Application Details
Deadline to apply: Applications will be open until the position has been filled – candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis.
Application Instructions: Interested applicants are asked to send their CV and a brief statement of interest (optional) to sielmann@mail.ubc.ca as soon as possible.
Project Description
A part-time graduate academic assistant is needed as part of a new examination of the principles underlying ethical engineering and leadership in Canada. This is a predominantly academic role that involves exploring and summarizing literature on applied ethics in engineering, researching and building frameworks for ethical decision-making, and examining the history of applied ethics in Canadian professional engineering. We are seeking a graduate student with a strong, formal background in critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Student Role
An excellent learning opportunity with direct impacts in courses at UBC as well as potential impacts beyond the university, the academic assistant will join a small community of interested professors at UBC and other Canadian institutions interested in the application of engineering ethics in professional practice. Job responsibilities include:
- Researching and summarizing existing applied ethics models and frameworks as well as related work in engineering ethics
- Compiling case studies of engineers who have violated the Code of Ethics from resources such as Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC)
- Designing custom applied ethics models and frameworks suitable for professional engineers in Canada, including teaching and learning tools
- Consulting with experts at UBC and other institutions
- Meeting regularly with project team members
- Preparing presentations and documentation as needed
Preferred Qualifications
We are encouraging applications from students of all disciplines (i.e., non-engineering candidates are invited to apply). The ideal candidate will be able to develop or already have the following skills:
- Background in applied ethics, particularly as applied to professional work environments and/or engineering
- Strong reasoning and critical thinking skills
- Basic research and organizational skills appropriate for literature reviews
- Excellent communication skills
- Background in environmental ethics and/or social justice would be preferred
Other Information
Position duration: The work will begin immediately and run for 8 months, with an option for extension. The academic assistant will be assigned a total of 300 hours of work during the employment period.
Position location: The candidate will be required to participate in in-person and on-line meetings and presentations. Work may be done remotely (within BC) for duties that do not require in-person attendance.
Position funding: Hourly compensation is set between $31.00 and $35.00 depending on the candidate’s background and experience. Funding for this position is provided by the Marshall Bauder Professor of Experiential Learning and Leadership stipend.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit or Indigenous person.
