Job Title: Human Biology CLT (36 mo)
Location: Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Job Type: Faculty
Description: Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Assistant Professor, Human Biology
Contractually Limited Term (36 months)
Position #: 20127
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 and staff, 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.
Acadia University is recognized as one of Canada’s premier primarily undergraduate institutions. Academic innovation and a personalized learning environment have garnered the university a reputation for success. Acadia is located in the Town of Wolfville, amongst orchards and vineyards in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. The area offers a small-town setting with a relaxed lifestyle and outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities. With a progressive commitment to sustainability that echoes Acadia’s status as Canada’s first organic campus, 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, biotechnology, and manufacturing industries, and to 14 Wing Greenwood, the largest air base on the East Coast. Halifax, whose airport is only 60 minutes from Wolfville, provides a wide variety of opportunities and connections academically and commercially in terms of research.
The Department of Biology invites applications for a 36-month Contractually Limited Term position in Human Biology at the level of Assistant Professor, commencing on July 1, 2024. We are searching for an outstanding scientist to address fundamental and/ or applied questions relevant to human biology including but not limited to physiology, anatomy, nutrition and metabolism. We welcome applications from candidates who use comparative approaches and who can contribute to our diverse Biology program. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop collaborations with colleagues in the Schools of Kinesiology, and Nutrition & Dietetics.
Biology is one of the largest departments on campus with ~400 majors and ~30 Masters students, and a program based on the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. Faculty, staff and students are actively working towards creating a community that is diverse, stimulating and supportive. Undergraduate teaching is a primary focus of the department and we prioritize experiential learning with hands-on labs, fieldwork and individualized learning opportunities. Masters, Honours and research-based courses integrate teaching and research throughout our program. Research facilities on campus include the Animal Care Facility, equipped for aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians, the Acadia Centre for Microstructural Analysis, the Acadia Lab for Agri-food and Beverage, the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre. The School of Kinesiology and the Centre of Lifestyle Studies housed in the Acadia Athletics Complex have multipurpose and well-equipped labs and facilities for research and these units also co-ordinate numerous community outreach programs that allow students to apply their anatomy and physiology knowledge in a real-world setting.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field, with expertise applicable to teaching human biology, anatomy and physiology. Post-doctoral and/or relevant work experience is an asset. The successful applicant will be expected to teach courses in Human Biology and Applied Human Biology (including teaching the labs) and an additional course in biology or in an interdisciplinary area, depending on the applicant’s area of expertise. The Human Biology courses are required for Kinesiology and Nutrition majors and are popular with other majors who are interested in health sciences.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, mentorship and research. The successful applicant is expected to develop and maintain an active, independent research program and will be eligible to apply for internal and external, including Tricouncil, funding. The applicant is also expected to supervise advanced research students at the undergraduate and potentially graduate level (Masters of Science; Masters of Applied Kinesiology). Evidence of excellence in research includes but is not limited to publications in peer-reviewed and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at conferences, other forms of scholarship appropriate to the applicant’s speciality, and strong endorsements by academic references. The candidate must also demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship and/ or community leadership, commensurate with their level of experience. Evidence for excellence in teaching can include but is not limited to a description in the teaching statement or CV of past teaching experience, contributions to course and program development, course evaluations and positive endorsements from referees. Candidates are encouraged to include contributions to their discipline or profession such as service to professional organizations, community engagement etc.
Academic Qualifications:
• PhD in Biology or a related field with expertise relevant to teaching courses in human biology, anatomy and physiology, including labs.
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 on teaching philosophy
• evidence of excellence in teaching, mentorship and teaching-related activities (see suggestions above)
• a research statement including how your research program could develop at Acadia
• 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
• 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
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 online Employment Equity Self-Identification Form as part of their application package. The form provides the option of self-identifying based on the applicant’s comfort level. Failure to complete the form by the closing date will result in the disqualification of your application.
Closing Date: March 15, 2024
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 considers 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.
Application Email Address: Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca
Company Name: Acadia University
Application Close Date: March 15, 2024