Assistant Professor, Indigenous Heritage, Department of Art

Position Description

The Department of Art invites applications for a tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, effective July 1, 2020. The area is Indigenous heritage with leadership potential in our Museum and Heritage Studies program.

The Department invites applications from those who have experience in working with Indigenous knowledge or knowledge keepers; who are completing or have completed a PhD in a field involving Indigenous heritage, museum studies, art history, or cultural studies; or who hold a Masters credential with professional curatorial or museum experience, or community-based knowledge in support of an Indigenous community. The candidate will have a record of or show potential for peer-reviewed research, curated projects, research creation, or applied community engaged work. Connections to an Indigenous community, and a demonstrated ability to integrate Indigenous pedagogies and Indigenous knowledge into the University program is a requirement.  The candidate should have potential to obtain funding and grants.

Applicants are expected to develop a program of Indigenous museum, heritage, curatorial, and/or art historical research. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars primarily in the interdisciplinary Museum and Heritage Studies program, with the possibility of also teaching in the International Indigenous Studies Program. Applicants will also have the possibility to supervise and mentor students engaged in art history and studio practice. Applicants are expected to contribute to departmental and university service, and engage with the community. As part of the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Art offers the undergraduate BFA degree in Visual Studies, the graduate MFA degree, the BA degree in Art History, and the minor degree in Museum and Heritage Studies.

The Department of Art is the administrative home for the interdisciplinary Museum and Heritage Studies program. Its minor degree is aimed at students interested in careers with collecting, preserving and exhibiting institutions, such as galleries, historic sites, museums, parks, and zoos. The curriculum balances theory and practice and encompasses the history of collecting institutions, current museological theories, critical and contemporary issues, and offers practicum opportunities with local, regional and national institutions.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):

1. A letter of interest detailing why you meet the requirements of the position;
2. A detailed curriculum vitae;
3. A statement of research interests and expertise;
4. A teaching dossier that includes sample course outlines, a concise statement of teaching philosophy that addresses the Indigenous focus of the position, an understanding of working with students with interdisciplinary interests or who are developing their studio practice, and evidence of or potential for teaching excellence;
5. One or two samples of peer-reviewed work that demonstrate engagement with contemporary approaches to Indigenous heritage;
6. Evidence of the applicant’s connection to an Indigenous community; and
7. Names and contact information for three referees.

To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by the deadline date of April 30, 2020

The University of Calgary is engaged in a consultative process with knowledge keepers, Elders, and leaders of the Treaty #7 peoples, the Métis Nation, and academics and university administrators. This ongoing process has resulted in the development of an Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p – Together in a Good Way – intended to guide the University’s relationship with the Indigenous peoples in whose territory the university resides, bringing Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of teaching, learning, and research.

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. 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 learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation’s most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada’s top five research universities by 2022, where innovative teaching and groundbreaking research go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. The strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by our Gaelic motto, which translates to ‘I will lift up my eyes’.

To succeed as one of Canada’s top universities, where new ideas are created, tested and applied through first-class teaching and research, the University of Calgary needs more of the best minds in our classrooms and labs. We’re increasing our scholarly capacity by investing in people who want to change the world, bringing the best and brightest to Calgary to form a global intellectual hub and achieve advances that matter to everyone.For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Named a cultural capital of Canada and one of the best places to live in the world, Calgary is a city of leaders in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation 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 The Banff Centre, and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.