Assistant Professor, Indigenous Science

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Today, Mount Royal offers 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors, along with a wide range of diploma and certificate options. It boasts a diverse community with nearly 16,000 credit students, more than 5,500 non-credit students and about 1,700 employees.

As a student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal is known for its top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Grounded in community, Mount Royal is a place where faculty, staff and alumni can know each other by name — and where everyone is welcome. Learn more about Mount Royal’s strategic academic direction at mru.ca/AcademicPlan .

Mount Royal is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the  people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, and the Îyârhe Nakoda. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In accordance with Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, this opportunity is limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Candidates will be required to provide verifiable evidence of their Indigenous Identity in the form of a letter of introduction.  

Mount Royal’s Faculty of Science and Technology offers bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, Environmental Science, Geology and General Science which allows students to prepare for a variety of exciting careers in science and technology by not only teaching them the basics of science but also how to be flexible and innovative problem-solvers. The student population is quite diverse and seven percent of seats in all programs are designated for Indigenous student admission.

Faculty members in Science and Technology also support the delivery of the liberal education component of all Mount Royal University undergraduate degree programs by teaching courses in General Education (GNED), Cluster-One: Numeracy and Scientific Literacy. In foundation level GNED courses students explore pre-disciplinary themes and subjects and are exposed to a range of academic disciplines while developing key undergraduate intellectual capacities.

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science Biology major with three concentrations (Cellular & Molecular Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Ecology & Evolution), an Honours Biology degree, and a Biology minor.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Science offers a Bachelor of Science Geology, a Bachelor of Science Environmental Science, minors in both programs and also supports the discipline of Geography. 

At Mount Royal University, we seek to enhance relationships and mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples within our campus community and beyond.  We began this process with an Indigenous Strategic Plan and Indigenization and decolonization are integral aspects of our latest University Strategic Plan: Vision 2030 and our 2023-2030 Academic Plan . We recognize that we still have a long journey towards reconciliation but our goal is to Indigenize and decolonize Mount Royal University, to respect and embrace Indigenous Knowledges and Ways of Knowing, to integrate Indigenous teachings and practices both inside and outside of our classes, to support Indigenous learners, and to honour Indigenous experiences and identities. 

To advance our efforts towards Indigenization in the Faculty of Science and Technology, we invite applicants for a tenure-track faculty position (Assistant Professor) in Indigenous Science . The successful candidate will be hired into the Department of Biology, the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, or they may be cross-appointed between both departments. Individuals who hold a tenured academic appointment at another postsecondary institution will be considered for appointment as an Associate Professor. This position will start July 1, 2024, subject to final budgetary approval.

As an undergraduate focused institution, we prioritize excellent teaching. The successful applicant must be qualified to teach undergraduate (introductory and senior) courses in their discipline. Other teaching opportunities could include existing courses that incorporate Indigenous Ways of Knowing such as Indigenous and Stakeholder Consultation in Environmental Management , Common Ground: Learning from the Land , and Indigenous Knowledge and Science (new). We are seeking candidates with experience or interest in integrating Indigenous science methodologies and perspectives into the curriculum. Such contributions to the development and redesign of curriculum will be recognized and considered part of an incumbent's teaching workload. 

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching-scholarship-service pattern (TSS) focuses on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member be involved in scholarship as well as service. The teaching-service pattern (TS) focuses on teaching and service only. The successful candidate for this role will be hired into the teaching-scholarship-service pattern (TSS). It is important to note that MRU has a broad definition of scholarship that includes: disciplinary research, the scholarship of teaching and learning, scholarship on equity, diversity and inclusion, and community-engaged scholarship. Scholarship, teaching and service that is informed by Indigenous methodologies or that include Indigenous Knowledges and traditions are encouraged and recognized in evaluations of performance and tenure. There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. 

• A minimum M.Sc. in any discipline within Biology or Earth and Environmental Sciences; a Ph.D. is an asset. Candidates who are near completion of their Ph.D. will be considered.

• Teaching experience, broadly defined.

• A commitment to excellent undergraduate education including the potential to develop and teach new courses.

• Potential to develop and maintain a scholarship program.

• An ability to support the inclusion of Indigenous epistemologies, sciences, pedagogies, and decolonization practices in teaching and learning.. 

Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness, or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the assessment of a candidate’s academic productivity.  We encourage applicants to explain in their application any interruptions that have affected their career progression.

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate is found

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

1) current CV that pays particular attention to providing evidence of experience and qualifications that are outlined in the job description above

2) cover letter (2 pages maximum)

3) a letter of introduction that provides verifiable evidence of Indigenous identity

4) a description of a scholarship plan that you will develop within the context of the undergraduate setting of Mount Royal University (2 pages maximum)

5) a teaching dossier that includes a 2-page maximum teaching philosophy and supporting evidence of effective teaching, including experience or interest in integrating Indigenous science methodologies and perspectives into the curriculum.

6) a statement describing challenges related to Indigenization and decolonization within their discipline, as well as describing specific actions you will take to support an inclusive teaching and research environment

7) the names and contact information of three referees that address the candidate’s qualifications and experience in relation to the position. Letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates. Information regarding these letters will be conveyed when a candidate is shortlisted.

Open until a suitable candidate is found but applications will be reviewed on April 8, 2024.  For further information, contact Melanie Rathburn, Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Science and Technology at [email protected]