Assistant Professor
Overview
Department of Computer Science
Category: Multiple Faculty Positions
Campus: Barrie STEM Hub
Application Deadline: Open until filled (review of applications will commence on Mar 19, 2026)
Reference #SES-2026-27-04 and SES-2026-27-05
Lakehead University, Barrie STEM Hub, invites applications for two tenure-track positions in the Department of Computer Science. The positions will commence on August 1, 2026 at a rank commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Applications for these multiple faculty positions are invited from outstanding candidates in Computer Science who have strong teaching and research focuses, with preferences in the following areas:
● Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
● Computer Graphics and Human-Computer Interaction
● Robotics and Human-Centered AI
● Cybersecurity and Privacy
● Algorithms and Applied Optimization
● Data Science and Big Data
● Quantum Computing
Applications with exceptional research in other related areas will also be considered.
The successful tenure-track candidate is expected to initiate an externally funded research program and contribute to the supervision of graduate students in our MSc Program and in our planned PhD Program in Systems and Computing. Candidates having a good publishing record in high impact journals and tier 1 conferences will be given preference. Additionally, candidates are expected to actively participate and support departmental activities and services.
Applicants should hold a PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline. Candidates are expected to teach a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses and demonstrate the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing discipline by incorporating new material. Prior teaching and post-doctoral experience as well as courses or certificates in teaching practice will be considered as an asset. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of course delivery is highly desired.
The Department of Computer Science is a fast-growing department with a total of 14 fulltime faculty members Our faculty members are involved in various externally funded research programs.
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Launching in fall 2026, the Lakehead University Barrie STEM Hub is Lakehead’s new high-tech learning and research space in the heart of Barrie’s waterfront district, with stunning lake views, nearby cafés and restaurants, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and strong public transit links, including direct GO Transit service connecting to parts of the GTA. The Barrie STEM Hub expands access to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Simcoe County. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.
For further information, please contact Dr. Ruizhong Wei, Chair, Department of Computer Science (e-mail: rwei@lakeheadu.ca). Detailed information on our undergraduate and graduate programs is available on our homepage:
https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/computer-science
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. Applications received by March 19, 2026 will receive full consideration. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference #SES- 2026-27-04 and SES-2026-27-05 should include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously-taught courses), a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package.
Applicants should submit their electronic application to:
Dr. Todd Randall
Dean, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario
e-mail: applications.ses@lakeheadu.ca
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons,
Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.
This position is subject to budgetary approval.
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.
The Top 10 Stories of the Year
As 2025 draws to a close, it's a great time to review the most-read stories of the last twelve months.
The articles that garnered the most attention shed light on Lakehead's progress as a university during the year that our Shaping the Evolution 2025-30 Strategic Plan was launched.
The Lakehead community was excited to learn about our partnerships with Simcoe County and transformative initiatives like our Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, as well as the regional and national recognition received by Lakehead faculty, staff, and alumni.
Also on the radar were our outstanding researchers who are having an impact in areas ranging from Indigenous mental health and early cancer detection to environmental sustainability and 6G wireless technology.
Get ready to count down!
10: Lakehead Marks Ground Blessing with $2M Provincial Boost for New Northern Veterinary Program
Today's ground blessing ceremony marks more than the beginning of construction—it symbolizes hope. In regions where farmers struggle to find veterinary care for their livestock and families drive hours to treat their pets, the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program—delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College—provides a lasting solution to a critical need. Building on the Government of Ontario's previously announced investment of $14.78 million, an additional $2 million was announced.
9: Lakehead Celebrates King Charles III Coronation Medal Recipients
It's an exciting time to be at Lakehead! Several members of the university community have joined a select group of Canadians who've been awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honour was created to recognize individuals who've demonstrated outstanding service and excellence within their communities, and it is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Pipe Major Lorne Clifford, Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Dr. Roopa Rakshit, Dr. Alla Reznik, and Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, along with several Lakehead alumni, were presented with this medal.
8: Lakehead Celebrates Alumni Excellence during 60th Anniversary Year
"Our graduates transform lives while inspiring others to follow their lead," says Mark Tilbury, Lakehead's Alumni and Annual Giving Director. Every year, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University presents awards honouring outstanding graduates and supporters. The awards ceremonies this year coincided with the university's 60th anniversary—offering the chance to celebrate both our inspirational alumni and Lakehead's role in expanding opportunities, driving societal progress, and fostering stronger communities.
7: Lakehead Professors Among New and Renewed Canada Research Chairs
Three Lakehead University researchers have been recognized by the Government of Canada with new and renewed Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments for their outstanding scientific contributions to our local and global communities. Dr. Christopher Mushquash was appointed as a new Tier 1 CIHR CRC in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction. Dr. Alla Reznik, a Tier 1 CRC in Radiation Medical Imaging Physics and Dr. Lindsay Galway, a Tier 2 CRC in Social-Ecological Health, received renewals.
6: Distinguished Canadians to Receive Honorary Degrees at Lakehead University's Thunder Bay Convocation
Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of 1,999 graduates at its Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies on May 29 and 30, 2025. In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2025, Lakehead will recognize three outstanding individuals with honorary degrees and a retired long-serving faculty member with the title of Fellow of the University, honouring their leadership, creativity, and contributions to their fields and communities.
5: Historic $10M investment from Kim and Stu Lang propels new veterinary medicine program for northern Ontario
A landmark $10 million investment from Kim and Stu Lang will support Lakehead University and the University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College's new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, helping to alleviate northern Ontario's critical veterinarian shortage. The gift will help fund the construction of an animal education facility the Thunder Bay campus. This investment is the largest philanthropic contribution in Lakehead's history.
