Simon Fraser University, History

Assistant Professor, History (Professorship in the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures)

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, in conjunction with the Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies (CCMS), invites applications for the endowed Professorship in the Comparative Study of Muslim Societies and Cultures. The successful candidate will be appointed to a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of comparative Muslim societies and cultures, to start July 15, 2023. Appointment to the endowed Professorship will be for an initial five-year term with the possibility of renewal.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in History or a related discipline completed by the employment start date or shortly thereafter. They will demonstrate the potential for developing a significant program of original research and teaching that makes a substantial contribution to historical knowledge. The geographic area of specialization is open and NOT limited to the Middle East. Knowledge of one or more regional research languages is required. The successful candidate will receive one course release per year for the duration of the Professorship. In addition to providing service to the Department, the successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the activities, programming, and governance of the CCMS including serving on the Centre’s steering committee.

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, this is a junior faculty position; only those eligible to be promoted or 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.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2022. All applications should include:

1. A cover letter
2. A statement of research
3. A teaching philosophy, including a discussion of the candidate’s experience with and understanding of inclusive teaching and mentoring
4. A statement on how the candidate intends to contribute to Simon Fraser University’s commitment to furthering Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
5. A curriculum vitae
6. A writing sample
7. Names and contact details for three referees

Candidates may later be asked to submit sample syllabi and other documents. Applications will be treated in confidence.

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. Thomas Kuehn (he/him/his), chair of the search committee, thomas_kuehn@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 more than 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. The Department of History is located on SFU’s Burnaby Mountain Campus in Metro Vancouver. Vancouver is a scenic waterfront city situated minutes from the mountains and offers a wide range of outdoor activities.

ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR COMPARATIVE MUSLIM STUDIES

The Centre for Comparative Muslim Studies fosters academic and public discussion and understanding Muslim societies and cultures.  It shifts the analysis from the notion of a single religious landscape defined by the religion of Islam to that of Muslims of different experiences and interpretations as agents in the construction of their societies and cultures. 

Welcoming scholars from all disciplines that relate to the field of Muslim Studies as well as artists, writers, and other members of the general public, the CCMS is located in Simon Fraser University’s Department of History with which it has maintained close ties since its inception in 2006.

By incorporating the cultural experiences of diverse Muslim societies, CCMS expands the possibilities of comparison and collaboration with critical consequence. It does so by providing a variety of opportunities and platforms for conversations and engagement for faculty, students and the larger public. CCMS serves as a bridge between academia and the public and invests in community outreach. CCMS ensures spaces for conversations, engagement and relationship-building. These include an Annual Lecture Series, a Community Conversation Series, the Muslim Community Fellowship, Summer Schools, workshops and conferences that address both academic and public interests.

CCMS has brought numerous academic specialists to campus for lectures and consultations; convened interdisciplinary conferences and workshops; established a highly-regarded summer school alternating between Vancouver and London (UK); organized film festivals, art exhibits, and concerts; created residencies, scholarships and visiting professorships; and solicited contributions of materials in regional languages for the SFU research library.

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