Description:

The Department of Biological Sciences at Thompson Rivers University, in Kamloops BC, is made up of a diverse and collaborative group of faculty offering a B.Sc. degree with majors in: Biology; Animal Biology; Ecology and Environmental Biology; Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology; and, in collaboration with the Department of Physical Sciences, Chemical Biology. Cross-cutting themes include: the evolutionary frameworks guiding fundamental and applied ecology; responses of humans and diverse living communities to external stressors, including cellular responses; the use of classical and modern statistical, bioinformatic, and genomic tools to interrogate hypotheses and develop solutions for environmental problems. Core to these themes is a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship, collaboration in teaching and research within the Department and with colleagues across campus, participation in undergraduate Honours and MSc programs, and developing a positive environment where students are encouraged to grow as independent learners and critical thinkers. TRU does not have a Ph.D. program; however, many faculty supervise Ph.D. students in collaboration with other universities. 

Currently, the Department includes faculty with expertise in marine and terrestrial invertebrate, insect, bird, bat, plant, microbial (Bacteria, Archaea, fungi), and human biology, at the levels of small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, organs, individuals, populations and communities.

We are currently seeking an Assistant Professor in the field of Community/Ecosystem Ecology, working in freshwater or terrestrial ecosystems and with a focus on animals. This is a tripartite appointment (Teaching, Research, Service). The ideal applicant will have a strong track record of publications, evidence of a willingness to collaborate across disciplines, a strong background in multivariate statistics and experience with modelling (especially working in R), and an interest in teaching and conducting research at TRU’s new Wells Gray Education and Research Station (link). We are seeking applicants that have a passion for teaching at the undergraduate level and supervising undergraduate and graduate research. 

Responsibilities include:

1. Contributing to teaching at the undergraduate level (across all years). The successful candidate will be expected to teach Biometrics (and help the department re-envision the curriculum related to teaching statistics and R) and field courses at the Wells Gray Education and Research Station. Other courses may include Conservation Biology, Terrestrial Vertebrate Zoology, Reading and Writing Great Biology, Population Biology, or Principles of Biology II. Candidates may also have the opportunity to develop upper-level courses based on their background and expertise.  

2. Developing a strong, externally-funded research program

3. Supervising undergraduate and graduate research students

4. Developing new exercises for field and laboratory-based courses

5. Participating in Departmental, Faculty and University committees

QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements:

1. A Ph.D. in the relevant discipline with post-doctoral research experience preferred
2. Demonstrated excellence in teaching in both laboratories and lectures
3. A strong track record of research productivity (papers, grants)
4. Evidence of collaboration

Please Note: If you are selected for interview, External Candidates will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview

Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application deadline: 1 May 2022To apply: To apply for this position, and to learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops, please visit our Careers website.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the  1930s and became a mid-sized undergraduate university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education program and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 14,000 credit students choose from 12 bachelor degrees and 36 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is “Mohkinstsis, “which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have historically been underrepresented or discouraged in our society. Diversity in our faculty, staff and students enriches the entire campus community. We welcome and will consider applications from all qualified applicants including Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities without regard to race, sexual orientation or gender identity.

About the Faculty of Science and Technology

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology at Mount Royal University invites applications for a tenure track position which will commence July 1, 2022, subject to final budgetary approval, at the Rank of Assistant Professor.  

Mount Royal’s Faculty of Science and Technology offers Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Environmental Science, Geology, and General Science which allow students to prepare fora variety of exciting careers in science and technology, by not only teaching them the basics of science but also how to be flexible and innovative problem-solvers. Faculty members are provided with support to foster teaching, research, and leadership excellence.

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, with concentrations in Anatomy and Physiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The Department also provides courses for the BSc General Science, BSc Chemistry, Bachelor of Nursing, and the MRU General Education program. Scholarly interests of our current faculty members include physiology, neurobiology, cellular biochemistry, plant cellular and molecular biology, biodiversity, ecology, evolution, science communication, and teaching/learning. The Biology Department’s facilities include shared teaching/research spaces to support faculty and undergraduate research. Mount Royal does have an Animal Care Committee, but does not have facilities to house animals.

About the Role

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching/ scholarship/ service pattern (TSS) has a focus on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member be involved in a research program as well as service to the Mount Royal community. The teaching/ service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only.

The successful candidate will:

• hold a doctorate in an appropriate Biology-related discipline,
• have discipline expertise that complements and diversifies our existing faculty specialties,
• be qualified to teach introductory and senior courses in evolution and ecology, including field-based courses,
• have the potential to develop a scholarship program that involves undergraduate students, and is feasible within our institutional context,
• demonstrate a primary commitment to undergraduate teaching and scholarship within the context of a strictly undergraduate institution.

The following qualities are desirable:

• a record of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level
• the ability to attract external research funding, or clear promise thereof

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as early as possible online. Please include:

• a cover letter; 
• curriculum vitae; 
• teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy plus evidence of teaching effectiveness); 
• a statement regarding equity, diversity and inclusion;
• a statement of scholarship that includes a brief summary of the candidate’s scholarly contributions to date and how the candidate will develop a scholarship program within the context of a strictly undergraduate post-secondary setting.

For more information, contact Tracy OConnor, PhD., Acting Chair, Department of Biology at toconnor@mtroyal.ca. 

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Due to changing Covid-19 precautions, this role may possibly require the incumbent to temporarily work from home. Access to a secure personal computer and stable internet connection is required.

All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to access campus. This is a condition of employment. 

Closing Date: Posting will remain open until we find our preferred candidate.

If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.
 

A complete dossier should be submitted including curriculum vitae, list of three (3) references, evidence of teaching excellence, and, if the teaching/ scholarship/ service (TSS) pattern is desirable, evidence of intent to pursue a research program. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf)