Queen’s National Scholar in Black Religions – Queen’s University

Religion – Queen’s National Scholar (Black Religions)

Queen’s University

Location: Ontario
Date posted: 2021-04-13
Advertised until: 2021-05-15

The School of Religion at Queen’s University invites applications for a Queen’s National Scholar (QNS) position in Black Religions. The position is a full-time tenure track/tenured position at the Assistant Professor or early Associate Professor rank with a preferred starting date of July 1, 2021. The QNS in Black Religions is one of five QNS being recruited this year in support of Queen’s interdisciplinary Black Studies program and planned BA Minor/General in Black Studies. Further information on the Queen’s National Scholar Program can be found on the website of the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) at: https://www.queensu.ca/vpr/prizes-promotions/national-scholars-program.

Applicants must self-identify as Black persons, including those from Africa or of the African diaspora (e.g. African and Africa descended people from the Caribbean, North America, Europe, or Latin America).

Any geographies or area of specialization in the religious cultures, traditions, theologies, practices, and spiritualities of African descendants in the Atlantic world are welcome, such as Canada, America, Latin America, the Caribbean and their diasporas. These can include but are not limited to Christianity, Islam, West African and Caribbean traditions and spiritualities, Black diasporic traditions and spiritualities, other modes of pietistic, indigenous, and spiritual orientations and their various intersections in Black experience. Interdisciplinary, anti-racist, queer, feminist (gender/sexuality), anti-colonial and de-colonizing approaches are all encouraged. We also welcome applicants whose research exists at the nexus of social justice, activism, and artistic/creative scholarship. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute curriculum relevant not only to the offerings in Religious Studies, such as undergraduate and graduate courses in Black Religions and Religious Studies theory and methods, but also to the planned BA Minor/General in Black Studies and its core course(s).

As a Queen’s National Scholar, the ideal candidate will clearly demonstrate three main attributes:

-Excellence in providing rich and rewarding learning experiences to students;
-Excellence in developing innovative, collaborative or interdisciplinary research programs that align with Queen’s priorities; and
-A demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and

Further information on teaching and research priorities at Queen’s is available in the Queen’s Academic Plan, found via: https://www.queensu.ca/strategicplanning/academic and the Queen’s Strategic Research Plan, found via: https://www.queensu.ca/strategicplanning/research.

Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree completed at the start date of the appointment. The main criteria for selection are academic and teaching excellence. ABDs will be considered only with scheduled defense dates. The successful candidate will provide evidence of high quality scholarly output that demonstrates potential for independent research leading to peer assessed publications and the securing of external research funding, as well as strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and an ongoing commitment to academic and pedagogical excellence in support of the department’s programs. Candidates must provide evidence of an ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and student-centred environment. The successful candidate will also be expected to make contributions through service to the department, the Faculty, the University, and/or the broader community. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Queen’s University has developed a special program, as described by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, in connection with the search to fill this position.

This opportunity is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as Black persons, including those from Africa or of the African diaspora (e.g. African and Africa descended people from the Caribbean, North America, Europe, or Latin America). Recognizing the intersectionality of identities within Black communities, applications from Black candidates who also, for example, identify as women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons are welcome. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

To comply with federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information as to how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada.

Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

In addition, the impact of certain circumstances that may legitimately affect a nominee’s record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee’s research productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.

Include the following in your application by May 15, 2021 as PDF documents addressed to Adnan A. Husain, Director, Queen’s School of Religion, at school.of.religion@queensu.ca :

-A cover letter (including one of the two statements above regarding Canadian citizenship/residency status)
-A current Curriculum Vitae which includes a comprehensive list of publications, awards and grants received
-Samples of scholarly and/or creative publications
-A statement of current and prospective research interests in academic/creative scholarship
-A teaching dossier including a statement regarding teaching experience and interests, sample course syllabi, and student evaluation
-A statement of experience with, and commitment to, facilitation and promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion; and,
-A minimum of three letters of reference, preferably from more than one university or other appropriate institution, at least one letter must be at arm’s length. Reference
letters should be dated, and include the referee’s name, position, department, institution, email address and telephone number, the name of the nominee, and the period of time and the capacity in which the referee has known the nominee; sent directly to Director, Queen’s School of Religion, Adnan A. Husain, at school.of.religion@queensu.ca.

People from across Canada and around the world come to learn, teach and carry out research at Queen’s University. Faculty and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, long term disability insurance, life insurance and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. You will also participate in a pension plan. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying employees, their spouses and dependent children. Queen’s values families and is pleased to provide a ‘top up’ to government parental leave benefits for eligible employees on maternity/parental leave. In addition, Queen’s provides partial reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for employees with dependent children in daycare. Details are set out in the Queen’s-QUFA Collective Agreement. For more information on employee benefits, see Queen’s Human Resources.

Additional information about Queen’s University can be found on the Faculty Recruitment and Support website. The University is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Kingston’s residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and creative opportunities. Visit Inclusive Queen’s for information on equity, diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives.

The University will provide support in the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities and strives to accommodate accessibility needs. Please contact the Director, Adnan Husain, at school.of.religion@queensu.ca, if you require accommodation during the application or interview process.

Academic staff at Queen’s University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA), which is posted at http://queensu.ca/facultyrelations/faculty-librarians-and-archivists/collective-agreement and at http://www.qufa.ca.

Appointments are subject to review and final approval by the Principal. Candidates holding an existing tenure-track or continuing-adjunct appointment at Queen’s will not be considered.