Assistant Professor – Department of Biosystems Engineering

Assistant Professor – Position 35215
Agricultural Machinery Systems
Department of Biosystems Engineering

Job Description:
The Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba invites applications for a full-time probationary (tenure track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor, in the area of “agricultural machinery systems”, to develop a research program that reflects the future needs of the agricultural machinery sector. The Department of Biosystems Engineering desires to have vibrant research collaborations with the Canadian agricultural machinery sector that manufactures various agricultural machines (i.e., tractors, tillage and seeding equipment, harvesting equipment, materials handling equipment). We are seeking to recruit an individual to add agricultural machinery expertise in one or more of these areas and we invite applications from individuals to help us raise the profile of Biosystems Engineering within the Canadian agricultural machinery sector.

Start date will be July 1, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate is expected to: 1) develop an innovative, externally-funded research program in the area of agricultural machinery systems that will enable vibrant research collaborations with Canada’s agricultural machinery sector; 2) contribute to the training of graduate students and other research personnel; 3) collaborate with other academics in the Department and Faculty, and the broader university community where common interests or synergies may exist; 4) teach existing undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the Biosystems Engineering program, and potentially develop new courses in the candidate’s area of expertise; 5) participate in the Department’s committees within the University of Manitoba community; and 6) collaborate with relevant stakeholders (industry, producer groups and government) in Manitoba, across Canada, or internationally.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate must: 1) hold an undergraduate engineering degree (agricultural or biosystems engineering is preferred, but other engineering disciplines will be considered), 2) be registered or be eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba; 3) hold a PhD or equivalent at the time of appointment; and 4) have demonstrated research experience in agricultural machinery systems. Prior teaching and student supervision experience in a university environment is an asset. Evidence of effective collaboration in a team environment (with industry or other partners) is desirable.

Additional Information:
Administratively, the Department of Biosystems Engineering resides in the Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences but delivers an engineering program that is accredited and administered through the Price Faculty of Engineering. Thus, there are strong connections and responsibilities to both faculties. The Department has 13 tenured or tenure-track professors, 4 full-time instructors, and 7 support staff (4 administrative & 3 technical). Undergraduate enrolment in the Biosystems Engineering program is approximately 150 students, with an additional 70-80 graduate students in Master’s or PhD programs. The undergraduate teaching responsibilities of the department include courses for the accredited B.Sc. in Biosystems Engineering and courses for the degree and diploma programs in Agricultural & Food Sciences. The Department of Biosystems Engineering currently has access to a university farm for field-related research, multiple fully-electric tractors, and a functioning soil bin for tillage research.

The University of Manitoba http://www.umanitoba.ca/about is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

The UM campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Manitoba’s Indigenous population is young and rapidly growing. Statistics Canada census data suggest that Indigenous peoples will comprise nearly 19 per cent of Manitoba’s population by 2026. UM’s role in reconciliation, its connections with Indigenous students, partners and communities, and its commitment to Indigenous achievement are central to the kind of future the University seeks to create. Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement is a key priority for the University, as identified in its 2015-2020 strategic plan (extended to 2022), Taking Our Place. https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/our-shared-future-building-on-our-strategic-plan-final-oct13-2021-.pdf The UM is home to a vibrant Indigenous community, including 2,600 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students – one of the largest Indigenous student populations in the country, and is working to establish more Indigenous voices throughout its governance systems and organizational structure. Honoured to be chosen as host of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the UM is dedicated to advancing Indigenous research and scholarship, and to becoming a centre of excellence for this work.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global. Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

Applicants interested in this position are asked to submit the following:
– cover letter,
– curriculum vitae,
– overview of significant research contributions and proposed research plan in agricultural machinery systems; please explain how your expertise is complementary to and/or synergistic with research expertise already present within the department (maximum 3 pages), (https://umanitoba.ca/engineering/faculty-staff/biosystems-engineering)
– brief teaching dossier including a statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of commitment to teaching excellence, and overview of teaching experience (maximum 3 pages),
– a statement describing past, present, or planned actions to promote and further develop equity, diversity and inclusion in the academic community (maximum 1 page), and
– names and contact information of three references.

Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2024.

Enquiries and applications should be directed to the Search Committee Chair:
Dr. Danny Mann, P.Eng.
Professor & Head
Department of Biosystems Engineering
E2-376 EITC
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V6
Phone: (204) 474-7149
E-mail: [email protected]

Application materials and letters of reference will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of “The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy” (Manitoba). Please note that any submitted curriculum vitae will be made available to participating members of the search process.

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