Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track (Indigenous Scholar) - Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

We are currently seeking an Indigenous scholar to join the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a start date on or before July 1, 2027. At Saint Mary’s 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 University’s success.

This position is a targeted hire for an Indigenous scholar under the Saint Mary’s University Faculty Union Collective Agreement, as part of SMU’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and is open only to qualified scholars who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or an Indigenous person from another global context. Given the location of Saint Mary’s on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq, applications from Mi’kmaw people are particularly encouraged. Applicants are required to document their Indigenous identity in their application and should be aware that the University may verify the community connections of applicants.

Job Information and Responsibilities
We are eager to welcome a new Indigenous colleague whose teaching and research interests broadly align with Geography or a related discipline. We would be particularly interested to receive applications from Indigenous scholars working in the vibrant field of Geographies of Indigenous Health, Wellness, and the Environment. The successful appointee will be expected to teach at all levels of the undergraduate and Master's programs and to supervise thesis projects at the Honours and Master’s levels. It is expected that the successful appointee will establish a rigorous research program commensurate with their expertise, and will fulfill departmental, faculty, university, and community service needs as occasions arise.

Experience and Education Requirements
The successful appointee must have a demonstrated record of effective teaching and advanced research capability, as confirmed either by: (a) holding a doctorate or an equivalent terminal degree, earned through research and study, in geography or a cognate field of knowledge (those nearing completion of a such a degree program will also be considered); or (b) by providing evidence of equivalent contributions of Indigenous research and knowledge, knowledge-building, and knowledge-sharing through life experience, practical research experience, traditional knowledge, or other approaches.

Application Details
The application package must include the following materials:

• Letter of application, including statements of teaching and research interests, and documentation of Indigenous identity
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references
• Teaching dossier, including statement of teaching philosophy and examples of effective teaching
• Evidence of scholarly activity (up to three items) as defined by Article 1.1(m) of the SMUFU Collective Agreement which can be viewed here.

Address your application materials to:
Dr. Jason Grek-Martin (Chairperson)
Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
Faculty of Arts, Saint Mary's University
Halifax, NS Canada, B3H 3C3

Applications are to be submitted online using Career Beacon through smu.ca/about/faculty-employment-opportunities.html. Applications submitted by e-mail will not be processed. Consideration of applications will begin on September 1, 2026.