Simon Fraser University (SFU) is recognized globally for academic and research excellence. It is ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university and its vision is to be Canada’s most engaged university. SFU has three vibrant campuses located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, on whose traditional territories its campuses stand, in British Columbia’s largest municipalities - Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver - and deep roots in partner communities throughout the province and around the world. By recognizing these unceded territories, SFU aspires to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) at SFU's Surrey campus is a dynamic and rapidly growing interdisciplinary community of 22 faculty, over 100 graduate students, and more than 600 undergraduate students. Since its founding in 2013, the School has established itself as one of Canada's leading interdisciplinary engineering programs, recognized for excellence in research and education at the convergence of AI-enabled engineering, intelligent systems, robotics, advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy technologies, biomedical engineering, and micro- and nano-systems. Building on these strengths, the School is expanding its leadership in digital engineering, Industry 4.0 and 5.0, translational research, and interdisciplinary innovation that addresses emerging societal and industrial challenges.  The School offers a highly successful co-op program, attracts outstanding students with strong career outcomes, and provides innovative graduate training including its Professional Master's in Smart Manufacturing. 

As the School continues to expand its research and interdisciplinary partnerships, including with SFU's new medical school, it offers an exciting opportunity for visionary leadership. The new School Director will have the opportunity to shape the School's next chapter as its strategic leader, expanding research capacity, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing its national and international reputation, and inspiring a collegial community united by a shared vision.

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Director provides academic and administrative leadership and establishes the strategic direction of the School. The Director will advance the School's mission of conducting innovative, translational research and fostering entrepreneurship, while deepening its relationships with industry and community partners. The Director will establish and strengthen strategic partnerships across SFU, particularly with SFU’s new medical school, to advance collaborative research, education, and innovation in biomedical engineering, medical technologies, digital health, AI, robotics, and translational health.  The Director will also oversee the strategy and development of new educational programs, certificates, and training to prepare undergraduate and graduate students for success in a rapidly evolving world, and provide stewardship for the School's engineering accreditation activities, ensuring continued excellence and compliance with national accreditation standards.

The School Director is a term position with an initial appointment of three or five years that may be renewable for a subsequent term. The successful candidate must be appointable as a Full Professor and active in an engineering discipline relevant to the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering. The candidate would resume full-time professorial duties upon the conclusion of their administrative appointment. Candidates should have an internationally recognized research program, demonstrated academic leadership, and administrative experience appropriate for leading a research-intensive engineering school. In exceptional circumstances, candidates at the rank of Associate Professor who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, administrative experience, and a clear record of strategic impact may also be considered.

The ideal candidate will: 

• Provide visionary, collaborative, and proactive leadership for the School, creating an environment that inspires innovation in teaching, fosters internationally recognized research, and supports operational excellence;
• Develop and champion a bold strategic direction inspiring a compelling long-term vision that enhances Mechatronic Systems Engineering's national and international reputation while strengthening partnerships with government agencies, industry, professional bodies, and the broader community as well as unites faculty, staff, students in pursuing excellence, innovation, and impact while fostering a culture of collaboration;
• Lead the continued evolution of the School's educational programs by supporting current and future undergraduate and graduate students through curriculum renewal, innovative teaching practices, and an exceptional student learning and research experience;
• Support the University’s Strategic Vision https://www.sfu.ca/about/leadership-governance-strategy/strategy.html

The ideal candidate is expected to possess and demonstrate the following qualifications:

• A Ph.D., and ongoing engagement in an internationally recognized, externally funded research program aligned with one or more of the School's research strengths;
• An outstanding personal research record of accomplishment and international profile;
• Demonstrated leadership and administrative experience;
• Ability to balance both teaching and research initiatives of the School;
• Proven excellence in developing and teaching engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Excellent communication skills and commitment to a team based working culture;
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Enthusiastic about supporting students and student initiatives, as well as engaging with them directly;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Eligibility to register as a Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia within one year of assuming the position.

The competition will remain open until the position is filled. However, preference will be given to applications received by September 30, 2026.

To apply, submit the following to our online application system: 

https://www.sfu.ca/fas/schools/mechatronic-systems-engineering/job-opportunities.html

• A recent curriculum vitae,
• Research and teaching statements,
• A vision statement (1-2 pages outlining your vision for the future of the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering over the next 5–10 years),
• Names and contact information for three referees.

The successful applicant will be appointed at a rank and salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role at the rank of Full Professor is $149,225 to $211,027 (subject to experience and inclusive of Market Differential), and at the rank of Associate Professor is $130,142 to $185,584 (subject to experience and inclusive of Market Differential).

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice: Academic Careers - Provost and VP Academic - Simon Fraser University