Assistant Professor (Research) Transdisciplinary Environmental Ethics

University of Calgary

Position Description
The Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track transdisciplinary position with a focus on Environmental Ethics at the rank of Assistant Professor (Research). The successful candidate will have reduced teaching commitments for the first five years of the position.

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 (https://ucalgary.ca/about/ahead-of-tomorrow). These scholars see challenges as opportunities that spark our singular mission - to dare to imagine ahead of tomorrow.

Our relationships to the natural world are undergoing conspicuous and unprecedented radical changes. This transdisciplinary position in environmental ethics is motivated by the need to understand and respond to these changes, and will focus on human relations to our vital environments, both wild and built. The position is designed to allow the successful applicant to bring a variety of frameworks, lenses, and techniques to bear on the complex challenges raised by inquiry into our many environments and our many roles within them.

The position will catalyze existing research strengths focused on the ethics surrounding environmental challenges in the Departments of Philosophy, Geography, and Classics and Religious Studies as well as in the School of Public Policy and the Calgary Institute for the Humanities. The University of Calgary's commitment to transdisciplinary study allows for a diversity of approaches to environmental ethics, and the successful candidate would be expected to participate in transdisciplinary initiatives that fit with their research projects.

The appointment will commence July 2, 2025, or at a mutually agreeable date.

We are seeking a candidate whose research connects to fundamental ethical questions, such as what it is to live a good human life, what we humans owe to each other, to other animals and to the environment as a whole. Practically, it must investigate the application of ethical theory in such areas as animal welfare, nature conservation, climate change, energy, human health, multiculturalism, society, law, and personhood in various contexts. Experience in conducting transdisciplinary research (or a proven potential for this) is desirable, and experience working in or with government and/or non-governmental institutions, and communities is an asset.

In addition to maintaining an active, competitively 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 collaborate with fellow transdisciplinary scholars. As well, the successful candidate will foster alliances of research and teaching among environmental scholars at the University of Calgary and beyond.

The position provides an opportunity to establish a vigorous, sustainable, externally funded research program in the area of environmental ethics, 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 a convergent and forward-thinking research program within a dynamic and collaborative environment. A competitive salary and an attractive start-up package will be provided.

Qualifications:
The successful applicant will have:
• A doctorate in Philosophy, Geography, Religious Studies (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 teaching in areas of discipline;

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

How to Apply:
Please submit your application online. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. The four attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):
• Curriculum vitae,
• Statement outlining a proposed convergent research program,
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness through a teaching dossier,
• Evidence of collaboration/engagement with professional and other communities,
• Representative writing sample,
• Names and contact information for three referees.

Information about programs and research in the Department of Philosophy can be found here: (https://arts.ucalgary.ca/philosophy), about the Department of Geography here: (https://arts.ucalgary.ca/geography), about the Department of Classics and Religion here: (https://arts.ucalgary.ca/classics-religion)

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Applications should be addressed to:
Dr. Mark Migotti, Head
Department of Philosophy
University of Calgary
Questions regarding this opportunity should be addressed to Dr. Mark Migotti, by email (philhead@ucalgary.ca), or to the heads of Geography (geoghead@ucalgary.ca) or Classics and Religion (clarehead@ucalgary.ca).

Please submit your application online via this link: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/15372724-assistant-professor-research-transdisciplinary-environmental-ethics

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: https://www.ucalgary.ca/hr/benefits-pension/perks/benefits-ucalgary

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy 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)
For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Arts Department site.

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.