Assistant Professor, The Digital Child, Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary

The Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track transdisciplinary position with a focus on The Digital Child at the rank of Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research). The successful candidate will be provided a five-year research-intensive term with reduced teaching commitments and initial research funding provided by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute.

As part of the broader University of Calgary transdisciplinary recruitment program, 20 academic positions have been created to build capacity and provide leadership in support of the Ahead of Tomorrow Strategic plan. These scholars see challenges as opportunities that spark our singular mission – to dare to imagine ahead of tomorrow.

The significance of digital exposure on young children (4-7 years), may not only arguably affect the neurodevelopment of the brain but raises substantial questions about the social connectivity and belongingness of children. This proposed research attends to the evolving complexities of the development of children. Learnings through and from the recent pandemic and the explosion of Artificial Intelligence suggests a need to consider the ways in which young children develop cognitively, psychologically, socially, and emotionally in such disruptive times.

This position explores the evolving notion of childhood that addresses fragmented and polarized variables that have disrupted traditional conceptions of early childhood. The proposed research program would bring together leading researchers to catalyze research and knowledge creation that envisions evolving conceptions of childhood and future learning environments. The transdisciplinary nature of this work would seek to examine the digital impacts on the cognitive-social development of children and how to bridge and scale up learnings to broader educational settings.

The appointments will commence July 1, 2024, or at a mutually agreeable date.

We are seeking a scholar who will establish an active research program and demonstrate leadership in Early Learning Education. Applicants must have a strong disciplinary knowledge with an understanding of developmentally appropriate pedagogies that are responsive to diverse learning paths. Preference will be given to candidates whose research focuses on how education is situated within and responsive to complex classrooms given the multifaceted worlds in which we live, learn and play.

In addition to maintaining an active funded research program, the successful candidate will be expected to supervise graduate and/or undergraduate students, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their areas of specialization and demonstrate leadership in service, collaboration, and mentorship within the University and the community. As well, the successful candidate will be expected to engage actively with K-12 communities.

The successful candidate at the Assistant Professor (Teaching and Research) level must demonstrate evidence of a track record of publications in high quality journals, securing external research funding, and effectiveness in teaching at the university level.

The position provides an opportunity to establish a vigorous, sustainable, externally funded research program in the area of early learning education, contribute to teaching and student supervision, and participate in leadership of related research, education, and service. This is an excellent opportunity to build and develop an innovative research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment. A competitive salary and an attractive start-up package will be provided.

The successful applicant will have:
• A doctorate in Education (or related discipline);
• A strong record of research and knowledge mobilization (commensurate with rank);
• A proven ability to obtain research funding commensurate with rank;
• Demonstrated capability in graduate-level teaching, graduate student supervision;
• Demonstrated capability in teaching in areas of discipline;
• Experience in online teaching; and,
• Engagement with local, national, and international professional and other communities (commensurate with rank).

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the `Apply Now’ link here:
https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/13323508-assistant-professor-the-digital-child-werklund-school-of-education

Applications should include in one combined PDF:
• Curriculum vitae,
• Statement outlining a proposed innovative research program,
• Statement outlining post-secondary teaching and leadership experience,
• Evidence of collaboration/engagement with professional and other communities
• Brief description of present and aspiring contributions to the field,
• Reprints of two (2) representative academic publications,
• Names and contact information for three referees.

Information about programs and research in the Werklund School of Education can be found at our website.
Closing date: October 23, 2023
Applications should be addressed to

Dianne Gereluk, Dean
Werklund School of Education
University of Calgary

Questions regarding this opportunity should be addressed to Dr. Dianne Gereluk, Dean by email (dean.werklund@ucalgary.ca)

Our comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members through coverage for health, dental, life insurance, income protection for disability, and retirement income planning. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package please visit this link.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

Additional Information
To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website. For more information visit Careers in the Faculty of Werklund School of Education.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.