The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University is accepting
applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in Advanced Air Mobility. The postdoctoral fellow
will be involved in projects to evaluate the level of public acceptance of autonomous aircraft,
drones and other similar technologies in Canada.
The anticipated start date will be 1 August 2021 for a duration of 12 months with the possibility
of an extension subject to available funding and satisfactory research output.
Department Background Information
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Dr. Laliberté, Remotely Piloted
Aircraft System Research Group) at Carleton University (located in Ottawa, Canada).
• https://carleton.ca/mae/
• https://carleton.ca/utili/
• https://carleton.ca/aircraftdesign/about-prof-laliberte/
Research Project Overview
In Canada, there is growing interest in developing and deploying advanced air mobility (AAM)
for urban air mobility (UAM), regional air mobility (RAM), remotely piloted aircraft systems
(RPAS), package delivery and to enhance services for remote and rural communities. However,
the general willingness of the Canadian public to accept and adopt such new technologies is not
well understood. Given Canada’s geographical size, climate, and population distribution, it is
critical to understand the level of public acceptance and risk tolerance with respect to these
emerging aviation technologies.
In this project, the postdoctoral researcher will conduct a meta-review of literature and research
into the public acceptance of RPAS, UAM and RAM with a specific focus on autonomous
systems. This review will provide baseline data to compare the public attitudes and perceptions
of RPAS, UAM and RAM across OECD countries. Additionally, the PDF will study the public
acceptance and risk tolerance in Canadian urban, rural and remote communities and compare the
results for communities where demonstrations and deployments of AAM technologies have
already taken place versus communities without such demonstration projects.
This project is part of a much larger collaborative technology development program on advanced
vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems with industrial, government and academic
partners.
Research Project Supervisor and Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeremy Laliberté.
Salary
The postdoctoral fellow will be offered a salary of $45,000 per annum, with the additional ability
to opt into an extended health and dental benefit plan. The postdoc will be considered unionized
and will be a member of PSAC Local 77000. Information on this bargaining unit can be found
here: https://psac77000.ca/.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent of this position will, under the direction of Dr. Laliberté, be responsible for
leading the research activities of the project, including but not limited to the following core
responsibilities:
• Develop a research plan and schedule. Prepare and submit research ethics approval
requests and research ethics progress reports;
• Complete a meta-study on existing surveys and studies of public perception and
acceptance of advanced air mobility technologies;
• Design and carry out an assessment of public acceptance of advanced aviation
technologies;
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed journal papers and conference presentations.
Support the preparation of external funding proposals;
• Interact with other RPAS Research Group members and external funding partners and
occasionally prepare formal and informal presentations on the research progress.
Job Requirements
Given the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and associated uncertainty with return to normal
working arrangements, this postdoctoral position will be started remotely and the selected
postdoctoral fellow may begin the work off-campus. In-person, on-campus work will only take
place when the majority of restrictions are lifted as per Carleton’s Return to Campus plans.
Likewise, any fieldwork (e.g. focus groups) must be conducted in accordance with public health
guidance.
• Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in social science, political science, public policy,
public administration or a closely related field. Candidates with doctoral degrees in
natural sciences and/or engineering will be considered if they also have relevant
experience;
• Experience with public surveys, focus groups and measuring public opinion about
advanced technology is essential;
• Experience with preparing research ethics approval requests for work involving members
of the public is required;
• Sound knowledge of statistical methods and public survey techniques;
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English;
• The postdoctoral researcher may also be expected to travel to specific locations in
Canada to conduct focus groups. Funding for required pre-approved travel will be
provided;
• Highly motivated to publish in data science, public opinion, social science and
engineering.
Accommodations and Accessibility
Should you require a copy of this posting in an alternate format, please contact us as soon as
possible and we would be happy to get one to you in a timely manner. We believe in the
importance of supporting on the-job success for the incumbent and are pleased to discuss and/or
provide specific tools, resources or other requirements for day-to-day work requirements, as
needed.
About Carleton University
Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution with a national
and international reputation as a leader in collaborative teaching and learning, research and
governance. To learn more about our university and the City of Ottawa, please visit
www.carleton.ca/provost.
Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of
excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to
the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women; visible
minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any
sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Carleton understands that career paths
vary. Legitimate career interruptions will in no way prejudice the assessment process and their
impact will be taken into careful consideration.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents
will be given priority. The PDF must be a resident of Canada with permission to work in Canada
when this position commences.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should accommodation be required,
and arrangements will be made in a timely manner. All qualified candidates are encouraged to
apply.
How to Apply
Candidates that would like to apply for this fellowship opportunity are invited to submit their
cover letter along with a resume/CV including a list of publications and references to Dr. Jeremy
Laliberté at jeremy.laliberte@carleton.ca by 31 July 2021. Applications will be accepted until
the position is filled.