AI-assisted modeling and simulation of nuclear energy systems, instrumentation and safety. The successful candidate will contribute to the Advanced  Nuclear Engineering thrust in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, carrying out a research program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising students, and contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration across the university and with external partners.  The Department currently has advanced high intensity laser sources of high energy particles and gamma radiation which can be used for studies in table-top nuclear physics and the development of particle detectors and diagnostics.  This is an opportunity to help shape the future of clean, reliable energy through cutting-edge research and education.

The successful candidate will join a team of faculty members committed to an exceptional student experience. The Department has over 1000 undergraduate students across the electrical and computer programs, which grew in 2025 with the new Mechatronics and Robotics program. There are opportunities to engage with students in and out of the classroom through research laboratories, capstone projects, and student clubs and teams, such as the Engineering Physics Club. The Department's graduate program attracts students from schools worldwide who are dedicated to developing in their area of expertise and presently has an enrollment of 400 students, including approximately 200 Ph.D. students. Through hands-on experiences in world-class labs and instruction from highly accomplished faculty members, we help students develop the skills they need to dream of and invent the technology of the future. More information is available at www.uab.ca/ece.
As we build our team, we recognize that our people are and will continue to be our greatest strength. Applicants who value working across disciplinary boundaries, within and outside engineering, as well as with communities and industry, are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Ph.D. in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field is required.
2. Experience in effectively communicating the results of research within and outside of the academy, including publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
3. Licensure, progress towards licensure, or eligibility for licensure as a Professional Engineer or Licensee in Alberta is required through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA, https://www.apega.ca/). Licensure must be obtained within five years from the date of hire.
4. Ability to effectively develop, instruct, and engage learners in the engineering curriculum.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

The Following are Considered an Asset

1. Industry experience in engineering, trades, sciences, and technology industries
2. Experience with interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects as well as with managing large, multi-year research projects
3. Experience working with industry and community partners for research projects
4. Team, lab, and facility management experience, including but not limited to safety, supervision, and procurement
5. Teaching experience and training in teaching, lesson planning, and curriculum design
6. Teaching, research, service, and volunteer work related to the role as well as community boards and organizations and outreach to and helping in underserved and underrepresented communities
7. Grant application and financial management experience and training

How to Apply

Please ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria above. To apply, please select the Apply Now icon below and submit the following in ONE PDF document:
 

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae, including your research, teaching, and service experience related to the role and responsibilities, as well as the qualifications above
3. Research Plan (maximum 3 pages) that outlines main areas of current research and short and long-term research goals, and how you will build and retain a high-performing and diverse research team. Please include your plans for design of the research environment and the team, and for equitable opportunities for all members of the team to engage with the work being conducted and other opportunities that will advance their career goals, and up to 3 recent peer-reviewed research publications
4. Teaching Dossier including
   a.    Teaching philosophy (maximum 3 pages), including how you will contribute to our culture of providing exceptional educational experiences that focus on learner engagement and inclusivity, experiential and active learning while building engineering knowledge and skills as well as emotional intelligence, social mindedness, and ethics, and
   b.    Evidence and potential for teaching effectiveness, such as related training, teaching assistantships, courses instructed, recent course evaluations, and example course outlines for courses you delivered as an instructor.
5. Members of selection committees will be aware of the principles of employment equity, fair selection, and the risks of bias. If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

Next Steps

• Applicants will be accepted until July 31, 2026; however, our shortlisting process will begin as soon as we receive applications. The anticipated start date for this position would be September 1, 2026. University representatives will review application packages, and should the Hiring Committee advance your application, you will be contacted for an online pre-interview.
• Please note that applications with missing information or components will not be considered.
• For applicants selected for interviews, three letters of reference will be requested. Applicants will be expected to contact the three referees and arrange to have them submit their letters of reference via email attachment. Details will be provided to those candidates selected for interviews.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of full-time Assistant or Associate Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.
 

About the Faculty of Engineering and the University of Alberta

The Faculty of Engineering aims to maintain its position among the top schools in North America. We will do this through innovation and excellence from faculty members and staff who value collaboration, interdisciplinary work, and an engaging and positive work culture. We are dedicated to building a better future for society by:

1. Building the future through people in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
2. Developing minds and hands with heart by taking a holistic approach to provide an exceptional student experience through education and enrichment that strives to develop the highest-calibre engineers: Those who possess both technical acumen and emotional intelligence, expanding the traditional definition of "engineering"
3. Demonstrating the ever-expanding value of our contributions through community engagement, research impact, and value to society
4. Uniquely positioning the engineering field to help uplift the whole of humanity

The University of Alberta exists to inspire and ignite the human spirit in pursuit of a better tomorrow. Its work is rooted in a commitment to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered while honouring Indigenous identities, languages, cultures and world views. As one of the world's top 100 teaching and research universities, the U of A ranks among the Top 4 in Canada, providing a $19.4 billion annual economic impact in Alberta alone. The U of A seeks to challenge, to change and to always be Leading with Purpose.

More than 46,000 students and 14,000 staff shape the U of A, with outstanding achievements in learning, research, creativity, innovation and engagement across five campuses - including one rural and one francophone. The U of A attracts top talent in rigorous undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in 17 faculties across three colleges and more than $621 million in sponsored research revenue. The U of A has more than 340,000 alumni worldwide, with alumni-founded companies generating more than $250 billion in annual revenue. 

Working and Living in Edmonton

Benefits, Health, & Wellness

We offer a health and wellness benefits package that includes a health spending account, parental leave, and pension benefits. For Faculty members, some moving and relocation expenses may be reimbursed. Spouses/partners are offered employment services through the University's Spousal/Partner Employment Program. In the Faculty of Engineering for spouses eligible to be academic faculty members, we encourage discussing with the Department Chair at the offer stage or during employment as we value minimizing long distance separation of families whenever possible with consideration to budgets and staffing needs. The campus offers a medical clinic, and multiple childcare and housing options within steps of campus. Academic faculty members are offered parental and medical leave, retirement benefits, and healthcare benefits. 

Living in Edmonton

Edmonton is home to over one million people and Alberta's capital. Edmonton offers a vibrant start-up and technology ecosystem, federal and provincial government offices, and the Corporate Offices of the provincial healthcare system. The city offers the amenities of a large urban centre while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Several faculty members live in nearby neighbourhoods with a ra...