Assistant Professor, Probationary Tenure Track, Computer Science - Black Cluster Hire
Brock University
About Brock University
Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. The university resides in what is now known as St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, which is the largest city in the Niagara region. Situated about a one-hour drive to Toronto and a 20-minute drive to the US border, St. Catharines was once the final stop on the famous Underground Railroad led by Harriet Tubman, who lived in the city for 15 years, bringing enslaved Black people from the US who sought their freedom. Many of the descendants of those freedom seekers still live in St. Catharines today. Black people make up the largest visible minority in the area and are a diverse community including freedom seekers, newcomers, and everyone in between.
Brock University is signatory to the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion, which is flourishing in post secondary institutions across Canada. The University is signatory to the Dimensions Charter, which ensures equity, diversity and inclusion across the research ecosystem. Cluster hires of underrepresented groups—namely Indigenous and Black Faculty—provide an opportunity to foster excellence through increased diversity and representation as part of Brock’s strategic goals.
As a faculty member, you will conduct innovative research, educate students to push the boundaries of what we think we know, and lead locally, nationally, and globally. Opportunities to support diverse students abound, including mentoring students from groups like the Black Students’ Association and BIPOC Student Caucus. Support is available from our faculty and staff peers in Black Community Forum at Brock (BCFaB), through the Department as well as Brock’s People and Culture department. Brock is committed to setting you up for success and ensuring you flourish. If you’re ready for your breakthrough journey at Brock, follow the steps below to apply if you are Black and meet the departmental requirements.
One of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a top employer in the Hamilton-Niagara region of Ontario, Brock University is an inclusive, welcoming campus community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities for those with passion, energy, and expertise. We’re looking for faculty members who want to help us continue to deliver an exceptional student experience, perform impact-driven research, and generate life-changing breakthroughs for our world. Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.
With a student population of more than 19,000, Brock is renowned for its exceptional campus experience and high level of student satisfaction. Brock offers 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees in six academic faculties and is home to world-class instructors and researchers making breakthroughs of all kinds each and every day. Founded in 1964 by the Niagara community, Brock remains a proud partner committed to improving the vitality of the region even as it extends its global reach.
Our Geography
Brock is located on a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. The Niagara area boasts one of the warmer climates in Canada. Niagara is famous for its iconic falls, world renowned wine region and is known as the fruit basket of Ontario growing grapes, peaches, apples, and pears to feed the province and beyond. This unique region intersects Lakes Ontario and Erie and is home to nearly 500,000 residents. Brock is one of the region’s top employers, and is a significant contributor to the economic, intellectual, and cultural fabric of the area. Niagara provides abundant recreation, cultural and lifestyle options, and is just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area and the United States border.
What We Offer
Brock University offers competitive salary and benefits, and ample support for research and sabbaticals. Research resources include conference support, start-up funding, subscriptions to major databases and access to various research funding vehicles. For candidates considering relocation, moving expenses will be administered according to the Brock University Faculty Association Collective Agreement.
About the Department of Computer Science
Faculty members in the Department pursue research in many diverse areas of computer science, as well as transdisciplinary research. Our Department has a diverse student population, a significant number are international students (roughly 27% of year 1 students are international, and many others are first-generation Canadians). Department members are currently developing a Brock Centre for Artificial Intelligence, which we expect to start in the coming year. We offer an M.Sc. in Computer Science, with thesis and project streams. We also offer a Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Data Science, offered jointly with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The Department offers undergraduate four-year degrees in BSc honours, major, co-op honours, and combined honours with various other disciplines. The Department provides a minor in Applied Computing. The Department partners with other departments, faculties, and institutions to offer cross-disciplinary honours programs in Computing and Business (Goodman School of Business), Game Programming (Interactive Arts and Science, and Niagara College), and Data Science and Analytics (Mathematics and Statistics, and the Goodman School of Business). More information about the Department is available at:
https://brocku.ca/mathematics-science/computer-science/.
About the position
The Department of Computer Science at Brock University invites applications for a probationary tenure-stream position at the rank of Assistant Professor, effective July 1, 2024. The position will be open until filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in a program of research, teach courses, supervise student theses, and course work, participate in the affairs of the program, and fulfill service commitments to the program and the university. The successful applicant should demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate and graduate education, including an interest in teaching foundational and advanced computer science, and applied computing.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in computer science or closely related field. Applicants in the final completion stages of their Ph.D. may be considered. The successful candidate will show evidence of accomplished research in computer science topics that will contribute to the department's research expertise. A demonstrated record of success in university-level teaching is highly valued.
All applicants to this cluster hiring opportunity must self-identify as Black in their cover letter. Because this opportunity is restricted to self-identified Black candidates, this self-identification information will be used for the purposes of screening candidates. Please note that this information will be securely accessed only by members of the search committee and, for selected candidates, for the fulfillment of this cluster hiring initiative.
Application Instructions
1. Interested candidates are invited to submit an application. Complete applications consist of the following:
2. Cover letter (including indication of current work status in Canada, and self-identification information).
3. CV.
4. Teaching statement discussing teaching philosophy. [3 pages max.]
5. Research statement detailing experience, interests, and future plans. [3 pages max.]
6. Contact information for 3 academic references.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note that there is a maximum file size of 5MB per attachment upload. If possible, all required documents should be submitted as a single PDF file. Applications should be submitted electronically through the Brock Careers website at the following link (please do not email application material to the department).
The position will remain open until filled. Inquiries should be directed to Brian Ross (Chair) at bross@brocku.ca. We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply through the Brock University Career page, following the link below:
https://brocku.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/brocku_careers/job/St-Catharines-Main-Campus/Assistant-Professor--Probationary-Tenure-Track--Computer-Science_JR-1014686-1
Our Commitment
Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application. LGBTQ is an umbrella category and shall be read to include two-spirited people. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups can fill out the Self-Identification questions included in the questionnaire at the time of application.
Brock University recently paused its COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirement although masks are still required in instructional spaces. This decision is subject to change on short notice should the public health situation require it. If the University once again requires all employees working on campus and/or in-person with other employees, students, or members of the public to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination. Those who meet specific and limited medical or human rights accommodation criteria may be required to participate in rapid antigen testing and enhanced screening protocols.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employment Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment-Accommodation-Policy.pdf. Please advise: talent@brocku.ca to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca