Assistant Professor, Environmental Science

The Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Environmental Science. The successful candidate will hold a joint appointment in both the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Geography & Environment. The anticipated starting date for the position is July 1, 2026, subject to budgetary approval. Hiring salary will be in the range of $79,132 to $98,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We are seeking a scholar who can strengthen and complement our current research capacity in the fields of environmental science, ecology, and physical geography. General research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, organismal or ecosystem ecology, biogeography, climate and environmental change, wetlands, and biogeochemistry.

The successful candidate will develop a vibrant, innovative, and collaborative research program that attracts outstanding graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, while successfully competing for external research funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) among other granting agencies.  In addition, the candidate will have access to the Aquatic Research Facility (ARF), Westcastle Field Station, and the Institute for Geospatial Inquiry, Instruction & Innovation (i4Geo).

The successful candidate must be able to teach in the undergraduate Environmental Science (ENVS) program that is jointly administered by the Department of Biological Sciences (BIOL) and the Department of Geography & Environment (GEOG). This will include introductory Environmental Science and other courses (for current course offerings, search for BIOL, ENVS, and GEOG at: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/sites/ross/calendar/undergraduate/#).

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent), preferably with relevant postdoctoral experience.

Our University
The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge) is a comprehensive and research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education where inspired scholars integrate research and creative activity with teaching. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot Territory, it is a place where student engagement in learning, creative activities, and research takes place every day. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, uLethbridge offers more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in the Faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the Schools of Liberal Education and Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, to more than 8,000 students. 

Our Values
Accessibility, Belonging and Community for all are key strategic priorities for the University of Lethbridge. The University of Lethbridge recognizes that diversity enriches our campus and community and is fundamental to teaching, learning, and research excellence. The university as a whole embraces equity as a core value to build strong and vibrant communities of belonging where students, faculty, and staff feel welcome, are treated equitably, and can thrive. 

Our City
Living and benefiting from the Blackfoot Confederacy’s traditional territory, Iniskim (ULethbridge) acknowledges and deeply appreciates the Siksikaitsitapi peoples’ connection to their traditional territory and honour the traditions of the Blackfoot people who have cared for this land since time immemorial. Home to more than 100,000 people, Lethbridge is a place where ideas grow. It is a culturally vibrant city with a flourishing arts scene and an active social calendar. We boast stunning scenery, four distinct seasons, spectacular sunrises and glowing sunsets that illuminate Alberta’s big sky. The University sits on the beautiful coulees, looking over the Old Man River. Lethbridge is only two hours from Calgary’s International Airport and a short drive to the mountainous Waterton Lakes National Park. Looking for a centre with a lower cost of living than many other Canadian cities? See the Canadian Real Estate Association national price map to compare average Canadian housing prices. Lethbridge is an affordable city, with many beautiful neighborhoods on both sides of the coulees and well-planned parks connected via walking and biking paths.

Application Process
Applications for this position must include:

• a letter of application;
• a curriculum vitae;
• three of the applicant’s most influential publications (or other research contributions);
• a research plan of no longer than 3 pages, including a description on how they intend to develop externally funded research projects;
• a statement of no longer than 3 pages describing their research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their experiences in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization within their practices.

Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three academic referees.

The position will remain open until filled, with initial review of applications beginning on January 8, 2026.

For enquiries about the position, please contact Professor Theresa Burg (Chair of the Search Committee) at: [email protected].

While all applications will be considered, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference. 

Understanding that career interruptions can have an impact on a candidate’s record of achievement, we encourage applicants to explain in their applications any impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential. Only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.