Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Black Digital Geographies
Last updated: December 7, 2023, 1:20 p.m.
Job title: Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Black Digital Geographies
Position code: 23_C_GEOG_M
Date posted: October 27, 2023
Application deadline: January 8, 2024
Date revised: December 5, 2023
Advertised until: Position is filled
Position description
The Department of Geography, Planning and Environment in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Concordia University invites applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Black Digital Geographies, a research-intensive tenure-track faculty position.
We are seeking candidates who are dedicated to critical and creative scholarship and mentoring at the interface of Black studies and digital technologies, who work diasporically and across regions. Areas of expertise may include one or more of the following: artificial intelligence (AI), mis/use of algorithms, ethical and socio-legal implications of digital technologies, biometric technologies, monetization of personal data, digital policing, and data applications associated with criminal justice, border enforcement, militarization, public health, sustainability, and community-based development. The successful candidate will bring to this department a Black geographies perspective that will expand our understanding of the sociopolitical consequences—including risks and opportunities—associated with advances in digital technologies. Over the last eight years, a recognition of the importance of Black Studies has grown rapidly at Concordia. The successful candidate will have opportunities to build connections at the university level between present and future scholars interested in digital technologies and race/racism and collaborate with the interdisciplinary Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute which has a particular interest in the social dimensions of AI.
Qualifications and assets
Candidates must have completed their PhD in Geography or a related field. The successful candidate will provide evidence of an outstanding record of research and peer-reviewed publications and a demonstrated ability to attract substantial external funding for an evolving research program, taking into full consideration career stage, career breaks and special circumstances. The candidate will also have strong potential to attract high quality research students and trainees, for leadership, to achieve international recognition as required by the CRC Tier II program, and for excellent teaching and mentoring contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Candidates eligible for Tier II chair positions must be excellent emerging scholars within ten years of their highest degree at the time of nomination (exclusive of career interruptions). Potential Tier II candidates who are more than ten years from their highest degree should take note that certain career interruptions may still make them eligible for nomination. Potential candidates are encouraged to submit a formal justification by means of the Tier II Justification Assessment Form, which will be considered in the review of applications. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website for full program information, including further details on eligibility criteria and acceptable justifications to the extension of the eligibility term.
Notwithstanding the above and irrespective of their submission of a formal justification, candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals (such as the decision to have a family, eldercare, illness, and so forth) in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process. The Department values diversity among its faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic functions of the university, proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French, including reading and grading student work in French, is an asset.
How to apply
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applicants must include one of the following statements:
Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Application packages should be addressed to, Dr. Craig Townsend, Chair, Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, and must include a cover letter clearly identifying the title and position code (23_C_GEOG_M), a detailed curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, a research statement, an EDI statement, up to three publications, and the names and contact details of three referees. Applications should be submitted electronically to chair.gpe@concordia.ca, with a cc. to annie.pollock@concordia.ca, with the subject heading CRC Application, by January 8, 2024, but will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.
Concordia University is strongly committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and recognizes the importance of inclusion in achieving excellence in teaching and research. As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next‐Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their EDI statement how their background, as well as lived and professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society.
Possible examples to demonstrate a diverse experience may include, but are not limited to:
• teaching about underrepresented populations
• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds
• relevant community work and/or organizing work
• offering or organizing educational programming
• participation in training and workshops
All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.
Adaptive measures
Applicants who anticipate requiring adaptive measures throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead: anna.barrafato@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424 extension 3511.
The Department of Geography, Planning and Environment focuses on the processes and practices of human intervention in the environment, broadly understood. The department is a welcoming and highly interdisciplinary unit with human geographers, urban planners, and environmental scientists. Many of the geographers in the department study the social forces that shape and result from techno-scientific knowledges and practices. As well, several scholars research the interconnections between political economy and various forms of difference including race and racialization. Scholars in the department explore such interventions through studies of literature (geohumanities), cultural and political geographies, political economy, environmental justice, studies of human settlements, geospatial technologies, biophysical spaces, and more. The Department aims to create the conditions for research that engages multiple intellectual and political horizons and to foster the kinds of reflection and action required by the challenges of the present moment. The curriculum reflects a balance among theoretical, technical, and applied elements, and promotes critical thinking and environmental and spatial awareness and literacy. The Department aims to train professional geographers, environmental scientists, and urban planners, as well as to produce articulate and informed graduates who are committed to improving the quality and sustainability of the natural, human, and built environment.
At the undergraduate level the Department offers honours, specialization, and major programs leading to a BA in the Human Environment, Urban Planning or Urban Studies, and a BSc in Environmental and Sustainability Science or Environmental Geography. In addition, we offer minor and certificate programs in Geospatial Technologies. At the graduate level the Department offers a PhD and MSc in Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies and a Diploma in Environmental Assessment and Masters in Environment: Environmental Assessment.
The Faculty of Arts and Science is the largest faculty at Concordia. Through our 27 departmental units and our several research centers, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment, where knowledge generation and innovation thrive in the Humanities, the Social and the Natural Sciences. We have a strong tradition of connection with communities. Our research and creative activities are both disciplinarily grounded as well as resolutely interdisciplinary and interconnected. Our scholars tackle the complex issues facing our world globally and locally. Our teachers activate students to make an impact. Our students challenge conventional ways of thinking and doing.
Our research activity is funded by Tri-Council agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), from the FRQ (FRSQ, FQRNT, and FQRSC), as well as national and international funding bodies, both public and private. Our academic communities develop and utilize cutting-edge pedagogical tools and strategies with an emphasis on experiential learning to teach within and across boundaries.
For more about the Faculty of Arts and Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/artsci.
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of Indigenous, local, and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.
“Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.
Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to reconciliation, research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.
Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, is exceptional; safe, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather and conduct our activities. With a population of 1.7 million, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.
The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is the one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.
Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.
The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.
Territorial Acknowledgement
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Employment Equity
Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.
Immigration Status
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applications must include one of the following statements:
Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
