Job description: Position Summary

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta invites applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level in Remote Sensing and Machine Learning in Earth/Environmental Sciences. Exceptional candidates may be considered at higher ranks. We are seeking an individual who demonstrates the potential to develop a strong research and teaching program in this field. The successful candidate will be nominated for a Canada CIFAR Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) Chair by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). The CCAI Chair includes research funding for at least five years. This position is part of a University of Alberta cluster hire in the intersection of Machine Learning and other areas, including Health, Energy and Indigenous Initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an innovative and robust externally funded research program, engage in, and develop domestic and international research networks, teach graduate and undergraduate classes in remote sensing, geographic information systems, and Earth/Environmental Sciences, supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and provide service to the Department, the Faculty, and the University, as well as to professional and external communities. The successful candidate will also become an Amii Fellow, joining a highly collegial institute of world-class Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning researchers, have access to Amii internal funding resources, administrative support, and a highly collaborative environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences or an aligned discipline, with emphasis on applications of Remote Sensing and Machine Learning. The successful candidate will have:

• A strong research record and research plan in Remote Sensing of Earth/Environmental Systems that involves making fundamental advances in machine learning approaches or fundamental advances in how machine learning is applied in Remote Sensing.
• Proven ability and commitment to training the next generation of scientists in the field of Remote Sensing of Earth and Environmental Systems.
• Expertise compatible with one or more of the broad range of disciplines within the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, which can be found at:

Department/Faculty Summary

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at the University of Alberta is a leading department with outstanding teaching and research in the fields of Environmental Earth Sciences, Geology, Paleontology, Human Geography, and Planning. Globally, the Earth sciences program is ranked 35th and the Geology program 5th according to Nature and the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), respectively. The department has an established program in applications of remote sensing and imaging spectroscopy in Earth/Environmental Sciences and hosts world class facilities at the Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS). These include two platforms for hyperspectral imaging of rock and soil samples, drill core, and vegetation (SisuROCK with VNIR and SWIR imaging spectrometers, longwave infrared camera 8000-12000 nm). The SWIR camera can be deployed in the field along with two point spectrometers (ASD FieldSpec 3m Agilent 4100 ExoScan FTIR) and several drones equipped with Lidar, thermal and spectral cameras. EAS has more than 50 faculty members, and over 120 graduate students, and is recognized for its scholarly achievement, excellence in teaching and research, and service to the community.

The Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is one of three institutes named in the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and consists of more than 35 artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML) researchers at the U of A, as well as CCAI Chairs at post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. The University of Alberta is world-renowned for its strength in AI and ML; the AI cohort that includes this position will bring together and foster the next generation of scientists leading the development of machine learning for societal benefit, fulfilling Amii’s mandate of AI for good and all.

Who can apply

The University of Alberta is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( ) and to reconciliation ( ). We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. Applicants from non-traditional career paths are also encouraged to apply.

Inquiries regarding the position can be addressed to the Department Chair, Dr. Stephen T. Johnston,

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

Review of applications will begin January 5, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled, with a targeted start date of July 1, 2024.

How to apply

Interested individuals should use the link below to submit the following:

• a curriculum vitae,
• a description of their area(s) of research and planned research projects;
• an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement that includes the candidate’s contributions and plans to advance EDI in their research, teaching, and service; a statement of teaching philosophy; and
• one paper (published or preprint) that exemplifies their work and/or vision for machine learning in Remote Sensing in Earth/Environmental Sciences.
• Names and contact information for three individuals who can provide letters of reference, with a recommendation that at least one individual be able to speak to the candidate’s expertise in Machine Learning.

As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please include the appropriate statement in your application “I am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident” or “I am not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident”.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

How to Apply

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

Expected salary:

Location: Canada

Job date: Thu, 26 Oct 2023 03:43:20 GMT

Apply for the job now!

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