CRC Tier II - Urban Wellness

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, Urban Wellness (Urban Policy & Governance)
Faculty of Arts and Science

About Us

MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton's diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.

Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 59 programs to more than 18,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.

Opportunity

MacEwan University’s Department of Anthropology, Economics, & Political Science is seeking applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Urban Wellness as investigated through a framework of Urban Policy and Governance, commencing July 1, 2022, subject to final budgetary approval. This position will support and build on our Department’s emerging strengths in policy studies and applied community engagement.

We conceptualize Urban Wellness holistically to include a variety of social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental aspects, and so welcome applications from scholars who are grounded within or across any of our department’s three disciplines (Anthropology, Economics, Political Science). By investigating this theme through a focus on Urban Policy and Governance, the successful candidate will have expertise in the study of institutions and decision-making processes, and they will have experience working with a variety of urban actors such as municipal governments, local community groups, private interests, and individuals. As such, we view this position as inherently multidisciplinary, local, and applied. The specific area of scholarship or policy issue is open, but potential topics might include urban homelessness, urban sustainability, mental health and addiction, veterans' health, or well-being of Indigenous Peoples in urban centers. Preference will be given to candidates with a commitment to cross-disciplinary work that can leverage MacEwan’s downtown location to establish and cultivate productive relationships with Edmonton’s urban communities.

In addition to establishing a research program, teaching, student mentorship, and curriculum development is expected. The successful candidate will teach courses in their area of expertise, housed in at least one of Anthropology, Economics, or Political Science, plus develop one new cross-disciplinary course for students in all three disciplines that employs a holistic approach to urban wellness. Contribution to university service will also be incorporated in the workload, including activities that build institutional capacity for wider engagement with Edmonton’s urban communities. The ability to involve undergraduate students in research or community service activities would be an asset. The position comes with a reduced teaching load in the initial years of the appointment.

The successful applicant will receive a full-time, probationary tenure-track position (at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor), which may be rooted in any of the three fields within the Department. Upon starting the academic appointment, they will work with the University to apply for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. For further information relating to a Tier 2 Chair, please see: https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx/#

The Department of Anthropology, Economics, and Political Science is well positioned to support the successful candidate in establishing relationships with members of the Edmonton urban community. Members of our Department have existing teaching and research relationships with a variety of groups outside the university, including RECOVER (the City of Edmonton’s Urban Wellbeing Initiative), the Canadian Department of National Defence, and MacEwan University’s Social Innovation Institute, which is a hub for experts and start-ups to connect with community partners to address needs and challenges.

Candidates with experience or interest in pursuing research on issues surrounding wellness of Indigenous Peoples living in urban environments will have many opportunities at MacEwan University. Edmonton has the second largest urban Indigenous population in Canada, and MacEwan University has many opportunities to connect with Indigenous communities across Alberta. MacEwan University recognizes that Higher Education has a significant and meaningful role to play in fulfilling the spirit and letter of the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) findings and calls to action. In addition, MacEwan University’s Indigenous Centre, kihêw waciston, is a home away from home for Indigenous students, faculty, and staff, and offers supports to gather, work, and grow in a community that honors the distinctive knowledge of Indigenous peoples.

Candidates will have:

• a PhD in Anthropology, Economics or Political Science (or related field)
• an active program of original, innovative, and productive research related to Urban Wellness, as investigated through a framework of Urban Policy and Governance
• experience teaching in a post-secondary institution, and a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and teaching dossier (including your teaching philosophy and recent teaching evaluations). The cover letter should indicate with which of the three disciplines (Anthropology, Economics & Political Science) the applicant’s teaching and research interests would best align. As an additional note from the Canadian Research Chair Program, “applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental, or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process.”

How to Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this exciting leadership opportunity, please apply online to our search partner, KBRS, by clicking the "Apply Now" button to submit your application. For more information, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca or Lauren Wright (lwright@kbrs.ca), or call 1.866.822.6022. Further information about the Department of Anthropology, Economics, & Political Science can be found at https://www.macewan.ca/academics/academic-departments/anthropology-economics-political-science/

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

Diversity Statement  

MacEwan University is committed to fostering the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion within our community, and we are dedicated to removing barriers that have been historically encountered and are currently experienced by some members of our society. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and members of all equity-deserving groups. We believe that the diversity of our students, staff, and faculty serve as a strength of our institution and benefit to society. We are committed to ensuring full and inclusive participation for all in our community.

Accessibility Statement

We strive to provide an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the hiring process. If you require accommodation, we want to ensure you have the support you need to showcase your abilities. Please contact humanresources@macewan.ca and we will support you to the best of our ability.

• Category: Tenure-Track; This position is included under the Faculty Association collective agreement.
• Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Closing Date: A review of applications will begin date of posting and continue until a suitable candidate is found
• Competition No.: To be determined

Personal Information Collection Notification

Personal information is being collected to determine your qualifications for employment. This information is collected, used and protected under the authority of and in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It may be provided to non-HR members of a hiring and interview panel if your application advances to that stage of the hiring process. If you have any questions about these arrangements, please contact: Human Resources, University Services Centre, Rm. 10-600, 10700-104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 4S2 or phone (780) 497-5434.