Assistant Professor, Policy Studies (Indigenous Policy)

Mount Royal University (MRU) is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, MRU acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), and the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation. This territory is also home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. 

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 students choose from 13 bachelor’s degrees and 38 majors.

MRU encourages innovative teaching, alternative pedagogies, field schools, experiential, work-integrated, and community service learning, and activities such as co-teaching with community members. The Academic Development Centre (ADC) provides support for teaching and learning. 

MRU researchers have access to resources and funding from our Office of Research, Scholarship, and Community Engagement.  MRU faculty are the recipients of both internal and external research grants including Tri-Council funding.  

MRU is committed to supporting Indigenous faculty members and students and does so in many ways, including through the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization , the Iniskim Centre , programs such as Indigenous family housing, as well as through scholarships and bursaries, and partnership and engagement with Indigenous nations. 

The Faculty of Arts houses the following departments: Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies; English, Languages, and Cultures; General Education; Humanities (consisting of several disciplines including Indigenous Studies); Interior Design; Psychology; and, Sociology and Anthropology.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies (EJPS). The Department of EJPS currently offers a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies and a  Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ), as well as minors in Political Science, Economics, International Business and Economics, Finance and Economics, and Law and Governance.

Mount Royal University is accepting applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Policy Studies (Indigenous Policy) to commence July 1, 2024, although a later start date may be considered. The Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies at MRU is a multidisciplinary program that combines political science, economics, and policy studies education through the provision of both theoretical knowledge and applied skills development. The Policy Studies degree is a rare combination of both an undergraduate liberal arts education and applied policy skills training.    

The successful candidate will join the Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies Department at the level of Assistant Professor and will be expected to either have an established research agenda or the ability to immediately develop a research program. Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students. The successful candidate will ideally be hired on the Teaching-Scholarship-Service (TSS) stream, and will therefore be expected to teach six 3-credit hour courses per academic year (typically 3 courses in the fall semester, 3 courses in the winter semester). Class sizes typically average between 35-40 students. While the TSS stream is preferred, the Committee will consider applications to the Teaching Stream (TS) from candidates who meet the lived-experience and professional qualifications outlined below (the TS stream is a teaching-only position that typically consists of 4 courses in the fall semester and 4 courses in the winter semester with no expectation of research activity). 

The ideal candidate will have a completed PhD (or near completion) in political science, policy, public administration, or a relevant discipline. The area of specialization is open, and could include areas such as health, education, law, and/or governance. The successful candidate must be able to teach political science and public policy courses, as well as develop dedicated course curriculum on decolonization and Canadian Indigenous policy in a manner that advances policy and governance education in the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience as an Indigenous person, and/or knowledge of Indigenous content relating to public policy and governance, and/or those who incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing into their research, scholarship, and teaching. Further preference will be given to candidates with teaching experience at the postsecondary level, and who will be able to teach political science, policy, and public administration courses at both junior and senior undergraduate levels. 

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[1]   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. 

Closing Date: April 20, 2024. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications in mid-April. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Interviews are expected to occur in May 2024.

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

1. Cover letter that describes the candidate’s interest in the position, qualifications, and potential contributions to Mount Royal University.

2. A letter of introduction that provides verifiable evidence of Indigenous identity.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

3. Research Portfolio, which could include items such as: 

• Statement of research interests/expertise
• Proposed research plan for the upcoming 5-year period
• Sample publication (PDF only—maximum of 1 publication)

4. Teaching Portfolio, which could include items such as: 

• Teaching philosophy, interests and accomplishments, if available (maximum 1500 words)
• Sample Syllabi that demonstrate teaching across junior and senior undergraduate levels, if  available
• Sample student teaching evaluations and other teaching evaluations, if available

Academic reference letters are not required with the application, but as the competition progresses, candidates may be asked to provide three confidential references.

Materials should be submitted as PDF documents quoting competition #999767. Please title your .pdf documents as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number] [Document].pdf (e.g. Smith 999767 CV.pdf).

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Kari Roberts, Chair of the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at [email protected].