Position Description

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Astrobiology

Division of Natural Science, Department of Science, Technology & Society, Faculty of Science, York University

The Division of Natural Science (NATS) in the Faculty of Science at York University invites highly qualified  applicants for a teaching stream tenure-track appointment in Astrobiology at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, to commence July 1, 2023.

NATS specializes in developing and delivering high quality undergraduate general education science  courses to non-science students. The successful candidate must demonstrate dedication to a teaching- focused position and will be expected to teach undergraduate general education science courses to non- science students. The successful candidate will be expected to provide creative leadership in enhancing  teaching and learning through curricular and pedagogical innovation.

Candidate Qualifications:

• PhD in Physical or Life Sciences, to be completed by the start of the appointment, with research  expertise in Astrobiology required. 

• Experience teaching Astrobiology and Life Science courses preferred. 

• Excellence, or clear potential thereof among early career scholars, in teaching university-level general education courses for non-science students, as evident in: the letter of application; teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovations including in high priority areas such as experiential education, technology enhanced learning and community-based learning; teaching evaluations; and letters of reference.   

• Strong commitment to pedagogy and student success, the capacity to bring a theoretical and practical orientation to general education teaching, learning and program design, and evidence of good judgment and a reflective approach to innovation in teaching. Experience with curriculum development and universal design approaches to teaching and assessment is preferred. 

• Clear record of, or potential for, service contributions through administrative and committee work. 

Hiring Policies:

• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.

• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous peoples in Canada will be given priority.

• York University has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities 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 Robin Metcalfe, NATS Director, srchnats@yorku.ca.

• 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 www.yorku.ca/acadjobs 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 this voluntary self-identification form.

Application Instructions:

• Due date for completed applications: December 1, 2022.

• Required components:
1. Cover letter outlining professional experience.
2. Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Concise teaching dossier (10 pages maximum) that demonstrates the applicant’s potential for excellence and innovation in teaching. The dossier may include elements such as sample course outlines, selected course materials, teaching evaluations, conference papers and publications relating to pedagogy, but it must be prefaced by a clear one-page statement that briefly outlines the applicant’s teaching philosophy and justifies the materials included in the dossier.
4. A brief description of a proposed astrobiology course for non-science students.
5. Name, title and contact information of three (3) professional references who can address the candidate’s qualifications and experience in relation to the position.
6. Candidates must also download, complete, and submit a Work Status Declaration Form. This is a mandatory form and no application will be considered without it.

• Submit all materials electronically to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22643

University Context:

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 is located in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and one of the world’s most diverse. In 2022, Forbes named Toronto one of the Ten Best Cities to Live. York is accessible from Toronto by subway.