Geology – Assistant Professor (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology) – Saint Mary’s University

Posting Deadline: Posted until filled
Department: Geology
Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time
Group Affiliation: SMUFU, Rank of Assistant Professor

The Department of Geology at Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor with a preferred start date of July 1, 2024, in the general area of igneous and metamorphic petrology. At Saint Mary’s University, you will be surrounded by a talented, collegial, and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of each individual’s contribution and growth to the University’s success.

The Department of Geology hosts seven research and teaching faculty (including a CRC II chair and senior lecturer), two full-time technicians, an administrative assistant as well as multiple professors emeriti, part-time faculty, adjunct professors, and postdoctoral fellows. We offer both undergraduate and graduate (MSc and PhD) degree programs, encouraging research initiatives and teaching pedagogies that enhance the diversity of opportunities, experiences, and learning outcomes for our students. To support excellence in teaching, our department hosts museum-quality sample collections, a thin section preparation/lapidary lab, two microscope labs, two general geoscience teaching labs, and industry grade software (e.g., Petrel, ArcGIS, Geochemists Workbench, Move Suite) within our own computer lab. Faculty members and research staff/students in the Department have access to start-of-the-art analytical infrastructure, including a field emission scanning electron microscope, a micro-XRF spectrometer, a confocal micro-Raman spectrometer, a microthermometry lab for fluid and melt inclusion analysis, a hot cathodoluminescence microscope, a two-dimensional gas chromatographic system (FID/qToFMS), ion chromatographic system, and a liquid chromatographic system (UPHLC/SFC-HPLC- qToFMS). Faculty within the Department demonstrate strong externally-funded research programs and have multidisciplinary fields of study that focus on both applied and blue skies research.

Job Information and Responsibilities

As Assistant Professor, the successful applicant will:

• Create excellent and inclusive student learning experiences through development and delivery of undergraduate courses, primarily in the areas of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Applicants are encouraged to indicate other courses from our established catalogue (e.g., Optical Mineralogy, Sedimentary Petrology and Stratigraphy; see courses here) that they are able to teach and any new courses they would like to propose.
• Develop and maintain an innovative, externally-funded research program in their field, with student involvement at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Contribute to the service activities, with willingness to help support the Department, the Faculty of Science, the University, and the geoscience community.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful applicant you will have:

• A demonstrated track record and commitment to excellence in university teaching.
• PhD in Earth Sciences (or a closely related field) with research expertise in the field of petrology. Post- graduate experience at an academic or government institution, or in industry, is an asset.
• A strong record of innovative, peer-reviewed research, and well-developed plan to establish an independent, externally funded research program.

Application Details

Send complete applications by email to:
Tenure-Track Hiring Committee
Department of Geology
Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 3C3
Email: geology@smu.ca (cc/ erin.adlakha@smu.ca)

Applicants should provide a single pdf file containing:

1. Cover letter (which must include a clear statement of status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Teaching dossier, which must include: statement on teaching philosophy, listing of courses taught to date, evidence of teaching effectiveness, details on experiences training HQP, and approach to EDIA in teaching environments.
4. Concise research proposal (5 pages max. for proposal + 2 pages for references, including a section on HQP training and EDIA considerations).
5. Names and contact information for three individuals able to act as academic referees.
6. Optional: Candidates may also include a statement detailing career interruptions or other special circumstances relevant to their applications (maximum two pages).

The Selection Committee will begin considering applications after January 8th, 2024. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted by the Selection Committee. No telephone calls please.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

At Saint Mary’s 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. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact hr@smu.ca.

About Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s 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 Canada’s best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters equal possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring, vibrant community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s East Coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces, and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world – a world without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Mary’s University here and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram