Contractually Limited Term Instructor I - Field Botany, Plant Taxonomy and Ecology

Position #: 20111.I

The Department of Biology invites applications from candidates with expertise in Field Botany, Plant Taxonomy and Ecology for a Contractually Limited Term Instructor I position for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

We are searching for an excellent instructor who is passionate about teaching and supervising students. Preference will be given to applicants who have expertise in managing herbarium collections. Primary teaching responsibilities include BIOL 3293 Flora of Nova Scotia (with lab), BIOL 3363 Biodiversity (lectures only), instructing the labs of BIOL 2033 Principles of Ecology, and developing and teaching a new course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The successful candidate will also be expected to serve as manager of the E. C. Smith Herbarium, which houses the largest collection of dried plants, bryophytes, lichens and fungi in Atlantic Canada, under the direction of the Herbarium Director. This role would prioritize 1) database entry updates, modernization and making the collections publicly searchable; 2) expert specimen identifications for addition to the herbarium; sending out receiving loans from partners, and 3) supporting student learning at Acadia, community outreach and educational tours of the collection. Demonstrated connections with local Indigenous communities will be considered an asset.

Applicants must have at minimum a Master’s, or equivalent experience, in plant biology or a closely related field, with expertise in field botany, plant identification, database management and GIS. The department is particularly interested in an individual with a strong interest in teaching, a broad knowledge of plant biodiversity with a focus on the Wabanaki-Acadia forest region, and experience in developing and delivering field-based laboratory activities. Evidence of quality teaching can include, but is not limited to, a statement of teaching philosophy, positive endorsements from referees, course evaluations if available, and/ or demonstrated performance in other teaching related activities, including student supervision and mentoring. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of previous contributions to an academic program (including course development) and to the candidate’s discipline or profession, including professional organizations or community groups, if available.

Qualifications: Earned Master’s and/ or PhD in plant biology or closely related field, or equivalent experience.

How to Apply: Candidates are asked to submit their application in a single PDF document to Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged via email. Applications must include the following:

• position number (include in the subject of the submission email)
• a cover letter describing how the applicant meets the criteria for appointment
• curriculum vitae
• a statement on teaching philosophy
• a statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching
• evidence of teaching quality, as described above
• evidence of expertise in plants of Wabanaki forest ecosystem, and plant specimen management
• the names and contact information for three individuals who may be contacted for references, if short-listed

application should be addressed to:

Dr. Glenys Gibson
Acadia University
Wolfville,
Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6
Email: Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca

Closing Date: May 22, 2026