Assistant Professor – The Sustainability Transition

Assistant Professor  – The Sustainability Transition – ENV-9141
Job Field: Sustainability
Faculty / Division: Faculty of Arts and Science  Department: School of the Environment 
Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto) 
Job Posting: September 17, 2021 
Job Closing: November 17, 2021

Description:

The School of the Environment in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the area of The Sustainability Transition. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, and will commence on July 1, 2022 or shortly thereafter. 

We seek candidates conducting interdisciplinary research on the social, economic, political, and technological transitions necessary for sustainability. Specifically, we seek candidates versed in science and technology studies, whose research investigates sociotechnical transitions, pathways to decarbonization, and societal changes required to promote sustainability. Candidates’ research must be related to investigating effective solutions for achieving just and sustainable societies, and the technological, socio-economic, institutional, political, and/or cultural change required to do so. We prefer candidates who have demonstrated the ability to build inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations that navigate the manifold interconnections between science and society.

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in Sustainability, Science, and Technology Studies, or a relevant disciplinary field in the social sciences by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated strong record of excellence in interdisciplinary research, and in teaching. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests compliment and strengthen our existing departmental strengths. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative research at the highest international level; to establish an outstanding, externally-funded, independent research program; and to contribute to the enrichment of both undergraduate and graduate programs at the School.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated by a record of publications in top-ranked and field relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be provided through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as strong letters of reference. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters. Candidates are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment demonstrated through the application materials.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching, and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates must therefore submit a brief (up to one page) statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups. 

The School of the Environment is an interdisciplinary hub within the Faculty of Arts & Science, running undergraduate and graduate programs in environment and sustainability. This position is part of a new research cluster at the School—the Technology-Society Nexus—focussed on how our changing relationship with technology can be both the source of environmental problems, and a source of innovation for sustainability solutions. The position will complement recent curriculum innovations at the School, including the launch of a new Certificate in Sustainability, which can be taken in conjunction with any undergraduate program in the Faculty of Arts & Science. The appointment will be held at the University of Toronto campus in downtown Toronto (St. George campus). Toronto is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, one of the most desirable in the world in which to work and live.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit a cover letter; a current curriculum vitae including a list of publications; a research statement outlining current and future research interests; a recent writing sample; a statement of contributions to equity and diversity (see details above), and a teaching dossier to include a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above.

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each once an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants, however, remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date.

Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Steve Easterbrook, Director of the School of the Environment (director.environment@utoronto.ca).

All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by November 17, 2021.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

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