Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, Position #: 20103
Acadia University is recognized as one of Canada’s premier undergraduate institutions. Academic innovation and a personalized learning environment have garnered the university a reputation for success. Acadia is nestled in the Town of Wolfville, amongst orchards and vineyards in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. A short walk from the shores of the renowned Bay of Fundy, the area offers a small-town setting with a relaxed lifestyle and outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities. With a progressive commitment to sustainability, the region offers locally crafted artisan food and beverage with many communities embracing organic, fair trade, and farm-to-table ideals. The Annapolis Valley is home to highly developed agricultural, agri-food, bio-technology, and manufacturing industries that offer growing employment and research opportunities. It is also home to 14 Wing Greenwood, the largest air base on the East Coast. Southern Nova Scotia is surrounded by ocean and therefore has an experienced fishing industry, marine research, and ocean technology companies. Halifax, which is only 50 minutes from Wolfville, provides a wide variety of opportunities and connections academically and commercially in terms of research.
Acadia University and the Department of Biology acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw Nation. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, first signed by the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkatiyik, and the British Crown in 1726. These treaties did not implicate or affirm the surrender or transfer of land to the British, but recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations. As an educational institution, we are continually learning more about how we can deeply engage and move forward the work of truth, reconciliation, and equity. As Biology faculty, staff, and students, we are grateful to live and work in Mi’kma’ki. We recognize that without action, an acknowledgment is empty. It marks the beginning of the work ahead of us, not the end.
The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track position in plant biology at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing on July 1, 2023. We are searching for an outstanding scientist to address fundamental questions in botany, and we are particularly interested in an individual with a strong background in plant biodiversity, conservation biology, and field-based research. The successful applicant will bring complementary research, teaching and technical expertise; help build our capacity to develop environmental responsibility and stewardship in the academic core; and contribute to Department efforts to provide training and mentorship to students of diverse backgrounds.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in plant biology or a closely related field; post-doctoral experience is an asset. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research and have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. The successful applicant will be expected to teach a core course in the Biodiversity of Plants and Algae, courses in the candidate’s area(s) of expertise, and potentially in field biology. The Department is interested in an applicant whose research includes or could be developed to include field work in ecosystems of Atlantic Canada. The successful applicant may have the opportunity to take a leadership role in one of Acadia University’s field stations (e.g., The Evelyn and Morrill Richardson Field Station on Bon Portage Island, see links below) depending on their area of expertise.
The successful applicant is expected to develop and maintain an active, independent, innovative and externally funded program of research and to contribute to the education and training of undergraduate and graduate (MSc) students. Evidence of excellence in scholarship includes publications in top ranked, peer-reviewed and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at conferences, and strong endorsements by academic references. The candidate must also demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentorship. Evidence for teaching excellence includes but is not limited to positive endorsements from referees, a statement of teaching philosophy, teaching accomplishments, course evaluations if available, or demonstrated performance in other teaching related activities, including teaching assistantships and student mentorship. Applicants are encouraged to address actions they have taken to include equity, diversity and inclusion throughout their academic work.
Acadia University is located in the Sipekne’katik region of Mi’kma’ki, traditionally known as Esoqwatik inclusive of the Mi’kmaq concept of Msɨt No’kmaq, which includes many coastal, agricultural and forest ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments on campus with ~550 majors and ~ 30 Masters students, and is a diverse, stimulating, and supportive community. Undergraduate teaching is a primary focus of the department, and we prioritize experiential learning with hands-on labs and field work. Teaching and research are integrated throughout our program, and our diverse course offerings support students interested in a wide range of careers. Acadia University is associated with several field stations, including The Evelyn and Morrill Richardson Field Station on Bon Portage Island at the southwest tip of Nova Scotia, the Morton Field Station located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, and Beaubassin Research Station located on the Inner Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. Research facilities at Acadia University include world class glasshouse space and growth cabinets at the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre, the Harriet Irving Botanical Garden which showcases plant communities typical of the region, and the E. C. Smith Herbarium, the largest herbarium in Atlantic Canada with over 200,000 specimens of vascular plants, fungi, algae, bryophytes and lichens. Additional research facilities include core molecular biology labs, the Acadia Centre for Microstructural Analysis, an inter-disciplinary research facility of microscopy and analytical equipment, as well as Acadia’s new Innovation Pavilion that bridges the recently renovated Huggins Science Hall and Elliot Hall. We also have opportunities to interact and collaborate with local agricultural communities and the regional research center of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Academic Qualifications:
- PhD in plant biology or a closely related field.
How to Apply: Candidates are asked to submit their application in a single PDF document to Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged via email. Applications should include the following:
- position number (include in the subject of the submission email)
- a cover letter describing how the applicant meets the criteria for appointment
- curriculum vitae
- a statement outlining current and future research interests
- a statement on teaching philosophy
- a statement providing information about how you have worked or plan to work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in academic, professional and/ or community contexts
- evidence of teaching (course evaluations, if applicable) or teaching-related activities
- the name and email/ phone contact information for three references (to be contacted if long listed)
- application should be addressed to:
Dr. Glenys Gibson
Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6
Email: Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca
Please address all questions regarding the position requirements to the Chair of the Selection Committee (glenys.gibson@acadiau.ca). For additional information on the Department of Biology, please visit our web site.
Acadia University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents shall be given priority. The University encourages applications from Indigenous people; African Canadians; African Nova Scotians; persons with disabilities; visible minorities; women; persons of any minority sexuality, gender identity or gender expression; and all intersections of these identities. Acadia embraces the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental in creating an expansive academic environment and champions diverse knowledge systems as pillars of academic excellence.
All applicants are required to submit an Employment Equity Self-Identification Form, which includes the option not to self-identify. Only candidates who have indicated their membership in a designated group as described in the 16th Collective Agreement can be considered as such in the hiring process. These forms shall be processed by Human Resources at Acadia University, information held in confidence, and data destroyed after the competition has been completed. Failure to complete the form by the closing date will result in the disqualification of your application.
Closing Date: January 30, 2023
Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members.
The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact lisa.taul@acadiau.ca, Administrative Assistant in Biology.
