Indigenous Scholar – Assistant Professor TT in Geographies of Indigenous Health, Wellness

Indigenous Scholar – Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) in Geographies of Indigenous Health, Wellness, and the Environment

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Date Posted: May 1, 2026

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Department: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Type of Employment: Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Group Affiliation: SMUFU

We are currently seeking an Indigenous scholar to join the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a start date on or before July 1, 2027. At Saint Mary’s University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University’s success.

This position is a targeted hire for an Indigenous scholar under the Saint Mary’s University Faculty Union Collective Agreement, as part of SMU’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and is open only to qualified scholars who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or an Indigenous person from another global context. Given the location of Saint Mary’s on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq, applications from Mi’kmaw people are particularly encouraged. Applicants are required to document their Indigenous identity in their application and should be aware that the University will verify the community connections of applicants.

Job Information and Responsibilities

We are eager to welcome a new Indigenous colleague whose teaching and research interests broadly align with Geography or a related discipline. We would be particularly interested to receive applications from Indigenous scholars working in the vibrant field of Geographies of Indigenous Health, Wellness, and the Environment. The successful appointee will be expected to teach at all levels of the undergraduate and Master’s programs and to supervise thesis projects at the Honours and Master’s levels. It is expected that the successful appointee will establish a rigorous research program commensurate with their expertise, and will fulfill departmental, faculty, university, and community service needs as occasions arise.

Experience and Education Requirements

The successful appointee must have a demonstrated record of effective teaching and advanced research capability, as confirmed either by: (a) holding a doctorate or an equivalent terminal degree, earned through research and study, in geography or a cognate field of knowledge (those nearing completion of a such a degree program will also be considered); or (b) by providing evidence of equivalent contributions of Indigenous research and knowledge, knowledge-building, and knowledge-sharing through life experience, practical research experience, traditional knowledge, or other approaches.

Application Details

The application package must include the following materials:

· Letter of application, including statements of teaching and research interests, and documentation of Indigenous identity

· Curriculum vitae

· Names and contact information for three references

· Teaching dossier, including statement of teaching philosophy and examples of effective teaching

· Evidence of scholarly activity (up to three items) as defined by Article 1.1(m) of the SMUFU Collective Agreement which can be viewed here.

Address your application materials to: Dr. Jason Grek-Martin (Chairperson) Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Faculty of Arts Saint Mary’s University

Halifax, NS Canada, B3H 3C3 Applications are to be submitted online using Career Beacon through smu.ca/about/faculty-employment-opportunities.html. Applications submitted by e-mail will not be processed. Consideration of applications will begin on September 1, 2026.

At Saint Mary’s University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons / visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

About Saint Mary’s University

We acknowledge that Saint Mary’s University is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources, but in fact recognized Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship.

Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s top primary undergraduate universities — known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, the Sobey School of Business, and Graduate Studies feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 7000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces, and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world — a world without limits. Learn more about working at Saint Mary’s University here.

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