Education – Assistant Professor (Learning through Emerging Digital Technologies)

Job ID: 29877
Location: Main Campus

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Description
The Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track transdisciplinary position with a focus on Learning through Emerging Digital Technologies at the rank of Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research). The successful candidate will be provided a five-year research-intensive term with reduced teaching commitments and initial research funding.

As part of the broader University of Calgary transdisciplinary recruitment program, 20 academic positions have been created to build capacity and provide leadership in support of the Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic plan. These scholars see challenges as opportunities that spark our singular mission – to dare to imagine ahead of tomorrow.

We live in an ever-changing educational landscape, influenced by emerging digital technologies, as evidenced by the necessity to consider alternative learning during the pandemic. The post pandemic world requires educators to be responsive to the changing expectations of the nature of student learning experiences with greater emphasis on digital learning environments. Pedagogical changes need to occur to support the design and implementation of robust learning.

The need to think about the creative and disruptive impacts of learning and assessment have significant implications for equity, diversity, and inclusion within a digital age.  On the one hand, students from equity deserving groups may be disproportionately targeted for academic misconduct related to the inappropriate use of emerging technologies.  On the other, the creative possibilities for increased access as a learning support for students with neurodevelopmental disabilities suggests the potential for creative possibilities for how to embed appropriate uses of AI in formal and informal learning environments.

This position will draw together thought leaders and scholars to optimize impact by applying technologies across all disciplines in support of robust student learning. Additionally, this position will lead in examining how to scale emerging immersive technologies beyond small-scale labs toward education systems and unstructured learning environments.

The appointments will commence July 1, 2024, or at a mutually agreeable date.

We are seeking a scholar who will build a collaborative, critical mass, and provide leadership within the Werklund School and University of Calgary more broadly and position the institution both as a national and global leader in the ethical use of emerging technologies in pedagogy and assessment.

We are seeking a scholar with an active research program who demonstrates leadership in immersive learning with digital technologies (e.g., AR/VR) and will bring together knowledge, pedagogies, and methodologies in sciences, technology, and education. The successful candidate will interconnect with other faculties given the transdisciplinary focus of the research and will work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and conduct research that is relevant, impactful, and innovative. Their research program may involve conducting research on 1) Investigating the impact of student learning in immersive technology learning environments and/or the use of AI in K-12 schools and post-secondary; 2) designing and implementing immersive learning within classroom settings that are beyond VR labs or in small research contexts; and 3) examining the sustainability of immersive learning and/or AI in K-25 educational contexts.

In addition to maintaining an active funded research program, the successful candidate will be expected to supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their areas of specialization and demonstrate leadership in service, collaboration, and mentorship within the University and the community.  As well, the successful candidate will be expected to engage actively with K-12 communities.

The successful candidate at the Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research) level must demonstrate evidence of a track record of publications in high quality journals, securing external research funding, and effectiveness in teaching at the university level.

The position provides an opportunity to establish a vigorous, sustainable, externally funded research program in the area of learning through emerging digital technologies, contribute to teaching and student supervision, and participate in leadership of related research, education, and service. This is an excellent opportunity to build and develop an innovative research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment. A competitive salary and an attractive start-up package will be provided.

The successful applicant will have:

• A doctorate in Education (or related discipline);
• A strong record of research and knowledge mobilization (commensurate with rank);
• A proven ability to obtain research funding commensurate with rank;
• Demonstrated capability in graduate-level teaching, graduate student supervision;
• Demonstrated capability in teaching in areas of discipline;
• Experience in online teaching; and,
• Engagement with local, national, and international professional and other communities (commensurate with rank).

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the `Apply Now’ link at: https://education.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/13326394-assistant-professor-learning-through-emerging-digital-technologies-werklund-school-of-education

Please include in one combined PDF:

• Curriculum vitae,
• Statement outlining a proposed innovative research program,
• Statement outlining post-secondary teaching and leadership experience,
• Evidence of collaboration/engagement with professional and other communities
• Brief description of present and aspiring contributions to the field,
• Reprints of two (2) representative academic publications,
• Names and contact information for three referees.

Information about programs and research in the Werklund School of Education can be found at our website.

Closing date: October 16, 2023

Applications should be addressed to

Dr. Jennifer Lock, Vice Dean
Werklund School of Education
University of Calgary

Questions regarding this opportunity should be addressed to Dr. Dianne Gereluk, Dean by email (dean.werklund@ucalgary.ca)

Our comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members through coverage for health, dental, life insurance, income protection for disability, and retirement income planning. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package please visit this link.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information
To view a listing of all available academic opportunities and to find out more about what the University of Calgary has to offer, please visit our Academic Careers website.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.