Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track – ENVS-DGES Cross-Appointment
Saint Mary's University
Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track – ENVS-DGES Cross-Appointment
Date Posted: June 1, 2025
Posting Deadline: Posted until filled
Department: Environmental Science (ENVS); Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES)
Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time
Group Affiliation: SMUFU
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. We are currently looking to fill the position of Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) as a cross appointment to the Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) and the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES) with a preferred start date of January 1, 2026. A start date of July 1, 2026, will be considered.
Job Information and Responsibilities
The Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) and the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies (DGES) invite applications for a Full-Time, Tenure-Track position in a 50-50 cross-appointment with respect to teaching, research and service. Preference will be given to applicants with a natural science research focus on forestry as applied to forest ecosystem health and management, with possible sub-specialities in, e.g., wildfires, urban forestry, urban-forest interfaces, climate change, natural hazards, and others. Crucially, applicants must make use of geomatics techniques in their research so as to be able to apply this expertise in teaching DGES courses in GIS or remote sensing, in addition to teaching spatial statistics and an equal load of ENVS courses. Opportunities to develop new courses in applicants’ areas of research specialization may be available. Our Departments support a diverse student body, and we seek applicants who will incorporate inclusive practices in their teaching and research, aligned with the goals of SMU’s Academic Plan.
The candidate will be expected to develop an independent and externally funded research program (e.g. NSERC, CSA, MITACS) that ideally includes undergraduate and graduate students. Saint Mary’s University has undergone significant renewal of spaces and facilities, supporting faculty actively involved in teaching and research. We are working to establish and build upon areas of distinct research strength and through those foster collaborations locally, regionally, and internationally, as reflected in our Strategic Research Plan. Faculty in ENVS and DGES engage in a wide range of research areas outlined here and here, respectively. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers interdisciplinary Masters degrees in Applied Science and Geography as well as a PhD degree in Applied Science, facilitating supervision of graduate students by faculty in science disciplines at SMU.
The SMU Faculty Union’s Collective Agreement with the university, which outlines salary scales and other information associated with the faculty role, may be reviewed here.
Experience and Education Requirements
The successful candidate will have a PhD (ABD will be considered) in Geography, Environmental Science or a related science field, as well as a track record of working effectively in cross-disciplinary environments. They will also have a strong record of both research and teaching, or an emerging scholarly profile with concrete evidence of excellent teaching potential. Finally, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of collegial service to their professional field, university or community.
Application Details
Qualified candidates must submit the following (as one PDF file with their application).
1. A cover letter outlining i) how the applicant’s background aligns with the desired qualifications, their vision of working at the interface between Geography and Environmental Science, ii) which course offerings the applicant would most like to teach in each unit, iii) their availability to start on Jan 1 or July 1, 2026, and iv) a clear statement of status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If applicant is ABD please indicate anticipated defence date. The start date is not a selection criterion but is needed for teaching staffing purposes.
2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
3. A teaching dossier that includes a teaching philosophy, course outlines (if available), evidence of teaching effectiveness and student evaluations of past teaching (if available).
4. A research statement including: i) a summary of the applicant’s three most significant contributions to research (publications/presentations/reports/patents on a specific subject can be grouped into one contribution; maximum of 2 pages), ii) a short-term (3 years) and longer-term research plan (maximum of 2 pages).
5. The names and emails contacts of three (3) references who are best able to comment on the applicant’s suitability for this position.
6. Optional: Applicants may also include a statement detailing career interruptions or other special circumstances relevant to their application (maximum of 2 pages) following NSERC guidance.
The complete application should be sent as a single file in .pdf format to Nicole.Luttrell@smu.ca. Consideration of applications will begin on July 7, 2025. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.
At Saint Mary’s University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@smu.ca
About Saint Mary’s University
Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s top primary undergraduate universities (ranked 3rd by Maclean’s in 2025) and is the top primarily undergraduate research university in the Atlantic provinces, according to the latest Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities rankings. The Institution is known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada’s best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 6,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world – a world without limits.
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