Address Position Rank: Full Time Professorial Stream - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Discipline/Field: Biology
Home Faculty: Science
Home Department/Area/Division: Biology
Affiliation/Union: YUFA
Position Start Date: July 1, 2023
The Biology Department, Faculty of Science, York University invites Indigenous biology scholars to apply for a professorial stream tenure-track appointment in Biology at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level, to commence July 1, 2023. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous faculty, this position is part of the University's Affirmative Action program developed based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Selection will be limited to individuals who self-identify as members of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. To receive full consideration, candidates should complete and submit a self-identification form as part of York University's Affirmative Action program (detailed below).
York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.
York University is committed to providing an inviting, rich and supportive work, study and research environment for its Indigenous students and faculty members, through the allyship of current faculty members, as well as through administrative structures such as York University's (CASS) and the newly formed which are guided by the the York Indigenous Council; and Skennen'kó:wa Gamig, or the House of Great Peace, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students. York is committed to cultivating understanding of, respect for, and connections with, Indigenous communities. members of the University community at all levels are working to learn and listen in order to support the recruitment and success of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students, the integration of Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research, collaboration with Indigenous communities, and recruitment and retention of Indigenous faculty and staff.
Recognizing that relationships and community are essential for a department to thrive, our department strives to create a collegial, collaborative, inviting community. As an example of our collaboration-rich environment, we have many co-taught courses and many of our research grants are submitted collaboratively. We have inter-disciplinary collaborations both within the Faculty of Science and with departments outside the Faculty. Connections are encouraged with departments in a range of faculties, including the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Faculty of Education, the Lassonde School of Engineering and with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, Faculty of Health. There are existing networks of scholars who provide support for and animate this community building and also to extend and expand individual research directions and new collaborations.
A PhD in the Biological Sciences or equivalent is required by the start of the appointment, with a demonstrated record of excellence or promise of excellence in research and in teaching. Applicants should have a clearly articulated program of research in Biology.
We welcome applications from individuals who may have had non-traditional career paths, or who may have taken time off for family care (e.g., children, elderly) or who have contributed significantly to their community. The Search Committee takes Indigenous identification seriously and in addition to self-identification, the Committee considers the importance of kinship, citizenship, and connections to Indigenous communities. Accordingly, the Search Committee strongly advises applicants to include in their application package a letter of support from an Indigenous community member, organization, or government, which can speak to the applicant's community and family relationships. The letter should include the applicant's connections to their Indigenous community and traditional territories.
The successful candidate will be expected to engage in innovative, and as appropriate, externally funded research. Candidates must provide evidence or promise of research excellence as demonstrated in some of the following: their research statement; a record of publications (or forthcoming publications) in significant journals in the field; presentations at major conferences; and awards and accolades.
The position will involve graduate teaching and supervision, as well as undergraduate teaching and the successful candidate must be suitable for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Evidence of dedication to high quality teaching can be provided through the following but is not limited to: the teaching statement; teaching accomplishments; examples of mentoring undergraduate/graduate students; and innovative pedagogy, such as evidence-based teaching practices.
York is a leading international teaching and research university, and a driving force for positive change. Empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective, we are preparing our students for their long-term careers and personal success. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
York University has a policy on and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and to expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Candidates who require accommodation during the selection process are invited to contact Professor Andrew Donini at .
This position is open only to biology scholars who self-identify as members of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. No application will be considered without a completed mandatory form.
York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who self-identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found at or by calling the AA line at 416-736-5713. Applicants wishing to self-identify as part of York University's Affirmative Action program can do so by downloading, completing, and submitting
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is January 6, 2023. Should no suitable candidate be found, the position will be reposted until filled. A signed cover letter with an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and a teaching statement that addresses the candidates commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teaching and mentorship activities, should be submitted by email to with "Biologist" in the subject line. Applicants are encouraged to include a letter of support from an Indigenous community member, organization, or government, which can speak to the applicant's community and family relationships. The letter should include the applicant's connections to their Indigenous community and traditional territories.
Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to arrange for three signed confidential letters of recommendation that address the candidate's qualifications and experience in relation to the position. Information regarding these letters will be conveyed when a candidate is shortlisted.
