Chair, Department of Science - Augustana, Camrose

Competition 1698

Location - This role is in person. Work takes place at Augustana Camrose.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Augustana Campus - Science

As the rural campus of the University of Alberta, Augustana enrolls approximately 1000 undergraduate students in baccalaureate degree programs on a residential campus in the City of Camrose, 90 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.  Students benefit from the advantages of a small campus while earning a degree from one of Canada's leading universities. The Faculty is committed to building on its reputation for high-quality teaching in the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences, academic rigour, and extensive opportunities for students in the areas of undergraduate research, community service learning, and international study.

The Campus is located on Treaty Six territory which provided a travelling route and home to the Maskwacis Nêhiyawak, Niitsitapi, Nakoda, and Tsuut'ina Nations, the Métis, and other Indigenous peoples. Their spiritual and practical relationships to the land create a rich heritage and ongoing model for our learning and our life as a community. Camrose is a vibrant growing city with a large network of recreation, sports, cultural, and community events with strong connections between Augustana and the local community.

Position 

The Augustana Faculty of the University of Alberta invites applications from current full-time faculty (staff category A1.1) for the position of Chair, Department of Science, commencing January 1, 2025. Candidates must hold a tenured appointment as full-time academic faculty members in the Augustana Faculty at the University of Alberta. The appointment as Chair includes an administrative stipend and teaching release that is negotiated with the Dean. The appointment is normally for a five-year term (with a potential for renewal for a second term pending review).

The Department of Science offers BSc degrees in the following majors: Integrative Biology, Chemical and Physical Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, and Environmental Science. The Department also supports students in the BSc Physical Education program and BEd (Elementary) transfer program, as well as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Management, and Bachelor of Music students across the Augustana Campus. With approximately 400 undergraduate majors, the Department of Science is supported by 15 full-time continuing faculty members, one faculty service officer (FSO), several academic teaching staff (ATS) members, and a variety of other staff members involved in teaching, research, laboratory support, and other learning opportunities.

Duties 

Reporting to the Dean and Executive Officer of the Augustana Faculty/Campus, the Chair is responsible for the academic leadership of the Department. The successful candidate will provide dynamic and innovative leadership during an important period of curriculum reform and strategic visioning within the Faculty. The role includes support of junior, mid-career and senior faculty members, developing collaborative research initiatives, and leading program development.

Further information on the role of the Chair can be found here: Selection of Department Chairs Procedure Appendix A Roles and Responsibilities

Qualifications

For this position, we are searching for a scholar with a record of successful academic leadership, a passion for the liberal arts and sciences, and the ability to lead diverse groups of stakeholders and advocate for social and institutional change.

The successful candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, and a capacity to be highly collegial and collaborative. They will have the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, with a commitment to support all areas of the Department equally, and the capacity for strategic and creative leadership.

The successful candidate will also have a PhD or terminal degree in a relevant discipline along with a distinguished academic record in teaching, research, and service. They will teach in their area of specialization and will be responsible for promoting both existing and future collaborations within and outside the Department and the University.

The ability to engage and mentor both colleagues and students, and to set a tone and be an example communicating the value and importance of diversity, are essential. 

Additional Information

Augustana Faculty and the University as a whole have adopted a comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda. Augustana supports and pursues strategies of equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in its overall educational mission. The successful candidate for this position needs to be prepared to address EDI during the interview process. Augustana aims to address these issues in a meaningful and lasting way. The University's principles and actions and its EDI Strategic Plan are underpinned by respect for the dignity, rights, and full participation of all those who live, work, and learn within the university.

Application Instructions:

To have your application considered, please select the “Apply” icon and submit the following as separate PDF documents:

a) Cover letter that summarizes the candidate’s leadership and administrative experience, accomplishments in teaching and research, and potential contributions to the Augustana Faculty as Chair, Department of Science; 

b) Curriculum vitae (CV), including links (as applicable) to scholarly publications and the names and contact information for three (3) referees; and 

c) A statement on how the candidate intends to incorporate principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) into their plans for leadership and service (submit as an attachment under “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”).

Applications will be reviewed beginning in November 22. Applications should be submitted online. Interviews may be held as early as the first week of December.

Questions about the position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Stacy L. Lorenz, Vice Dean (slorenz@ualberta.ca) using the subject line “Science Department Chair Position.”

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.