Assistant Professor in Arctic Science

The Department of Geography at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver Campus invites applications for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor. Applicants should have research and teaching interests focused on Arctic sciences, with potential areas of research including but not limited to biogeography, ecology and ecosystem science, atmospheric science, hydrology, and cryospheric sciences. We encourage applications from scholars with a commitment to working with Indigenous communities in the circumpolar North.

The successful applicant will be expected to develop an externally funded research program that uses innovative approaches to study climate and environmental change in the North, and whose research includes a strong field component. Preference will be given to candidates who complement and expand on UBC’s longstanding commitment to research in the North and who add intellectual diversity to the department.

Candidates should have demonstrated excellence in research and have a strong commitment to teaching. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to teaching in the both the B.Sc. and B.A. undergraduate programs and graduate program in Geography.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or provide solid indication of imminent completion) in Geography or a related natural science field. Post-doctoral experience would be an asset. The anticipated starting date for this position is July 1, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, depending on immigration and travel restrictions.

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover letter (up to 2 pages). Curriculum vitae. Research Statement (up to 2 pages) describing your current and proposed research program. Teaching statement (up to 1 page) describing your teaching philosophy and any evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. sample syllabi, peer reviews, teaching evaluations). Statement (up to 1 page) identifying your past contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion, along with your ability to work with a culturally diverse student body (use specific examples where possible); as well as your philosophy of, and potential future contributions to equity, diversity and inclusion. Names and contact information for 3 referees.

 Applicants should be prepared to upload in the above order and in a single PDF (maximum size 15MB) via this online form: https://geog.air.arts.ubc.ca/position-000125084/

 Only complete applications will be considered by the search committee. Questions may be directed to the chair of the search committee at geog.recruitment@ubc.ca.

Equity, inclusivity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

 Applicants will be asked to complete an equity survey. The survey information will not be used to determine eligibility for employment, but will be collated to provide data that can assist us in understanding the diversity of our applicant pool and identifying potential barriers to the employment of designated equity group members. Your participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential. This survey takes only a minute to complete. You may self-identify in one or more of the designated equity groups. You may also decline to identify in any or all of the questions by choosing "not disclosed".

Review of applications will begin October 6, 2022. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The UBC Vancouver campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.  UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.  UBC embraces innovation and challenges to the status quo. UBC is dedicated to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded throughout the university’s academic and work life, recognizing that significant work remains to be accomplished.  For example, UBC’s vision is to be a world leader in the implementation of Indigenous people’s human rights and is guided in a mission of reconciliation as articulated and called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It is firmly committed to recruiting Indigenous faculty, students, and staff as outlined in its Indigenous Strategic Plan.  As one of the world's leading universities, UBC creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

The Geography Department is one of the largest and strongest Geography Departments in North America, and is regularly ranked in the Top 10 worldwide. It offers a wide range of educational programs, including the largest undergraduate program in Environment and Sustainability at UBC (https://www.geog.ubc.ca/).

Given the uncertainty caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must be prepared to conduct interviews remotely if circumstances require. A successful applicant may be asked to consider an offer containing a deadline without having been able to make an in-person visit to campus if travel and other restrictions are still in place.