Assistant Professor in Family Science
Competition 2181
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Description
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
The successful candidate will be offered a tenured or tenure-track appointment with the rank of Assistant Professor, which is in accordance with the Academic Faculty Agreement, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
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.
The Department and the City of Edmonton
The Department of Human Ecology includes a group of highly reputable scholars and a vibrant graduate studies program with approximately 175 undergraduate students and sixty graduate students. The Department has three undergraduate majors: Family Science, Clothing, Textiles, & Material Culture; and Fashion Business Management (offered in partnership with the Faculty of Business). The department offers three Master’s Degree options, and a PhD program: an MA in Material Culture; a MSc in Textiles & Clothing; a MSc in Family Ecology & Practice; and a PhD degree in Human Ecology. The department is part of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, providing opportunities for strong interdisciplinary linkages in both research and teaching.
The City of Edmonton is a vibrant multicultural center with over one million people that offers the benefits of an urban lifestyle combined with high-quality schools, varied restaurants, excellent professional theatre and music venues, excellent public transportation and ample opportunities for recreation. Edmonton’s River Valley is the largest urban park in Canada (22 times the size of Central Park in New York City), with more than 160 kilometers of maintained pathways and 20 major parks. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, with the lowest provincial tax regime in the country. It is known as Canada’s Festival City, with more than thirty major annual festivals celebrating its rich cultural diversity and community spirit. It has all the attractions of a big city, yet it is clean and safe, with excellent schools and health care. Edmonton is located only a few hours drive from Banff and Jasper National Parks, which offer skiing in winter and excellent hiking and sightseeing in summer.
Position Summary
The Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences, invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in family science. The University of Alberta is one of the premier research-intensive universities in Canada.
Candidates must demonstrate the potential to achieve excellence in research and teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program, teach compelling undergraduate and graduate classes, and provide service to the Department, the Faculty, the University, their profession, and to communities who partner in research. The successful candidate will teach courses in subjects such as program planning and evaluation and measurement in family health and wellness. We seek candidates who will support and advance university commitments to access, community, and belonging (see here for more information).
The ideal candidate will have interdisciplinary knowledge and expertise in family science, social intervention science, family sociology, family psychology, human development, or a closely related field. Candidates with expertise in program and policy planning and evaluation are especially encouraged to apply.
The Department has a history of producing high-quality research on topics pertaining to family science, including intimate relationships, work-family integration, family functioning, homelessness, family policy, aging, and related topics. These and related topics are addressed through interdisciplinary perspectives and analytic methods including qualitative methods, quantitative methods, analysis of large government databases, and community-based research. We also have a strong practicum program that places students in professional contexts as part of their educational experience. The successful candidate will contribute to this tradition of scholarship and professional engagement and build new areas of expertise both individually and as part of collaborative teams composed of people within and outside academia.
Qualifications:
- PhD in human ecology or a closely related field is required or must be completed by August 1, 2025.
- Expertise in family science, social intervention science, program and policy planning and evaluation, family sociology, family psychology, or human development is required.
- Potential to attain research funding and produce high-quality publications.
- Demonstrated university teaching and the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary educational and research programs.
- A collaborative working style.
- Experience with teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in family science, social intervention science, program and policy planning and evaluation, or community-based research is an asset.
- Previous experience with research that includes analysis and evaluation of policies and community-based programs for families is an asset.
- Expertise in Indigenous families, newcomer families, family diversity, and/or parenting is an asset.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following in a single PDF document:
- Cover Letter
- A statement that identifies strengths and experiences with access, community, and belonging (ACB), and plans for advancing ACB in teaching, research and service (max two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of Publications
- Statement of Teaching/Research Interests
- References (Please provide names and contact information of 3 references. We are not requesting reference letters with the initial application.)
Applicants who are interested in learning more about the Department, its faculty and graduate student body are invited to visit hecol.ualberta.ca or contact the Department Chair, Dr. Rhonda Breitkreuz, at rhonda.breitkreuz@ualberta.ca or by phone at (780) 492-3824.
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.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
ApplyNote: This opportunity will be available until midnight May 7, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.