4: New collaborative veterinary program moves forward to serve northern Ontario
Help is on the horizon for people in northern Ontario struggling to access veterinary care for their livestock and pets. With a signed agreement between Lakehead and Guelph universities in place, student recruitment underway, and a Request for Proposal process about to begin, the new Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program is moving forward. Photo Credit: Ontario Veterinary College
3: Thunder Bay Researcher Co-Leads $10.8M National Project to Improve Indigenous Youth Mental Health
A national initiative to improve Indigenous youth mental health, co-led by local researcher Dr. Chris Mushquash, has secured an additional $10.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Dr. Mushquash is part of a group co-leading the four-year project focused on building a trust-based learning network across Canada to support culturally-grounded mental health services for Indigenous youth.
2: Lakehead University selected as preferred site for new Orillia hospital
A parcel of land on the south side of Lakehead's Orillia campus has been identified as the preferred site to build the new hospital, pending provincial government approvals and the exploration and negotiation process between the organizations. "We are thrilled that Lakehead University could be the future home to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital," said Carmine Stumpo, President and CEO of OSMH.
1: Student Spotlight: The Sky's the Limit for Engineer Sana Sharif
"I've always wanted to quench my thirst for learning," says Sana Sharif, a third-year electrical and computer engineering PhD student based in Barrie. "From childhood, I was always keen to see how things are built. I would reverse-engineer my toys!" Last spring, she received a Lakehead Luminary Award from Lakehead's Student Success Centre, celebrating her many contributions on and off campus.
Donating
Our donors find the easiest and fastest way to give is online. Our online donation form takes minutes to complete and lets you decide how often you wish to donate, the area you'd like to support and if you'd like to dedicate your gift in honour of someone special.
Northern Veterinary Students Need Your Support
Support the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program to strengthen animal care in Northern Ontario communities.
Donate TodayA Year-End Reflection from President Gillian Siddall
Lakehead University will be closed for the holiday break from Monday, December 22 to Friday, January 2, reopening on Monday, January 5.
As we approach the end of 2025, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our partners, supporters and friends across all the regions we serve. Your collaboration, insight and generosity continue to strengthen Lakehead University and help us expand opportunities for learners and communities.
This past year marked several important milestones. We celebrated Lakehead's 60th anniversary and launched Shaping the EvoLUtion, our new strategic plan shaped by the perspectives of students, faculty, staff and community partners. It charts an ambitious path forward as we continue to grow, innovate and make meaningful contributions across northern and central Ontario.
We advanced major initiatives that reflect Lakehead's momentum. Construction began on the new facilities for the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program, delivered in partnership with the University of Guelph. This once-in-a-generation initiative was made possible through an extraordinary $10-million gift from Kim and Stu Lang and the generosity of many supporters. With the first cohort now underway, the program represents real progress for rural and northern communities facing a critical shortage of veterinarians.
In Orillia, our shared vision for growth received remarkable support. A $400,000 contribution from the Lakehead University Student Union and a transformative $15-million investment from the County of Simcoe have accelerated our campus expansion plans. In partnership with the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Lakehead Orillia was named the preferred site for the new hospital—an exciting step in meeting the region's future needs.
Our presence in central Ontario continues to grow with the start of construction on the new Lakehead STEM Hub in Barrie. Opening in fall 2026, this state-of-the-art facility will expand access to degree-level STEM education and deepen our connections with local industries.
We also advanced our commitment to truth and reconciliation through the revitalized Gichi Kendaaswin initiative. This renewed, university-wide approach will strengthen Indigenous-led learning and culturally grounded spaces across our campuses. We are grateful for significant support this year, including $1 million from BMO and $100,000 from Canada Life, which will help bring a new Indigenous learning space in Thunder Bay to life.
These achievements represent only a small portion of the work happening across Lakehead every day. What makes this progress possible is the strength of our partnerships and the shared vision we hold for the future of our communities.
If you would like to stay connected with Lakehead throughout the year, I invite you to subscribe to our Campus Connection newsletter, where we share stories, milestones and updates from across the university.
Thank you for being part of the Lakehead story. Once you are part of Lakehead, you are Lakehead for life. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a hopeful year ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gillian Siddall
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University
Post-Graduation Work Permit Workshop with Dependents
Are you graduating this summer, and plan to apply for a post-graduate work permit? Join this session lead by our Int'l Student Advisors to learn about the next steps, what is required and how to apply for your PGWP.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Workshop
Are you graduating this summer, and plan to apply for a post-graduate work permit? Join this session lead by our Int'l Student Advisors to learn about the next steps, what is required and how to apply for your PGWP.
CRA Information Session for International Students
Join this session to learn how to fill out tax forms for new jobs. You will also receive general information about obtaining a SIN and what it is used for in Canada (who should and shouldn't be asking for it). The CRA will also discuss the importance of filing taxes and provide an overview of tax refunds in Canada and tax filing deadlines.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Workshop
Are you graduating this summer, and plan to apply for a post-graduate work permit? Join this session lead by our Int'l Student Advisors to learn about the next steps, what is required and how to apply for your PGWP.
Co-op Work Permit Workshop
Description
Have you recently been accepted into a co-op work term for Fall 2026? If so, you will require a co-op work permit to complete this work in Canada. This is separate from your study permit. If you don't already have one, we recommend applying online right away. Work permit processing is very delayed in Canada so please apply early. You can join this workshop to go over the online application with your International Student Advisor.
