Job Title: Assistant Professor (10 mo CLT)- Vertebrate Diversity
Location: Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Job Type: Faculty
Description: Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Assistant Professor – Vertebrate Biology
Contractually Limited Term
Position #: 20110
Acadia University and the Department of Biology acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw Nation. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, first signed by the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkatiyik, and the British Crown in 1726. These treaties did not implicate or affirm the surrender or transfer of land to the British, but recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations. As an educational institution, we are continually learning more about how we can deeply engage and move forward the work of truth, reconciliation, and equity. Biology faculty and staff are grateful to live and work in Mi’kma’ki. We recognize that without action, an acknowledgment is empty. It marks the beginning of the work ahead of us, not the end.
Acadia University is recognized as one of Canada’s premier undergraduate institutions. Academic innovation and a personalized learning environment have garnered the university a reputation for success. Acadia is located in the Town of Wolfville, offering a small-town setting with a relaxed lifestyle and outstanding cultural and recreational opportunities. With a progressive commitment to sustainability, the region offers locally crafted artisan food and beverage with many communities embracing organic, fair trade, and farm-to-table ideals. We are located in the Wabanaki-Acadian forest region and near the Bay of Fundy, with some of the world’s highest tides. Halifax, which is only 50 minutes from Wolfville, provides a wide variety of opportunities and connections academically and commercially in terms of research.
The Department of Biology invites applications from candidates with expertise in vertebrate biology for a Contractually Limited Term Assistant Professor position for the period of August 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.
We are searching for an outstanding biologist who is passionate about vertebrate biology, diversity,
and evolution. Primary teaching responsibilities include BIOL 1123 Organisms and their Environment 2 (lectures), BIOL 3113 Vertebrate Diversity (lectures), BIOL 4123 Mammalogy (lecture and lab) and BIOL 4163 Ornithology (lecture and lab). The successful applicant is expected to have or to develop a working knowledge of the tetrapod vertebrates of the Maritime region.
Applicants must have a PhD in Biology or a closely related field, with expertise in the biodiversity of tetrapods. The department is particularly interested in an individual with a strong interest in teaching. Evidence of quality teaching can include, but is not limited to, a statement of teaching philosophy, positive endorsements from referees, student surveys if available, and/ or demonstrated performance in other teaching related activities, including student supervision and mentoring. Applicants are asked to provide evidence of relevant scholarly activity (e.g., research, professional work, etc.) and contributions to the candidate’s discipline or profession, including previous contributions to a university, professional organization or community, if available.
The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments on campus with ~400 majors and ~ 30 Masters students. Undergraduate teaching is a primary focus of the department, and we prioritize experiential learning with hands-on labs, fieldwork, and individualized learning opportunities. Masters, Honours and research-based courses integrate teaching and research throughout our program, and our diverse course offerings support students interested in a wide range of careers. Acadia University is associated with several field stations, including The Evelyn and Morrill Richardson Field Station on Bon Portage Island at the southwest tip of Nova Scotia. Biodiversity-related facilities on campus include the Biology Wildlife Museum which holds an extensive collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens. For additional information on the Department of Biology, please visit: https://biology.acadiau.ca/home.html. As outlined in the 17th Collective Agreement between the Faculty Association and the University Board of Governors, Acadia faculty receive a range of benefits, including extended health and dental benefits to complement the public system, relocation expenses, and professional insurance and registration fees. For further information on salary and benefits, please see the 17th Collective Agreement.
Qualifications:
• PhD in Biology or closely related field.
How to Apply: Candidates are asked to submit their application in a single PDF document to Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged via email. Applications should include the following:
- position number (include in the subject of the submission email)
- a cover letter describing how the applicant meets the criteria for appointment
- curriculum vitae
- a statement on teaching philosophy
- a statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching and mentoring
- evidence of teaching, as described above
- the names and contact information for three individuals who may be contacted for references, if short-listed
- application should be addressed to:
Dr. Glenys Gibson
Acadia University
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6
Email: Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca
Acadia University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, candidates eligible to work in Canada shall be given priority. The University encourages applications from Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous Peoples; African Canadians; African Nova Scotians; persons with disabilities; racialized groups; women; persons of any minority sexuality, minority gender identity, or minority gender expression; and all intersections of these identities. Acadia embraces the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental in creating an expansive academic environment and champions diverse knowledge systems as pillars of academic excellence.
All applicants are required to submit an online Employment Equity Self-Identification Form as part of their application package. Failure to complete the form by the closing date will result in the disqualification of your application.
Closing Date: May 20, 2026
Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members.
The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Lisa Taul (lisa.taul@acadiau.ca).
Application Email Address: Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca
Company Name: Acadia University, Department of Biology
Application Close Date: May 20, 2026