Assistant or Associate Professor, Indigenous Studies

The Department of Humanities in the Faculty of Arts at Mount Royal University invites applications for three positions, at the rank of either Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (hired with tenure is a possibility), with strong preference being given to Indigenous applicants. All three positions have an anticipated start date of July 1, 2021 (negotiable).

About MRU

Mount Royal University is located within the traditional homelands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot, including the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai), the Tsuut’ina, and the Îyârhe Nakoda Nations of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

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. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 14,000 credit students choose from 12 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Humanities

The Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice & Policy Studies, English, Languages & Cultures, Humanities (home to eleven disciplines), Interior Design, Psychology, and Sociology & Anthropology. Arts currently offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts—Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Interior Design.

The Department of Humanities currently offers a BA in History and a minor in Indigenous Studies, as well as minors in Ancient and Medieval Studies, Art History, Canadian Studies, Humanities, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

About the Role

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) has a focus on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member be involved in a research program as well as providing service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching/service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. These three positions are open to either the TS or TSS work patterns. 

Applicants will have completed a Masters (M.A.), although a Ph.D. is preferred, in Indigenous Studies or a relevant discipline, and should demonstrate excellence in teaching, Indigenous community involvement, and research (if applying to the TSS work stream). The positions are open to all areas of Indigenous Studies, broadly defined. Ideally, the candidates will add breadth to the Department’s current course offerings in Indigenous Studies and/or Indigenous history, while also being able to contribute to the development of new curriculum in these areas. Preference will be given to applicants whose work privileges Indigenous perspectives, epistemologies, and pedagogies.

The successful candidates will be expected to teach local and/or international Indigenous Studies at all undergraduate levels of the curriculum, mentor students, engage with Indigenous community partners, and actively participate in program and curriculum development. The ability of the candidates to contribute to one or more of the program areas in the Department of Humanities would be an asset. For more information on the Department of Humanities, see our website at https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/Arts/Departments/Humanities/program-areas/index.htm   

For further information, contact Dr. Scott Murray, Chair, Department of Humanities at (403) 440-6098 or smurray@mtroyal.ca .

What We Offer

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 full 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, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.

Closing Date: The selection committee will begin reviewing applications on April 21, 2021 and will continue until the positions are filled. It is likely interviews will be virtual.

Interested applicants should provide the following materials:

• cover letter
• up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)        
• evidence of teaching effectiveness such as course outlines, student evaluations of instruction, teaching philosophy statement, etc. 
• a list of Indigenous Studies and/or Indigenous history courses you are qualified to teach and a list of those courses you would be interested in developing. Current course offerings can be found at https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/CourseListings/index.htm
• if applying to the TSS work stream (see above), a 2-page statement of research interests that includes current and future research projects

As the competition progresses you may be asked to provide three confidential references.  

If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.