Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in Geophysical and Remote Sensing Applications to Archaeology

Simon Fraser University is consistently ranked amongst the top universities in Canada and the Department of Archaeology at SFU has a very high reputation and is widely recognized internationally, being recently placed within the top 20 in the world, the top 10 in North America, and 2nd in Canada.

The Department has concentrated expertise in three areas – Archaeological Sciences, First Nations Heritage and Resource Management, and Biological Anthropology, including forensic sciences. We have a strong focus on high-quality lab, field, and community-based research and engagement, as well as on experiential training of our students.

We are seeking candidates, with a PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related areas, who have expertise in geophysical and/or remote sensing technologies as applied to archaeological research, archaeological heritage management, and/or forensic research. This would include expertise in GIS and non-destructive technologies that allow detection, mapping, and imaging of archaeological sites and features, such as ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic conductivity, magnetometry, Lidar, UAV imaging, multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imaging, or others. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of best practices and protocols for site detection, verification, documentation, analysis, and archiving of digital data.

The specific focus of research is open, but should complement the Department's current strengths in archaeological science, environmental archaeology, heritage resource stewardship, human evolution, and/or forensic archaeology. Candidates should have an active field program and experience working collaboratively with local communities to engage in ethical and respectful investigations. This position will strengthen academic and practical training for students, while creating vital infrastructure for collaborative and interdisciplinary research with Indigenous Nations and international research teams. We seek an expert with demonstrated or potential capacity to attract funding, supervise and mentor graduate students, develop and teach new courses in archaeological site detection and GIS, and teach existing lower and upper-level undergraduate courses.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position is $104,700 to $133,322. Our normal teaching load for Research Faculty is 4 courses/year. Faculty are eligible for course releases, research semesters, and study leaves, in accordance with the SFUFA/SFU Collective agreement (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/collectiveagreement.html).

Candidates should submit a maximum 2-page cover letter, a 1-page teaching statement (plus an original course syllabus), a 2-page research statement, a full curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees (reference letters are not required at this stage).

Full consideration will be given to applications received by October 31, 2026. Applications received after this deadline may be reviewed if the position remains open. Please address all applications to: Dr. Robert Muir, Chair. Please submit your application via Interfolio - https://apply.ca1.interfolio.com/124101

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

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

We acknowledge the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), TsleilWaututh (səlilwətaɬ), Katzie (q ̓ íc̓əy ̓ ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ ̓ əm), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University's three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see https://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/academic-careers.html