Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Advanced Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies and Health M[...]

British Columbia Institute of Technology; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative institution is seeking a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair to lead groundbreaking research in advanced assistive technologies and health monitoring systems. This role offers the opportunity to develop original research programs, mentor emerging researchers, and collaborate with industry partners. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering and a strong background in assistive technology R&D. Join a vibrant research community dedicated to improving lives through technological advancements and enjoy a competitive compensation package, flexible work arrangements, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive pay

25+ days of vacation

Employer-paid health and dental plan

Defined benefit pension plan

Flexible hybrid work arrangements

Free access to BCIT courses

Wellness programs

Complimentary fitness centre membership

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering required.
• Experience in Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead interdisciplinary research in assistive technologies and health monitoring systems.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners globally.

Skills

Wheelchair Mobility R&D

Assistive Technology R&D

Rehabilitation Engineering Design

Mixed Methods Research

Artificial Intelligence

Clinical Research

Robotics

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Job description

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Advanced Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies and Health Monitoring Systems

Position Title Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Advanced Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies and Health Monitoring Systems

Who We Are

At BCIT , putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount. This idea is the foundation of BCIT’s People Vision , which describes the Institute’s goals and priorities in respect to our people. In a complex and uncertain world, it’s vital our people feel valued, supported and connected. BCIT champions a culture of innovation and global progress through people’s imagination and creativity. With a competitive compensation package, great work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities, see why we’ve earned the title of one of BC’s Top Employers for over ten years running.

Position Summary

BCIT is seeking a candidate for nomination to a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair ( CRC ) in Advanced Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies and Health Monitoring Systems. The successful candidate will be an outstanding emerging researcher who has already demonstrated research creativity and innovation and who has the potential to achieve international recognition in this field within the next five to ten years.

Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars who are within 10 years of earning their highest degree. Candidates whose degrees were earned more than 10 years ago may still be eligible if career interruptions (e.g. maternity, parental, medical or caregiving leaves, clinical training) can be documented; eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair can be assessed through the CRC program’s Tier 2 justification process (see Tier 2 Justification ). BCIT recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness, community contributions) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process to avoid any negative impact.

The successful candidate will propose an original, innovative, high quality research program capable of attracting excellent trainees, students and future researchers. Demonstration of successful collaboration with industrial partners is an asset. All nominations are subject to review and approval by the CRC Secretariat. Further details on the program can be viewed at www.chairs.gc.ca .

The successful candidate will hold a Ph. D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field and assume a leadership role within BCIT’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation ( CARI ). Additional assets include interdisciplinary experience in the following areas:

• wheelchair mobility R&D, assistive-technology or rehabilitation-engineering design
• mixed-methods research, clinical research
  
  

CARI has over 3,400 square meters of laboratory space across 10 research labs, houses over $34M in laboratory equipment and employs 45 researchers with expertise in a wide range of areas and disciplines. For over 30 years, CARI has partnered with industry, supporting companies in the production of new innovative, commercially relevant applications and prototypes.

Advanced Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies and Health Monitoring Systems Research is a complex and highly interdisciplinary area of research that can include many areas of interest. Potential research directions include, but are not limited to:

• “smart”, personalized, or user-centred assistive and rehabilitation technology development of improved mobility devices or other health technologies
• remote health monitoring and telehealth solutions
• long-term, real-world experiences of individuals living with mobility impairments (e.g. due to disability or aging).
  
  

The successful candidate’s research program should drive the design, development, and evaluation of innovative next-generation assistive technologies and health monitoring systems while considering the interaction between personal, technological, and environmental factors.

Duties & Responsibilities

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

The successful candidate will bring a robust interdisciplinary and visionary research agenda and will have established international academic and industry connections. They must be able to collaborate effectively with academic and industry colleagues across BCIT , throughout British Columbia, across Canada, and worldwide. In addition to leading the research, the candidate will mentor other BCIT researchers and contribute to interdisciplinary academic programming and course development & delivery.

BCIT is renowned for its strong partnerships with learners and industry leaders through direct workforce connections. Educational programming through interdisciplinary knowledge groups involving trade certificates, technology diplomas and undergraduate and graduate degrees is paramount to the success of the academic programming in the institute. A strong emphasis on applied research and development enriches the experiences of faculty, graduates and students while advancing the state of practice within industry and the broader research community. This ultimately drives the economic success and commercial development locally within British Columbia and globally.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Ph. D degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: Wheelchair Mobility R&D, Assistive Technology R&D, Rehabilitation Engineering Design, Mixed Methods Research Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Research, Robotics, or other closely related fields.
• Thorough knowledge of current and emerging technologies and trends, with research experience in at least one relevant subject area.
• Experience in the development & management of applied research projects and the demonstrated ability to present research findings in reports, seminars, lectures, symposia and scientific publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a collegial manner within a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a detailed curriculum vitae, a brief description of current research program, accomplishments, future plans, and copies of representative publication(s), and all required documentation submitted to the application portal as a single pdf document. Please note that all applications must be submitted via the careers page portal. Email applications will not be accepted.

Please note that all candidates wishing to be considered will need to complete a confidential self-identification form as required by the Government of Canada. This form will be provided at a later date. Please contact Leah Gobin [e-mail] if you have any questions regarding this requirement.

TIMELINE

This competition will remain open for a minimum of 30 days from the date of posting. Review of applications will commence on June 7, 2025. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If selected for an interview, candidates will be asked to present original copies of credentials. Nominations are subject to budget approval.

Additional Information

Benefits – Why you’d love working with us

• Competitive pay
• Minimum of twenty-five days of vacation (or more, depending on your position )
• Competitive employer-paid extended health and dental plan – take a look at our benefit plans !
• Defined benefit pension plan with employer contributions
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements available
• Access to most BCIT Flexible Learning courses free of charge
• Wellness and Employee Assistance programs
• Complimentary membership with free access to the Fitness Centre, Gymnasium, and more

BCIT is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring for systemically oppressed groups who have been excluded from full participation in the larger community. This includes Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

BCIT is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process, and including health and wellness programs and initiatives to support our employees. Additionally, we offer support to employees requesting workplace accommodation. If you require accommodation at any phase of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] . All requests will be kept confidential.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Salary Range

Salary Range Salary Range: $65,045 - $113,545 per annum.

Additional Salary Information

Salary prorated based on percentage and term of appointment. Salary based on education, experience and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement. An additional “ CRC Stipend” amount is subject to negotiation.

This posting is for a candidate to be nominated for a Canada Research Chair; employment as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair at BCIT is a separate issue and will not be addressed until after the CRC Secretariat has reviewed and approved the nomination.

Posting Category

Posting Category Applied Research

Department 2

Department 2 Applied Research Office Operations

Campus Location

Campus Location Burnaby campus

Bargaining Unit

Bargaining Unit BCIT Faculty and Staff Association (FSA)

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education attained?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Certificate
  • Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD
• * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • 0-1
  • 1-2
  • 3-5
  • 6-9
  • 10+
• * Where a successful applicant places within the salary range is dependent on education, experience, and placement criteria as outlined in the Collective Agreement. Are you satisfied with being placed on this range?
  • Yes
  • No
• * All positions at BCIT require on campus presence at the applicable campus location(s). This means the successful candidate must be able to and willing to relocate to the Lower Mainland. Please select from the following that best describes your situation:
  • I currently reside in the Lower Mainland
  • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland, however I am willing and able to relocate if found to be the successful candidate
  • I do not currently reside in the Lower Mainland and I am unwilling to relocate