Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Imaging and Artificial Intelligence

Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Imaging and Artificial Intelligence: Unlocking the Potential of Imaging Data

The College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-track, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Imaging and Artificial Intelligence: Unlocking the Potential of Imaging Data.  The Canada Research Chair (CRC) Program is the flagship of a national strategy to make Canada one of the world's top countries in research and development (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca).  

The College of Engineering (https://engineering.usask.ca/) is committed to enhancing its research capacity in artificial intelligence and machine learning to lead the province in the areas of health care, agriculture and mining. New approaches are needed in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning research to facilitate adoption of AI-based technologies and to unlock the significant wealth of information available in various sources of imaging across multiple disciplines. Consideration of the associated ethics and public interest arising from implementation of AI-based technologies would be an asset. This Chair will complement existing activities at the University in the signature areas of agriculture, energy and mineral resources, Indigenous Peoples, health, synchrotron sciences, and water security.  More detail on the theme of this Chair can be found here.

Applications from all areas of artificial intelligence and machine learning with a focus on imaging data analysis and applications are welcome. The College seeks expertise that complements its existing strengths and this appointment will be made in the department most appropriate to the successful candidate’s research focus. The successful candidate will initiate, lead, and collaborate in research activities, supervise graduate students, compete successfully for external research funding, teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and undertake relevant administrative activities.

The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities. Its main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River known for its quality of life, diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 24,000.

Minimum Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and leadership in research.

The successful candidate must possess a PhD degree in an area related to the theme.  Candidates must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at the Full Professor or Associate Professor rank.

Candidates must also have state-of-the-art research experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning with imaging data analysis and applications. Demonstrated research impact through quality publications in peer-reviewed venues or equivalent (ex. Patents, etc), in a field relevant to the focus of the Chair, is expected.  Demonstrated capability as an instructor in formal or informal settings is also expected. Demonstrated success in a leadership role in a multi-disciplinary environment is also expected.

Ideal Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a PhD degree in a field directly relevant to the focus of the Chair and an undergraduate degree in engineering.  The candidate will be eligible for registration as a professional engineer or engineer in training in Canada.  A strong candidate will provide evidence of a strong research program with robust graduate student involvement and strong prospects for financial support will be advantages. Experience in building collaborative teams across multiple research groups and across institutions will lead to success in this new role. Demonstrated capability in teaching of undergraduate and/or graduate university courses, development of new courses, and formal professional development and/or certification in teaching and/or pedagogy will be assets. Candidates who contribute to the diversity of the College’s faculty complement are especially sought.

About the Position

The successful applicant will be appointed as a tenured faculty member at the Full Professor or Associate Professor level in the College of Engineering and will be nominated for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair.

Salary bands for this position are as follows: Associate Professor: $112,109 to $130,925; and Professor $130,925 to $152,877, with the possibility of merit based additions.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application using the College of Engineering’s applicant portal.  As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey.   

The application materials must clearly indicate how the minimum qualifications have been met and should highlight any special experience that connects the candidate to the ideal qualifications. Complete applications will include a curriculum vitae, a research statement noting the impact the candidate’s research has had on the field, a teaching statement, and the names and contact information of three references. 

Review of applications will begin in March 2019; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2020.

The impact of leaves (e.g., parental leave, extended leave due to illness, etc.) will be carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to explain in their application how career interruptions may have impacted them.

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting employees in need of accommodation in an employment context. For more information on the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact Carine.Paley@usask.ca (306-966-8560).

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace and encourages applications from members of the four designated equity groups (women, members of a visible minority/racialized group, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities).  All qualified candidates, Canadian and other nationalities are encouraged to apply. Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices and by the strong commitment to employment equity and diversity of the University of Saskatchewan and the College of Engineering.

For questions related to this position or the selection process, please contact Terrance Fonstad at engr.researchdean@usask.ca  or (306) 966-4768.

Date Posted: January 21, 2019

The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community.