Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Environmental Studies University
of Victoria
Assistant Professor -- Ian McTaggart-Cowan Professor in Biodiversity
Conservation and Ecological Restoration
The School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, invites
applications for a
tenure track position in the area of biodiversity conservation and
ecological restoration.
The appointment, effective July 1, 2009 will be made at the rank of
Assistant Professor.
Honouring the lifetime achievement of Ian McTaggart-Cowan, one of
Canada’s top
scientists and former Chancellor of the University of Victoria, we seek
an emerging
leader who can build our capacity in biodiversity conservation and
ecological
restoration. The successful applicant will demonstrate excellence in
ecological
conservation and restoration research, a capacity for interdisciplinary
work, a strong
commitment to undergraduate teaching and graduate supervision,
dedication to the
application of science in the service of human and ecological communities, a
commitment to conserving and restoring biodiversity in British Columbia,
and strong
communication skills. Endowment and university funding for this
tenure-track position
supports the rank of an entry level full-time Assistant Professor.
Dr. McTaggart-Cowan, now 98 years old, is a pioneer of conservation,
restoration and
wildlife management. As a Professor of Zoology at UBC, McTaggart-Cowan
established
the first vertebrate zoology program in Canada to study the biological
basis of wildlife
conservation. He has inspired generations of academics, supervising the
research of
more than 100 graduate students. Never satisfied to limit his influence
to the academic
sphere, Dr. McTaggart-Cowan played a key role in convincing the Canadian
government
to hire professional wildlife biologists for their wildlife programs. As
a public educator,
he adopted television in the 1960s, bringing environmental science into
the homes of all
Canadians. Through his long life he showed the value of careful
ecological research on
species and ecosystems at risk, and showed how this knowledge coupled
with broad
awareness and public support could translate into successful
conservation and
restoration programs.
A primary focus of the School of Environmental Studies is ecological
restoration. We
conduct research in a wide variety of terrestrial, freshwater and marine
ecosystems,
jointly offer (with the Division of Continuing Studies) the Restoration
of Natural
Systems Diploma program, professional training opportunities and the annual
Restoration Institute. We seek to expand what we do, and are open to
applications
from ecologists, conservation biologists and restoration ecologists who
find our
interdisciplinary academic approach and geographic location inspiring.
The School of Environmental Studies <web.uvic.ca/enweb/> is supported by two
additional pillars of scholarship: ethnoecology and political ecology.
With ecological
restoration these distinctive interdisciplines overlap thoroughly in our
teaching and
research programs, and combine in emerging areas of concentration such
as sustainable
food systems and energy systems. We are a relatively small group (8
full-time equivalent
faculty including the present position) and depend on close cooperation,
mutual respect
and camaraderie to flourish. Our new MA/MSc program launched in
September 2007
complements our long-standing undergraduate major/minor program.
Letters of application, CVs, and names (and contact information) of
three referees
should be sent via electronic means (.pdf) or hardcopy (mail or courier)
to Dr. Higgs at
the address below. Review of applications will begin on October 15th,
2008, but
applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Dr. Eric Higgs, Director
School of Environmental Studies
University of Victoria
B243 Social Sciences and Mathematics Building
3800 Finnerty Road
Victoria, BC
V8W 2Y2
Telephone: +1 250 472-4568
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The University of Victoria is an equity employer and encourages
applications from
women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal
Peoples, people of all
sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the
further
diversification of the University.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; in accordance with
Canadian
Immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be
given priority.
