Assistant Professor (6), Architecture, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape/

Position Description

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) at the University of Calgary invites applications for six tenure track positions in Architecture at the rank of Assistant Professor with a primary focus in Design Studio and a secondary focus in at least one of the following areas:

• Design Theory, History, Thinking, Philosophy, Policy, Urbanism
• Human-Centred Design, Designing for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Design Justice
• Representation and Computation – including the use of AI and Data Science
• Sustainable and Regenerative Design, Structural and Mechanical Systems, Circularity and Construction
• Emerging Materials, Multi-scalar Design, Innovation in Fabrication
• Critical Professional Practice

Depending on qualifications and career track expectations, the appointment will be made in either the Teaching and Research stream or the Teaching Focused stream.

In addition to offering first professional Master of Architecture, Master of Planning, and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees and research-focused degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels, SAPL is entering an exciting new period of growth with the launch of a first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) and an expanded focus on community-engaged teaching and research through our downtown City Building Design Lab. This position is part of a ten-position cluster hire that will increase capacity for the new undergraduate degree. Successful candidates will be assigned teaching duties across both the Master of Landscape Architecture and BDCI programs.

The Master of Architecture program structure and curriculum prepares students for careers in architecture and is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates enjoy reciprocity with certification bodies across North America and Europe. Our curriculum engages contemporary design challenges through studios, intensive block week courses, study abroad semesters, work integrated research studios and a core that challenge students to design for resilience and innovation.

The Master of Architecture degree is a two-year course-based program with an additional foundation year required for those students entering with a non-design-based undergraduate degree.

The architecture program is specifically committed to a computational means of exploration across the curriculum and applicants should have a working and demonstrable knowledge of contemporary and emerging design tools that support both the studio environment and their declared specialization. Student and faculty research collaborations are supported by cutting edge technologies including large format 3d printing, robotic fabrication facilities, and opportunities to work with industry and community groups on applied research.

We are searching for faculty with a passion and potential to reshape design education to better address the pressing challenges facing the built environment and who want to be part of a strong and vibrant community that respects and values diversity and differences. A commitment to climate action, social justice, community impact, and value informed innovation inform our approach to teaching, research, and outreach and we are looking for individuals with similar values who are interested in taking their career, and our school, to the next level

Qualifications Required for the Teaching and Research Stream

• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Post-professional degree that supports an area of research specialization (for example, MSc, MEDes, DDes, Post Professional Masters, etc.)
• PhD is an asset but not required
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in design studios in architecture as well as theory or technical courses related to architecture competencies
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in at least one of the secondary focus areas noted above
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Success in obtaining peer-reviewed research grants
• Demonstrated capacity to initiate an externally grant funded research program

In addition to teaching, successful candidates in the Teaching and Research Stream will be expected to establish and maintain an active and externally funded research program with a preference for tri-council grants, supervise student research, participate in the School through service activities as required, and engage in community outreach through SAPL partnerships

Qualifications Required for the Teaching Focused Stream

• Master’s degree in Architecture
• Licensure as an architect would be a definite asset but is not required
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in design studios in architecture as well as theory or technical courses related to architecture competencies
• Demonstrated teaching excellence in at least one of the secondary focus areas noted above
• A working and demonstrable knowledge of contemporary and emerging design tools that support both the studio environment and lecture courses
• Significant and relevant professional experience and demonstrated design leadership
• Peer review recognition of design excellence in architectural practice through awards/publications/exhibitions

In addition to teaching, successful candidates in the Teaching Focused Stream will be expected to establish and maintain an active critical professional practice, supervise practice-oriented student research, participate in the School through service activities as required, and engage in community outreach through SAPL partnerships.

Application Instructions
Applications are encouraged as soon as possible but will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit your application online via the ‘Apply Now’ link, ensuring to indicate the stream you are applying for. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments.

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information for three referees
• A statement of teaching, scholarly, and professional experience and expertise
• A portfolio including relevant samples of design research, design practice and student work. Collaborative work should include attribution
• Maximum combined file size is 10 MB.  Allowed formats are .doc and pdf

Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

For more information about the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape’s Fall 2002 cluster hiring initiative visit https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/about/careers.

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.