Faculty Positions

Position Title / Rank: Human Dimensions of Digital Technology and Big Data in Environmental and Resource Management

Department: Geography

College: College of Social and Applied Human Science

Deadline: March 1, 2017

Position Description:

The Department of Geography at the University of Guelph invites applications for an Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) in the human dimensions of digital technology and big data. This position will build on our existing strengths in food security, environmental governance, and energy transitions and extend departmental research and teaching proficiencies into the human geographies of the information age.

The successful candidate will be a social science scholar whose research examines intersections among digital technology, big data and analytics, society, and the environment. Application packages should illustrate potential to advance understanding of how digital technology and big data transform or reinforce interactions among communities, economic sectors, firms, government and government agencies, and/or consumers. Applicants whose research thematically focuses on environmental and/or food systems will be prioritized.

Possible research and teaching foci may include (but are not limited to): adoption and diffusion of digital technology and big data in natural resource management or agricultural harvesting (e.g., ‘smart’ agriculture, satellite monitoring technology in fisheries); economic, political, and ethical implications of digital technology and big-data across multiple scales (e.g., conservation-motivated surveillance at the global, landscape, and village/farm levels); development and implementation of digital technology and big data by transnational corporations across food and resource commodity chains (e.g., transportation logistics and consumer analytics); potential for digital technology and big data to restructure labour and labour relations in resource and agricultural sectors and/or to re-center power relative to rural people and places (e.g., mechanization/offshoring in food or resource processing; specialized genetic or cultivation techniques that allow production for high-end niche markets); and, digital technology and big data use by non-governmental organizations and/or community groups in environmental and food security campaigns (e.g., campaign-related social media and/or mobile apps etc).

The successful candidate must have a PhD in Geography or a related discipline, an established record of scholarly research, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching. The appointee will be expected to: contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching programs; advise graduate students; develop a strong, externally funded research program; and serve on departmental, college and/or university committees.

An application, including a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees, should be submitted electronically no later than March 1, 2017 to Dr. Janet Mersey, Acting Chair, Department of Geography, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1 care of Jennifer Beehler (jbeehler@uoguelph.ca).

The Department of Geography at the University of Guelph has developed a reputation for outstanding research, innovative curriculum and teaching, dedicated service to the community and discipline, and collegiality. We are home to two Canada Research Chairs (one of whom is a Trudeau Fellow), a 2013 SSHRC Gold Medal Professor Emeritus, and multiple teaching award winners. For more information about the Department, see www.uoguelph.ca/geography. For information about joining the University and life in Guelph, see www.uoguelph.ca/facultyjobs/ .

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Guelph acknowledge the Attawandaron people on whose traditional territory the University of Guelph resides and offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.