Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track â ENVS-DGES Cross-Appointment

Saint Mary's University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Halifax is seeking a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor for a cross appointment in the Departments of Environmental Science and Geography. Ideal candidates will focus on forestry and be well-versed in geomatics techniques, while also engaging in inclusive teaching practices. This role includes developing new courses and an externally funded research program. A PhD in a related field is required along with a strong teaching and research background.

Benefits

Positive and supportive learning environment

Equity and diversity commitment

Significant renewal of facilities for research

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of collegial service to professional field.
• Strong research and teaching record or emerging scholarly profile.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach courses in Environmental Science and Geography.
• Conduct independent and externally funded research.
• Engage with a diverse student body and promote inclusivity.

Skills

Experience Working With Students

Teaching

Research Experience

Curriculum Development

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Geography, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

Overview

Discover

The Opportunity

Date Posted : 05-Jun-2025

Posting Deadline : Posted until filled

Department : Environmental Science (ENVS); Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES)

Type of Employment : Permanent Full-Time

Group Affiliation : SMUFU

At Saint Marys University you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility diversity and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the Universitys success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) as a cross appointment to the Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) and the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES) with a preferred start date of January 1 2026. A start date of July 1 2026 will be considered.

Job Information and Responsibilities

The Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) and the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES) invite applications for a Full-Time Tenure-Track position in a 50-50 cross-appointment with respect to teaching, research and service. Preference will be given to applicants with a natural science research focus on forestry as applied to forest ecosystem health and management with possible sub-specialities in e.g. wildfires, urban forestry, urban-forest interfaces, climate change, natural hazards and others. Crucially applicants must make use of geomatics techniques in their research so as to be able to apply this expertise in teaching DGES courses in GIS or remote sensing in addition to teaching spatial statistics and an equal load of ENVS courses. Opportunities to develop new courses in applicants areas of research specialization may be available. Our Departments support a diverse student body and we seek applicants who will incorporate inclusive practices in their teaching and research aligned with the goals of SMUs Academic Plan.

The candidate will be expected to develop an independent and externally funded research program (e.g. NSERC CSA MITACS) that ideally includes undergraduate and graduate students. Saint Marys University has undergone significant renewal of spaces and facilities supporting faculty actively involved in teaching and research. We are working to establish and build upon areas of distinct research strength and through those foster collaborations locally regionally and internationally as reflected in our Strategic Research Plan. Faculty in ENVS and DGES engage in a wide range of research areas outlined here and here respectively. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers interdisciplinary Masters degrees in Applied Science and Geography as well as a PhD degree in Applied Science facilitating supervision of graduate students by faculty in science disciplines at SMU.

The SMU Faculty Unions Collective Agreement with the university which outlines salary scales and other information associated with the faculty role may be reviewed here.

Experience and Education Requirements

The successful candidate will have a PhD (ABD will be considered) in Geography, Environmental Science or a related science field as well as a track record of working effectively in cross-disciplinary environments. They will also have a strong record of both research and teaching or an emerging scholarly profile with concrete evidence of excellent teaching potential. Finally the successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of collegial service to their professional field, university or community.

Application Details

Qualified candidates must submit the following (as one PDF file with their application).

• A cover letter outlining i) how the applicants background aligns with the desired qualifications, their vision of working at the interface between Geography and Environmental Science, ii) which course offerings the applicant would most like to teach in each unit, iii) their availability to start on Jan 1 or July 1 2026 and iv) a clear statement of status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If applicant is ABD please indicate anticipated defence date. The start date is not a selection criterion but is needed for teaching staffing purposes.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• A teaching dossier that includes a teaching philosophy, course outlines (if available), evidence of teaching effectiveness and student evaluations of past teaching (if available).
• A research statement including: i) a summary of the applicants three most significant contributions to research (publications / presentations / reports / patents on a specific subject can be grouped into one contribution; maximum of 2 pages) ii) a short-term (3 years) and longer-term research plan (maximum of 2 pages).
• The names and emails contacts of three (3) references who are best able to comment on the applicants suitability for this position.
• Optional : Applicants may also include a statement detailing career interruptions or other special circumstances relevant to their application (maximum of 2 pages) following NSERC guidance.

The complete application should be sent as a single file in .pdf format to emailprotected. Consideration of applications will begin on July 7 2025. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Marys University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect we welcome applications from women Indigenous peoples racialized persons / visible minorities persons with disabilities persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources at emailprotected.

A little bit about us

Saint Marys University - Faculty Employment Opportunities

Saint Marys University is one of Canadas top primary undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations leadership in entrepreneurship and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts Science Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canadas best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Marys provides our 7000 students with a place that fosters possibility excellent research opportunities and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax Nova Scotia on Canadas east coast Saint Marys University is marked by iconic buildings green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Marys University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a world without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Marys University here and follow us on LinkedIn Facebook Twitter and Instagram!

Key Skills

Experience Working With Students,Classroom Experience,Medical Management,Library Services,Pharmacy Residency,Research Experience,Teaching,Higher Education Teaching,Curriculum Development,Grant Writing,Mentoring,Research Laboratory Experience

Employment Type :

Full-Time

Experience :

years

Vacancy :

1