Assistant Professor, Indigenous Studies

Mtroyal; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Royal University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Indigenous Studies with areas of specialization open, beginning July 1, 2027. The Department of Humanities seeks a colleague who can teach across the undergraduate curriculum, mentor students, and engage with Indigenous community partners.

The successful candidate will join the department at Assistant Professor rank, with options regarding work pattern and ongoing development of new curricula in Indigenous Studies.

Qualifications

• Must hold a MA in Indigenous Studies or a related field.
• PhD preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
• Ability to contribute to curriculum development and program growth.

Responsibilities

• Teach at all undergraduate levels in Indigenous Studies.
• Mentor students and supervise student projects.
• Engage with local Indigenous community partners.
• Contribute to program and curriculum development.

Skills

Teaching

Curriculum development

Mentoring

Community engagement

Education

Masters in Indigenous Studies

PhD preferred

Job description

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Job Title

Job Type

Permanent

Union

MRFA

Salary Grade

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location

About this Position

Mount Royal University (MRU) is situated on an ancient and storied land steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations of the Iethka Stoney Nakoda, and the Métis.

About the Faculty of Arts and the Department of Humanities

The Faculty of Arts is home to the following departments: Economics, Justice & Policy Studies; English, Languages and Cultures; General Education; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; Sociology & Anthropology; and Counselling. The Faculty of Arts currently offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts with six majors; Bachelor of Arts-Criminal Justice; and Bachelor of Interior Design.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Humanities, which is home to ten disciplines: Art History, Canadian Studies, History, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. The Department offers a major in History, and is developing a major in Indigenous Studies, as well as minors in Ancient and Medieval Studies, Art History, Canadian Studies, History, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

The Department of Humanities in the Faculty of Arts at MRU invites applications for a tenure-track position in Indigenous Studies, areas of specialization open, with preference being given to Indigenous applicants, for an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027 (negotiable).

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns:

• TSS Stream: The teaching/scholarship/service pattern 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. Faculty on this work pattern have a 3/3 teaching load.
• TS Stream: The teaching/service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. Faculty on this work pattern have a 4/4 teaching load.

There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. This position is open to either the TSS or TS work pattern.

Qualifications

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 and, if applying to the TSS work stream, research. As a new and evolving discipline, Indigenous Studies examines a broad range of topics from Indigenous perspectives in the past and present. This position is open to all areas of Indigenous Studies, broadly defined. Ideally, the candidate will add breadth to the Department’s current course offerings in Indigenous Studies, while also being able to contribute to the development of new curricula in their area of expertise. Preference will be given to applicants whose work privileges Indigenous perspectives, epistemologies, pedagogies, and languages. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at all undergraduate levels of the curriculum, mentor students, engage with local Indigenous community partners, and actively participate in program and curriculum development.

The successful candidate will join the Department of Humanities at the rank of Assistant Professor.

For further information about this position, contact Dr. Scott Murray, Chair, Department of Humanities at [phone] or [e-mail].

Closing Date: The selection committee will begin reviewing applications on 5 January 2026. Applications must be complete to be considered.

Note: Faculty positions are not part of the hybrid work program.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

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. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan .

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 MRU, 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.
• MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.
• Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

• 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.