Pilot in Residence, Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo is seeking an exceptional Professor of Practice to serve as a Pilot-in-Residence for a two-year term. The pilot-in-residence will leverage their professional and operational experience to support aviation activities at the university. These duties include teaching, student engagement, research support, industry networking, and flight simulator activities.
The pilot-in-residence will teach undergraduate aviation courses that align with their expertise, covering subjects such as aviation human factors, safety, economics, operations, meteorology, or other topics relevant to undergraduate student pilots. Additionally, they will play a vital role in supporting the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) by teaching within the program, identifying potential industry partners for consulting projects, and actively promoting the program to prospective students and other stakeholders.
The pilot-in-residence will play a direct role in supporting the aviation student community through working with the University of Waterloo Aviation Society (UWAS: the undergraduate aviation student society). These activities include engaging with student leadership, supporting UWAS events, mentoring the student population, and participating in activities aimed at fostering a sense of community among aviation students.
This role will act as a key member of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics’s (WISA’s) executive team, supporting engagement with the campus research community and contributing to activities that identify impactful areas of collaboration between academia, regulators, and industry. This role will also offer aviation expertise to faculty members involved in aeronautical research projects.
The pilot-in-residence will be expected to leverage their extensive professional network to facilitate meaningful engagement within the campus community. This includes activities such as rallying alumni support for mentorship programs, facilitating introductions between campus stakeholders and industry contacts, and organizing workshops and seminars to expose students to prevailing industry trends and best practices, among other initiatives. This also includes supporting and maintaining a positive collaborative relationship with the University of Waterloo’s flight training partner, the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC).
Lastly, this role will actively support the operations of WISA's flight simulators. This encompasses briefing research teams in industry-standard operations, some engagement/oversight of data collection and flight protocols within the simulators and supporting the research staff responsible for simulator operations.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000. Applications received by January 31, 2024 will be given full consideration. However, applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Three letters of reference will be requested for applicants invited for an interview. Send curriculum vitae, cover letter, and a writing sample from a published source and/or public speaking/teaching experience to Dr. Chris Houser, Dean of Science, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada (chouser@uwaterloo.ca).
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Qualifications for this distinguished Pilot-in-Residence role requires senior-level aviation expertise and an established track record of leadership within Canadian aviation, including:
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): the Pilot-in-Residence should hold (or have previously held) a valid ATPL, demonstrating mastery of piloting skills and knowledge. 20+ years of professional piloting experience, at progressively higher levels of seniority and leadership, is preferred.
- Instructional Experience: experience teaching classroom-based aviation courses (with preference to experience teaching in a university/college environment) with evidence of effective instructional skills and positive student feedback. The candidate is required to have demonstrated operational instructional experience, including teaching pilots within a range of aircraft and flight simulators. This role will bring innovative thinking to the aviation program, exploring new approaches to enhance the student learning experience and stay current with industry developments.
- Industry Expertise: demonstrated expertise and a strong reputation within the Canadian aviation industry, showcasing a deep understanding of industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Possessing a well-established professional network within the aviation community, including connections with industry leaders, regulators, and aviation organizations. This role will have a commitment to continual professional development, including staying up to date with industry changes, new technologies, and instructional methodologies. Extensive experience in senior leadership or management roles within an airline (or comparable flight operations setting) is desirable.
- Research: this role will enrich the University of Waterloo aviation research community, supporting a variety of research teams and activities related to aviation operations. It is desirable for the pilot-in-residence to have engaged with aviation research and/or publications, showcasing a commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
- Communication Skills: strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex aviation topics to students, industry professionals, and the public through presentations, lectures, and written work.
- Commitment to Supporting the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals: a track record of leadership and mentorship within the aviation industry, highlighting the ability to inspire and guide the next generation of aviation professionals is also required. The Pilot-in-Residence will demonstrate a commitment to supporting the development of a diverse group of aviation students, including identifying and supporting opportunities for those from marginalized groups to access aviation careers.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives).
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Lisa Weber (lweber@uwaterloo.ca).
If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact Lisa Weber (lweber@uwaterloo.ca).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Three reasons to apply: https://uwaterloo.ca/faculty-association/why-waterloo.