Biology - Assistant Professor, Probationary Tenure Track

The Department of Biology at St. Francis Xavier University invites applications for a probationary tenure track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin July 1, 2025. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

While the Department welcomes candidates from all backgrounds, preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups. Candidates will be provided with the opportunity to self-identify during the hiring process.

We seek a terrestrial plant biologist with expertise in one or more of the following areas: ecology, evolution, and population genetics. An interest in developing a research program involving local terrestrial environments would be an asset.

Applicants must have a PhD degree and relevant post-doctoral experience and will be expected to develop an externally funded program of research that will complement established research programs, contribute to the training of highly qualified graduates, and enhance our network of departmental, interdisciplinary and external collaborations.

The candidate is expected to develop a research program involving undergraduate and MSc students. Supervision of PhD students is facilitated by a bilateral agreement with the Memorial University of Newfoundland. The Biology Department houses plant and animal care facilities, walk-in temperature-controlled chambers, CL2 laboratories, and shared research facilities including a laser scanning confocal microscopy system, common-use molecular biology equipment (with a newly purchased automated liquid handling system), and an electron microscopy facility. Access to advanced computing infrastructure and support is available through our membership in ACENet.

St. Francis Xavier University has a long-standing liberal arts and science approach to education. Upper-level classes are small, with substantial interactions between faculty and students in lecture, laboratory, and field settings. The successful candidate will have training and/or experience teaching undergraduates according to modern pedagogical practices. We seek candidates who are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion; candidates should indicate concretely in their application how they plan to contribute towards these principles in the performance of their teaching and research activities.

Teaching responsibilities will include instructing one or more core first or second year courses, enhancing our offerings in organismal biology, ecology or evolution, and contributing to curriculum renewal. Teaching will include developing new, or teaching existing, advanced course(s) related to the candidate’s area of expertise. Biology core courses serve our own program as well as students from across the Faculty of Science, including professional programs in Human Kinetics and Human Nutrition, and students completing Bachelor of Arts & Science degrees in Climate and Environment, Health, and other interdisciplinary programs.

For further information regarding terms of employment, please consult the 2022-2026 Collective Agreement Between the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University and the St. Francis Xavier Association of University Teachers (https://www.stfx.ca/people-culture/current-employees/faculty-and-academic-staff-stfx-aut ).

About the Department
To learn more about the Department of Biology, St Francis Xavier University, please visit our website available at https://www.stfx.ca/department/biology .

Application Instructions
Consideration of applications will commence on January 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), a curriculum vitae, a statement on teaching interests and philosophy (maximum 2 pages), a statement on research interests and plans (maximum 3 pages), and the names, addresses (including email), and telephone numbers of three references. Applications should be sent via email to:

Dr. Moira Galway, Chair
Department of Biology
2320 Notre Dame Avenue
St. Francis Xavier University
Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
Email: [email protected] 
Telephone: 902-867-3841

St. Francis Xavier University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University
Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and the personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world. In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia
The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information

Visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca