Queen’s University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Stephen J.R. Smith Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (Smith Engineering), one of Canada's most respected and innovative engineering schools. Renowned for its academic and research excellence, exceptional student experience, influential alumni community, and commitment to addressing society's most pressing challenges, Smith Engineering is at a pivotal moment in its history. Building upon a strong tradition of excellence and a bold vision for the future, the Faculty is redefining how engineering is taught, researched, and applied in service to humanity.
Home to approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students and supported by a distinguished community of faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, Smith Engineering has established itself as a national leader in engineering education and innovation. Supported by a transformational $100 million gift from alumnus Stephen J. R. Smith, the Faculty is undertaking one of the most ambitious engineering education renewal efforts in North America while continuing to strengthen its research enterprise and societal impact. Through its transformative initiatives, including Reimagining Engineering Education, Engineering for Humanity, and Engineering for Everyone, the Faculty is advancing a distinctive vision that integrates technical excellence with interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, leadership, inclusion, and social responsibility.
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of Smith Engineering and as a member of the University's senior leadership team. The Dean will provide visionary leadership for the Faculty, advancing its strategic priorities and supporting excellence across teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry partners, Indigenous communities, donors, and colleagues across Queen's, the Dean will champion an ambitious vision for the Faculty's future while preserving the collegial culture and strong sense of community and collaboration that define Smith Engineering.
The next Dean will lead the Faculty through an exciting period of opportunity, strengthening its position among Canada's leading engineering schools while enhancing its international reputation and influence. The Dean will champion the continued implementation of Reimagining Engineering Education, advance the Faculty's commitment to Engineering for Humanity, promote growth in research excellence and impact, and deepen partnerships across industry, government, communities, and the global engineering profession. The successful candidate will play a central role in positioning Smith Engineering as a global model for engineering education and innovation while contributing to Queen’s University's broader academic ambitions.
The successful candidate will be a distinguished scholar and accomplished academic leader with a record of achievement consistent with appointment as a Full Professor at Queen's University. They will bring significant leadership and management experience within a complex academic environment, a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research and education, and the vision, credibility, and collaborative leadership style required to lead a high-performing and ambitious faculty. The Dean will bring an inclusive and entrepreneurial approach and be an exceptional communicator, fundraiser, and relationship builder. They will be capable of inspiring a diverse community around a shared purpose and advancing engineering education, research, and innovation in service to society.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to Perrett Laver’s Vacancies page quoting reference 8488. The deadline for applications is 9:00am ET on Sunday, November 23rd, 2026.
Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.
The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.
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