Assistant Professor in Indigenous Information Studies (Research Stream)

Description

The University of British Columbia’s School of Information welcomes all eligible candidates to apply for the position of Assistant Professor in Indigenous Information Studies. The position is expected to commence as early as July 1, 2024.

We seek an innovative scholar and educator, with direct experience contributing to Indigenous information initiatives, to join our faculty. Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in Library & Information Studies, Indigenous studies, or a cognate area (e.g., Media Studies, Data Science, Human Geography, Human Computer Interaction, Interaction Design). Verifiable experience working on Indigenous-led information projects or programs (e.g., Indigenous data sovereignty; Indigenous/Tribal Librarianship; First Nations, Inuit, or Métis language stewardship; or repatriation initiatives), is required. The position will require subject expertise intertwined with the capacity to enliven this knowledge within classroom contexts. The holder of this position must be able to work with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, who align with a multiplicity of knowledge traditions, and share an interest in learning about and contributing to Indigenous Information Studies.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. in Information Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a cognate field. We welcome applications from candidates who are in the final stages of completion of a Ph.D. Preference will be given to candidates with the knowledge and ability to teach across more than one of the following areas: Indigenous information protocols, practices and legal systems, long-term stewardship of information within Indigenous communities or organizations; Indigenous data sovereignty; design of digital and/or land-based information and records systems for Indigenous communities; data analytics and data management and services in support of Indigenous peoples’ priorities. The ideal candidate will have:

• Established relationships with Indigenous communities or organizations, preferably in the geographic region of the Pacific Northwest of North America;
• A record of meritorious research products (quality over quantity);
• A demonstrated record of, or evident potential for, high quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Evidence of and a commitment to practicing with empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviors in their teaching, research, and service activities;
• Willingness to teach in a multi-disciplinary context with students, staff, and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds;
• A demonstrated capacity for community, professional and/or academic service.

The School of Information acknowledges that within higher education in Canada, traditional or conventional academic pathways can reinforce biases in the filling of faculty posts. We encourage applications that may not fit this mold and challenge our ideas of teaching, scholarship and research.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake an active program of original research, publication, and other knowledge sharing activities; to teach courses and undertake student supervision in Indigenous information studies at the graduate and potentially undergraduate level; and contribute to leadership and service initiatives within the School of Information. Other activities include student advising and membership of administrative committees as assigned by the director. As a member of our multi-disciplinary faculty contingent, the candidate will have the opportunity to develop their own specialized courses as well as to teach and adapt ongoing courses.

This is a tenure-track position in the Research Professoriate Stream and the successful candidate will be reviewed for reappointment, tenure, and promotion in subsequent years, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. We draw attention to the Collective Agreement’s language on evidence: “Evidence may include a diverse set of outputs outside the general norms of any given discipline, such as but not limited to curation or creation of artistic or cultural exhibits, significant oral dissemination of research, policy development, and community engaged scholarship under the ownership of Indigenous nations.” For a description of the rank Assistant Professor and the criteria for tenure and promotion, see https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/faculty-collective-agreement-and-policies.

School of Information

The School of Information hosts top-ranked professional graduate programs in Library and Information Studies and Archival Studies, a concentration in First Nations and Indigenous Information Studies, as well as an MA in Children’s Literature, a Doctoral Program, and an undergraduate program in Informatics. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the educational experiences of the next generation of researchers and professionals learning alongside Indigenous communities and organizations to support Indigenous peoples’ long-term aspirations, to develop and hone teaching expertise, and to build a strong research portfolio in a generative and supportive environment.

Equity and mutual respect are core values of the School of Information; we pay particular attention to the needs of marginalized and under-represented groups of people. As a School we are engaged in implementing UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) (https://isp.ubc.ca/) alongside the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the Scarborough Charter. We aspire to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school for faculty, staff and students of all backgrounds and identities.

The University and the Faculty of Arts

UBC has an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning. It is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally diverse cities. UBC-Vancouver’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, with whom UBC shares a Memorandum of Affiliation. For information relating to Indigenous engagement at UBC, visit http://indigenous.ubc.ca/.

Application materials

Applications are to be submitted before April 15, 2024, via this online form: https://lais.air.arts.ubc.ca/assistant-professor-in-indigenous-information-studies-research-stream/

Applicants should be prepared to upload in the following order and in a single PDF:

• Letter of application; A structured 2-page cover letter which addresses the following:
  • Summary of applicant’s most significant research contributions (1/4 page);
  • Description of the applicant’s ongoing work in support of Indigenous information initiatives and 3-5 year research plan (1 page);
  • Teaching and mentorship experience and statement (1/4 page);
  • Equity, diversity, and inclusion statement of the applicant’s contributions to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic, professional, or community contexts (1/4 page);
  • Summary of the applicant’s service commitments, including any outside the university setting (1/4 page).
• Curriculum vitae (no page limit).
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (i.e. sample syllabi, teaching evaluations, etc., no page limit)
• Name, title, and affiliation, and contact information of three references. Note, reference letters are not required with initial application material, but will be requested from candidates who are long-listed for the position.

Long-listed applicants will be asked to arrange for three confidential letters of reference to be sent directly by their referees via email to ischool.recruit@ubc.ca with the subject line “Assistant Professor Position in Indigenous Information Studies”. Short-listed candidates will be expected to travel for an on-campus visit.

In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

Enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Lisa Nathan, Chair of the Search Committee at: lisa.nathan@ubc.ca with the subject line: iSchool Indigenous Information Faculty Hire. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date are assured of full review.

This position is subject to final budgetary approval. The expected pay range for this position is $9,583 – $10,833/month. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Commitment to Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. UBC is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students, and is essential to fostering an outstanding work environment. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision- making modes. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed. Please contact Dr. Lisa Nathan, Chair of the Search Committee, via email at lisa.nathan@ubc.ca. To learn more about UBC’s Center for Workplace Accessibility, visit the website here https://hr.ubc.ca/CWA.