Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Tenure Track Stream
Position #: 20125

Acadia University and the Department of Biology acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw Nation. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, first signed by the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkatiyik, and the British Crown in 1726. These treaties did not implicate or affirm the surrender or transfer of land to the British, but recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations. As an educational institution, we are continually learning more about how we can deeply engage and move forward the work of truth, reconciliation, and equity. As Biology faculty, staff, and students, we are grateful to live and work in Mi’kma’ki. We recognize that without action, an acknowledgment is empty. It marks the beginning of the work ahead of us, not the end.

Acadia University is recognized as one of Canada’s premier primarily undergraduate institutions. Academic innovation and a personalized learning environment have garnered the university a reputation for success. Acadia is located in the Town of Wolfville, and amongst orchards and vineyards in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. The area offers a small-town setting with a relaxed lifestyle and outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities. The region has a dynamic network of marine researchers and ocean technology companies. Halifax, whose airport is only 60 minutes from Wolfville, provides a wide variety of opportunities and connections academically and commercially in terms of research. The region includes many coastal ecosystems including the Bay of Fundy, with some of the world’s highest tides, and an impressive variety of coastal and nearshore habitats. Nova Scotia’s three most valuable fisheries rely on marine invertebrates (American lobster, Atlantic Scallops and snow crabs) and the region has a rich tradition of blue mussel, scallop and oyster aquaculture.

The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track position in Marine Invertebrate Biology commencing on July 1, 2024. We are searching for an outstanding scientist to address fundamental and/ or applied questions in marine invertebrate biology. The successful applicant will bring complementary research, teaching and technical expertise; help build our capacity to develop environmental responsibility and stewardship in the academic core; and contribute to Department efforts to provide training and mentorship to students of diverse backgrounds. The successful applicant is expected to have or to develop a working knowledge of the marine invertebrates of the Maritime region.

The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments on campus with ~400 majors and ~30 Masters students. Faculty, staff and students are actively working towards creating a community that is diverse, stimulating and supportive. Undergraduate teaching is a primary focus of the department and we prioritize experiential learning with hands-on labs, fieldwork and individualized learning opportunities. Masters, Honours and research-based courses integrate teaching and research throughout our program, and our course offerings support students interested in a wide range of careers. Acadia University is associated with several field stations including The Evelyn and Morrill Richardson Field Station on Bon Portage Island at the southwest tip of Nova Scotia, the Morton Field Station located on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and Beaubassin Research Station located on the Inner Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. Biodiversity and research-related facilities on campus include the Biology Museum which holds an extensive collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, the Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute, the K. C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the E. C. Smith Herbarium, the largest herbarium in Atlantic Canada.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in biology or a related field with a focus on marine invertebrate biology; post-doctoral or relevant work experience is an asset. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in research and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship. The successful applicant will be expected to teach courses in marine invertebrate biology, introductory biology and additional courses in the applicant’s area of expertise and aligning with Departmental needs. The Department is interested in an applicant whose research includes or could be developed to include marine invertebrates of Atlantic Canada. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to take a leadership role in one of Acadia University’s field stations (e.g., The Evelyn and Morrill Richardson Field Station on Bon Portage Island), depending on their area of expertise.

The successful applicant is expected to develop and maintain an active, independent, innovative and externally funded program of research and to contribute to the education and training of undergraduate and graduate (MSc) students. Evidence of excellence in scholarship includes publications in top-ranked, peer-reviewed and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at conferences and strong endorsements by references. The candidate must also demonstrate excellence in teaching, mentorship and/ or community leadership, commensurate with their level of experience. Evidence for teaching excellence can include, but is not limited to, a description in the teaching statement or CV of past teaching experience, contributions to course and program development, course evaluations and positive endorsements from referees.

Academic Qualifications:

PhD in Biology or a related field with a focus on marine invertebrate biology

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 should 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 research statement including how your research program could develop at Acadia
a statement on teaching philosophy
a statement providing information on how you have worked or plan to work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in academic, professional and/ or community contexts
evidence of excellence in teaching, mentorship and/ or community leadership (see suggestions above)
the name and email/ phone contact information for three references (to be contacted if long listed)

The application should be addressed to:

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

Acadia University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents shall be given priority. The University encourages applications from Indigenous people; African Canadians; African Nova Scotians; persons with disabilities; visible minorities; women; persons of any minority sexuality, gender identity or gender expression; and all intersections of these identities. Acadia embraces the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental in creating an expansive academic environment and champions diverse knowledge systems as pillars of academic excellence.All applicants are required to submit an online Employment Equity Self-Identification Form as part of their application package. The form provides the option of self-identifying based on the applicant’s comfort level. Failure to complete the form by the closing date will result in the disqualification of your application.

Closing Date: March 4, 2024

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members.

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact lisa.taul@acadiau.ca, Administrative Assistant in Biology.

Assistant Professor, Marine Invertebrate Biology, Acadia University