Date Posted: 09/17/2021
Closing Date: 11/17/2021, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 9121
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: School of the Environment
Campus:St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

The School of the Environment in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the area of Communicating Climate Change. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, and will commence on July 1, 2022 or shortly thereafter.

We seek candidates conducting interdisciplinary research on how climate change is understood and communicated among diverse knowledge producers and audiences. Ideally, candidates will have a grounding in both climate science and climate policy, as well as in communication and community engagement. Candidates’ research may include topics such as (but not limited to): how society creates, understands, and acts upon the scientific evidence of climate change; how that evidence is mediated and interpreted through politics, language, art, culture, and religion; and the range of communication strategies employed by diverse actors in climate policy processes.

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in environmental studies or a related field in the social or natural sciences or interdisciplinary studies by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, and must have a demonstrated strong record of excellence in interdisciplinary research and in teaching. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and strengthen our existing departmental strengths. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative research at the highest international level; to establish an outstanding, externally-funded, independent research program; and to contribute to the enrichment of both undergraduate and graduate programs at the School.

Candidates must provide evidence of excellence in research, which can be demonstrated by a record of contributions and publications in top-ranked field-relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements by referees of high standing.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be provided through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as strong letters of reference. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters. Candidates are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment demonstrated through the application materials.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching, and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates must therefore submit a brief (up to one page) statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

The School of the Environment is an interdisciplinary hub within the Faculty of Arts & Science, running undergraduate and graduate programs in environment and sustainability. This position is part of a new research cluster at the School, focussed on how governments, communities, and corporations can make informed decisions on climate change mitigation and adaptation, by linking scientific evidence with the political, economic, and social contexts in which decisions must be made, and the broader cultural, ethical, and religious viewpoints by which we interpret our collective responsibility to future generations. The appointment will be held at the University of Toronto campus in downtown Toronto (St. George campus). Toronto is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, one of the most desirable in the world in which to work and live.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit a cover letter, a current curriculum vitae including a list of publications, a research statement, a statement of contributions to equity and diversity (see details above), and a teaching dossier to include a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above.

Applicants must provide the name and contact of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each once an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants, however, remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated and signed), by the closing date.

Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Steve Easterbrook, Director of the School of the Environment, at director.environment@utoronto.ca.

All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by November 17, 2021.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.