Tenure Track Position in Black Studies

Tenure Track Position in Black Studies

The Department of English in the Faculty of Arts at Ryerson University in the city of Toronto on the territory of the Anishnaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position, at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning July 1, 2021, subject to final budgetary approval. The area of specialization is Black Studies with a focus on the media, literatures, and cultures of the African diaspora in any period or geographical location. Research and teaching expertise within the field of Black Studies might include, but is not limited to, Black activism and the Black Radical Tradition, Black popular cultures, Black childhood and youth cultures, Black genders and sexualities, theories of race and racism, and transatlantic and transnational Blackness.

Responsibilities will include the following: teaching and supervision at the undergraduate and graduate levels; contributing to the undergraduate and graduate programs, including participating in curriculum development as appropriate; establishing and maintaining an active and externally funded research agenda; and participating in the academic life of the Department of English, the Faculty, and the University.  

The successful candidate will have completed a PhD in English or a related field by the expected start date. Candidates who are all-but-dissertation (ABD) and are very close to completion may also be considered.

Applicants shall demonstrate the following:

• Research excellence through an active research program and scholarly achievements as evidenced by, but not limited to, peer-reviewed publications; working papers; public policy contributions; conference presentations; community, professional, and/or creative work; awards; external funding; and strong letters of reference. 

• Capacity for excellence in teaching at all levels of the undergraduate and graduate curricula, including curricular development, best practices in pedagogy that includes effective use of classroom technology and experiential learning, and an ability to supervise graduate students.

• Ability to contribute through collegial service to the life of the Department, the Faculty, and the University.  

• A commitment to Ryerson's values of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as they pertain to service, teaching, and scholarly research and creative activities, and an ability to make learning inclusive and accessible for a diverse student population. 

The hiring committee recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions. 

This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Ryerson Faculty Association (RFA) (www.rfanet.ca). The RFA collective agreement can be viewed here and a summary of RFA benefits can be found here.

Ryerson University

Serving a highly diverse student population of over 45,000, with 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning, and distinguished by a professionally focused curriculum with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities, Ryerson is a vibrant, urban university known for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and city-building through its award-winning architecture. 

Department of English

The Department of English offers undergraduate and Master’s programs. Our faculty take pride in the excellence of our research and the quality of our teaching. We are interested in candidates who will contribute to our existing research and teaching strengths by bringing innovative and diverse perspectives and experiences to the work.

Working at Ryerson

At the intersection of mind and action, Ryerson is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. At Ryerson and within our department, we firmly believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to this path; our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do. 

Dedicated to a people-first culture, Ryerson is proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer. We invite you to explore the range of benefits and supports available to faculty and their family, including access to our diverse faculty and staff networks. 

Visit us on Twitter: @RyersonU, @RyersonHR,and @RyersonECI, and our LinkedIn company page.

Ryerson is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. To find out more about legal and policy obligations please visit the accessibility and Human Rights websites.

Ryerson University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as a member of one or more historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including the following: those who self-identify as women, members of other visible minorities (racialized groups), First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black faculty, applications from qualified individuals who self-identify as Black peoples of African Descent (for example Africans and African heritage people from the Caribbean, Americas, Europe) are particularly encouraged.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal (click on “Start Application Process” to begin) by November 28, 2020. The application must contain the following: 

• a letter of application; 

• a curriculum vitae; and

• a 1 - 2 page statement of research interests.

Candidates who are selected for our long list will subsequently be asked to provide the following additional information: 

• 1-2 recent research publications;

• a teaching dossier; and

• names of three individuals who may be contacted for references.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations. Candidates must therefore indicate in their application if they are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.  

Contacts

Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Dr. Anne-Marie Lee-Loy, Chair, Department of English, at aleeloy@ryerson.ca. 

Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about working at Ryerson University are welcome to contact Tracey King, Indigenous Human Resources Lead at t26king@ryerson.ca. 

Black candidates who wish to learn more about working at Ryerson University are welcome to contact Dr. Melanie Knight, Faculty of Arts Advisor to the Dean on Blackness and Black Diasporic Education, at melanie.knight@ryerson.ca, or Nikki Waheed, Co-Chair, Black Faculty & Staff Community Network at nikki.waheed@ryerson.ca. 

For inquiries regarding the Faculty Recruitment Portal or any confidential accommodation needs for your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Renee Gordon, HR Advisor, at renee.gordon@ryerson.ca.