Mount Royal University, History

Assistant Professor, South Asian History

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Faculty of Arts and HIST at MRU

The Faculty of Arts is home to six academic departments: Economics, Justice & Policy Studies; English, Languages and Cultures; Humanities; Interior Design; Psychology; and Sociology & Anthropology. Arts currently offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts with six majors, Bachelor of Arts—Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Interior Design.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Humanities. The Department of Humanities currently offers a BA in History and a minor in History, as well as minors in Ancient and Medieval Studies, Art History, Canadian Studies, Humanities, Indigenous Studies, Linguistics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

The Department of Humanities offers approximately 80 HIST courses each year to undergraduate students registered in programs across campus, including approximately 250 HIST majors. In addition to the HIST major and minor, the discipline makes an important contribution to the university’s general education curriculum. Currently, the department regularly offers courses in the history of Canada, Europe, Indigenous Peoples, the Islamic World, and the United States.

About the Role

We invite applications for a tenure-track position in South Asian history or South Asian Studies with a focus on history, periods and areas of specialization open. The position will commence July 1, 2023, at the rank of Assistant Professor, subject to budgetary approval. The successful candidate will be hired into the teaching/scholarship/service work pattern (TSS), which focuses on teaching and service, with the requirement that the faculty member also be involved in a research program. Faculty members on this work pattern have a 3/3 teaching load; the average class size is 33 students.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach history courses currently in the MRU catalog and develop new courses to reflect the field of South Asian history.  Furthermore, the successful candidate will be required to teach one course annually in General Education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in South Asian History or South Asian Studies with an emphasis on history.
• Completed PhD by the date of appointment (1 July 2023).
• Proven ability to develop and successfully teach courses in South Asian history, including modern South Asian history.
• Ability to teach existing history courses at Mount Royal, and/or contribute to other areas in the Department of Humanities will be an asset.
• Established program of research in area(s) of subject expertise, and evidence of success in scholarly activity (presentations, grants, publications, etc.).

How to Apply

Closing Date: The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to complete applications submitted by March 31, 2023.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials using the “Apply to the Job” link below:

1. A two- to three-page cover letter that specifically addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position as described above; and
2. Current curriculum vitae.

Candidates invited for an in-person interview will be asked to provide the following additional documents prior to the interview:

1. Two sample course syllabi;
2. Evidence of teaching excellence; and
3. A writing sample of no more than 20 pages.

Confidential letters of recommendation will be requested from the references of finalists.

All applications will be reviewed and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as required by Canadian immigration laws, Indigenous peoples (First Nation, Inuit, and Métis), Canadian citizens, and permanent residents will be given priority.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre.

Mount Royal University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, faculty and their scholarship including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national or socio-economic background, religion, or age.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public. 

Due to changing Covid-19 precautions, this role may possibly require the incumbent to temporarily work from home. Access to a secure personal computer and stable internet connection is required.

MRU supports full immunization as the best way to protect yourself and our campus community and strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19.

Closing Date:  Open until a suitable candidate is found

If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.

A complete dossier should be submitted including curriculum vitae, list of three (3) references, evidence of teaching excellence, and, if the teaching/ scholarship/ service (TSS) pattern is desirable, evidence of intent to pursue a research program. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).