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Associate Professor/Professor - Sustainable Systems, System Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation - Job Opportunity at University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 9, 2025
On-site
CAD $120,000 - $180,000 annually for Associate Professor level, CAD $150,000 - $220,000 for Full Professor level, with potential for significant additional research funding through the Canada Excellence Research Chair nomination worth $500,000 - $1,000,000 annually

Benefits

Eligibility for nomination to Canada Excellence Research Chair with funding of $500,000 to $1 million annually for eight years
Tenure-stream position providing long-term job security and academic freedom
Access to $60 million Lawson Climate Institute established in 2025 for climate and sustainability research
Comprehensive academic benefits package typical of major research universities
Professional development support for research conferences and presentations
Research sabbatical opportunities standard in tenure-track positions

Key Responsibilities

Lead internationally recognized research programs advancing global knowledge frontiers in sustainable systems and climate adaptation
Secure and manage competitive external funding from Canadian federal Tri-Agencies and international sources
Develop and implement ambitious research programs focusing on decarbonization of energy and transportation systems
Design innovative infrastructure solutions for climate change adaptation with societal impact
Mentor and attract diverse teams of graduate students, postdocs, and research personnel
Establish and maintain inclusive research environments promoting equity and diversity
Deliver excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching within Civil and Environmental Engineering programs
Provide high-level service to research communities through peer review and advisory committee participation
Collaborate across interdisciplinary teams within the University of Toronto's broad research ecosystem
Contribute to the strategic development of the newly established Lawson Climate Institute

Requirements

Education

PhD degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or a related area

Experience

Clearly demonstrated exceptional record of excellence in research, service, training, and teaching with international recognition

Required Skills

Expertise in sustainable systems, system resilience and climate change adaptation Knowledge of energy, transportation and infrastructure systems Research excellence demonstrated by sustained high-impact contributions and publications in top-ranked journals Experience in technical, equity, and policy issues of decarbonization Infrastructure design for climate change adaptation capabilities Grant writing and external funding acquisition skills Student mentoring and supervision abilities Service to research community through committees and peer review Teaching excellence in engineering education
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Climate adaptation and resilience infrastructure represents one of the fastest-growing areas in engineering research, driven by increasing frequency of extreme weather events and government commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050. The integration of sustainability principles with traditional engineering approaches is becoming mandatory rather than optional in infrastructure design. The Canadian government's significant investment in climate research, evidenced by programs like the Canada Excellence Research Chairs, reflects a national priority shift toward positioning Canada as a global leader in climate solutions. This creates unprecedented funding opportunities for researchers in this space. Universities worldwide are establishing dedicated climate institutes and centers, indicating a structural shift in academic priorities. The $60 million Lawson Climate Institute represents a major institutional commitment that positions researchers for competitive advantage in securing additional funding and partnerships.

Role Significance

Typical research group size would be 8-15 graduate students and postdocs, with potential for larger teams if awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair. Collaboration with 5-10 faculty colleagues across departments is expected.
This is a senior academic leadership position requiring 10-15+ years of post-PhD experience, with expectations for international recognition and sustained research impact. The role combines individual research excellence with institutional leadership responsibilities.

Key Projects

Multi-million dollar interdisciplinary research initiatives on urban climate resilience and smart infrastructure systems International collaborative projects on transportation decarbonization and sustainable energy systems Policy-oriented research partnerships with government agencies on climate adaptation strategies Industry partnerships for real-world implementation of sustainable infrastructure solutions

Success Factors

Ability to secure major external funding from diverse sources including government, industry, and international organizations, as competition for research dollars intensifies globally Development of innovative research methodologies that bridge technical engineering solutions with social equity and policy considerations, reflecting the growing recognition that climate solutions must address systemic inequalities Building and maintaining international research networks and collaborations, essential for addressing global climate challenges that transcend national boundaries Demonstrated capability to translate complex technical research into practical policy recommendations and implementation strategies that can influence real-world decision-making

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand with limited supply of qualified candidates, as evidenced by the specialized nature of requirements and the significant financial incentives offered. The intersection of climate expertise with engineering applications represents a critical skills gap in academia.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced research methodology and statistical analysis capabilities are essential as climate adaptation research increasingly relies on complex modeling and data analysis to predict and prepare for uncertain future conditions Grant writing and funding acquisition skills are absolutely critical given the competitive nature of research funding and the expectation to maintain external support for large research teams Interdisciplinary collaboration abilities are fundamental as climate challenges require integration of engineering, social science, policy, and economic perspectives to develop viable solutions Leadership and mentorship capabilities are essential for managing diverse research teams and contributing to institutional governance in a senior academic role

Beneficial Skills

Industry partnership development skills would enhance the ability to translate research into practical applications and secure additional funding sources beyond traditional academic grants Policy analysis and communication skills would strengthen the impact of research by enabling more effective engagement with government decision-makers and policy implementation International collaboration experience would provide access to global research networks and funding opportunities, particularly important for climate research that requires global perspectives Digital technology and data science expertise would complement traditional engineering approaches with modern analytical tools increasingly essential for complex climate system analysis

Unique Aspects

The potential nomination for a Canada Excellence Research Chair represents one of the most prestigious and well-funded academic positions available in Canada, with very few such positions awarded annually nationwide
The newly established Lawson Climate Institute with $60 million in funding creates a unique opportunity to shape a major research program from its inception, rather than joining an established center
The position explicitly combines technical engineering expertise with equity and policy considerations, reflecting a more holistic approach to climate research that is becoming increasingly important in the field
The location in Toronto provides access to one of North America's most dynamic urban environments for studying sustainable transportation and infrastructure systems in practice

Career Growth

3-5 years to establish major research programs and secure significant funding, 5-10 years to achieve international recognition and consideration for senior administrative roles

Potential Next Roles

Department Chair or Associate Dean positions within 5-7 years, leveraging research leadership and administrative experience Director of major research institutes or centers focused on climate and sustainability, particularly given the growth in institutional investments in this area Senior advisory roles with government agencies, international organizations, or major consulting firms specializing in climate adaptation Endowed chair positions at other leading universities, as institutions compete for recognized leaders in climate research

Company Overview

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto stands as Canada's premier research institution and one of the world's top public universities, consistently ranked in the global top 25. With over 97,000 students and 25,000 faculty and staff, it represents the largest university system in Canada and maintains research expenditures exceeding $1.4 billion annually.

UofT holds the strongest market position among Canadian universities for research intensity and international recognition, competing directly with institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge for top-tier faculty and students. The recent $60 million investment in climate research demonstrates the institution's commitment to maintaining leadership in emerging priority areas.
Toronto's position as Canada's financial and technology hub provides unique opportunities for industry partnerships and real-world application of research. The city's diverse population and progressive climate policies create an ideal environment for studying equitable climate solutions and sustainable urban development.
The academic environment emphasizes research excellence while promoting collaborative interdisciplinary work across the university's broad range of faculties. The institution's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in hiring practices and research priorities, particularly relevant for climate research that must address global justice issues.
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