Simon Fraser University, History

Historian of Indigenous North America, Open Rank

The Department of History in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Simon Fraser University, respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Səmyámə (Semiahmoo), and sc̓əwaθən (Tsawwassen) Peoples, on whose ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories Simon Fraser University’s three campuses stand.  We are committed to reconciliation through decolonization and Indigenization, telling inclusive stories about the past, and acknowledging different historical epistemologies.

The Department of History is inviting applications for an open rank tenure-track/tenured faculty member in Indigenous North American history to start July 15, 2023. Theoretical and methodological approaches rooted in Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) and Indigenous knowledges are required. The period, area, and research specialization for the position are open.

The successful candidate must have research and teaching interests in and engagement with Indigenous knowledges and perspectives and a demonstrable history of community involvement, including lived experience or collaborative partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or other Indigenous communities and organizations in North America. Ideal candidates will have experience teaching a diverse student body, developing Indigenized history curricula, and mentoring Indigenous students.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in History, Native American and Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline, completed by the employment start date or shortly thereafter. They will, depending on rank, have developed or demonstrate the potential for developing a significant program of research and scholarship that makes a substantial contribution to historical knowledge. Scholarship and teaching that is community-based or otherwise contributes to community needs will be valued.

In accordance with the History Department’s commitment to abide by the call of SFU’s Aboriginal Reconciliation Committee “to foster the development of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and methods” and pursuant to Section 42 of the B.C. Human Rights Code, preference will be given to equity-deserving candidates who will bring to their research and teaching the perspective that comes from the experiences of those underrepresented in higher education, and particularly the experiences of Indigenous peoples. Such candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are requested to self-identify in their application.

SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates who belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply; however, only those holding or those eligible to be appointed to the rank will be considered. The position is subject to the availability of funding.

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness, research delays due to COVID-19) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have affected them. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and diverse forms of research and/or research outputs.

Applications will be reviewed starting September 15, 2022 and will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Applications will be treated in confidence. All applications should include a cover letter (that includes statements of research and teaching, including a discussion of their experience with and/or understanding of inclusive teaching, mentoring, and how the candidate would meet the needs of equity-deserving students), a curriculum vitae, and a writing sample. Names and contact information of three references must also be provided.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. All applications should be sent to history_chair_secretary@sfu.ca. Please contact Dr. Jennifer Spear (she/her/hers), chair of the search committee, jennifer_spear@sfu.ca, with any questions.

SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty, please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Services page for more details. SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants; if you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations please contact the Specialist, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Faculty Relations.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

The Department of History is one of the 28 Departments and Programs within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.  The Department has 26 faculty members, over 300 majors and minors, and nearly 30 graduate students. The Department provides courses that introduce undergraduate students to major world regions and cultures, to historical periods, and to social, political, cultural, and economic themes, and is deeply committed to encouraging students to practice historical thinking and awareness of different times, cultures, and politics as instruments of responsible engagement with the world today.  Course offerings reflect the local context while also providing a global perspective. The Department also offers both MA and PhD programs.

Under the authority of the University Act personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see: http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/Faculty_Openings/Collection_Notice.html