Description
Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (Research and Teaching)
The Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary invites applications for a full-time academic position (Research and Teaching focus) for a community-based researcher position who can support the University of Calgary's Strategic Plan: https://ucalgary.ca/about/ahead-of-tomorrow
The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (with tenure). The anticipated start date is January 2027 or a mutually agreed upon date.
This position can be based at the Faculty's Calgary or Edmonton campus.
The Opportunity
Faculty leadership or preparation for faculty leadership service will be a requirement of the position.
This academic role will work in a reciprocal, respectful manner with community to identify innovative approaches to practice. This academic will create diverse and inclusive pathways and spaces for marginalized groups or Indigenous peoples. They will engage in knowledge development, mobilization, and teaching approaches that honour diverse ways of knowing and forms of knowledge.
Those with experience in teaching and researching in one or more of the following areas are invited to apply:
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Leadership and Organizational Level Practice
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Clinical Social Work and Diversity
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Indigenous Worldview Research
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Africentric Worldview Research
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Clinical Social Work and Integrated Care
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Artificial Intelligence Impact in Social Work
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Mental Health
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Trauma
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Systems Change
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Social Innovation
Work will be expected to focus on long-term, sustainable, community-engaged, cross-sectoral research collaborations across systems to generate extensive impact towards reducing barriers to wellbeing and thriving.
This Faculty of Social Work position will provide an opportunity for a collaborative researcher to build academic knowledge, networks, and practical experience in human services, Indigenous worldview, mental health, justice, health, disability, and other systems, bringing knowledge into practical action. The researcher will secure funding to support community-engaged research partnerships nationally and globally. They will be expected to build trust and long-term credibility with the community, and to attract high-calibre social work students and highly qualified researchers interested in this work.
The position entails 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service. The teaching component includes BSW, MSW, and/or PhD courses. The service component includes service at the faculty, university, and professional levels.
The successful candidate will coordinate work with other UCalgary researchers and provide leadership. The work ranges from securing successful grants to donor stewardship for supporting an extensive, community-led, unified, and diverse Faculty of Social Work team.
The researcher's innovative and collaborative engagement with the community invites participatory action as an orientation for moving toward knowledge mobilization. An emphasis on service to society is necessary.
The successful candidate will dedicate most of their time to community-based research, leading the development and success of a vibrant and impactful knowledge translation team, attaining Tri-Council funding as principal investigator, submitting scholarly works to high-quality publications, developing impactful knowledge engagement activities, knowledge translation, teaching in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and providing service in the university and community as well as within the profession.
This position is for an exceptionally collaborative and impactful emerging or established scholar. This position provides an outstanding researcher the opportunity to establish, develop, and maintain an active research program in social work. This academic will expand the needed research area(s) and seek transdisciplinary collaborations across universities and with local, national, and international organizations and communities.
In addition to maintaining an active and funded research program, the academic will supervise graduate students, teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in their areas of specialization, and demonstrate leadership in service, collaboration and mentorship within the faculty, university, community and globally. This academic will also be expected to actively engage with the public and the media, respond effectively to critical events and processes, and facilitate meaningful engagement. As a visionary, collaborative leader, this person will build or hold an established, externally-funded research program focused on well-being, demonstrate success in teaching and graduate supervision, and build integrity with reciprocal community outreach and engagement.
Candidate Requirements
The primary role of academic staff in the Research Ranks is knowledge creation and knowledge transfer to improve social work practice.
The successful candidate will be appointed at either the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (with tenure). The rank will be determined by the selected candidate's eligibility for the role.
Appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor requires evidence or promise of original high-quality research and scholarship and future development as a scholar. In regard to evidence of promise, to be hired as an assistant professor (Research), an academic must demonstrate evidence of beginning work in each category:
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A publication record in impactful peer-reviewed journals.
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Demonstrated potential and evidence of securing ongoing external research funding as principal investigator.
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Evidence of excellence in teaching at a university level with an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate and graduate levels, and contributing to the ongoing development of curriculum.
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Evidence of professional activity and skill as well as knowledge, skills and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, anti-oppression and social justice.
Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor requires evidence of an established academic program of a calibre equivalent to national recognition by peers. It is expected that a record of high-quality research and scholarship suitable to social work has been achieved. Evidence of ability to obtain funding to sustain a research program is required. Evidence of teaching effectiveness and expertise, including a demonstrated ability to teach a variety of courses, design learning experiences, and recruit and supervise graduate students (Master's and PhD levels) is required. A satisfactory record of active involvement in university, professional or community service is expected.
Requirements for this position include:
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The candidate holds a PhD in social work. In exceptional circumstances, a PhD or doctorate in an interdisciplinary-related field may be considered. A highly experienced first-time faculty member with a scheduled PhD date of defense may be considered.
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Applicants will hold either a BSW or MSW and be eligible to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
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The successful candidate must have evidence of commitment to the areas of focus, as outlined above.
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The candidate will have evidence of past and potential excellence in family-serving sector research, participatory approaches, and knowledge exchange and mobilization.
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Evidence of excellence in teaching at the university level in diverse delivery contexts and unique delivery models at undergraduate and graduate levels is required.
Other required credentials include:
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A minimum of two to five years of full-time leadership and clinical practice experience in one of the above specified areas.
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Required to reside in Alberta full-time located in the region of one of our campuses.
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Knowledge, skills, and commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, pluralism, futures studies, and social justice.
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Evidence of excellence in team leadership.
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Expertise in leading innovation and design thinking relevant to translating new research into practice (the continuum from ideation, designing, piloting, and scaling).
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Skills linked to Indigenous approaches/ethical space, i.e. Indigenous approaches to mental health, justice or family wellbeing.
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Facilitation skills (as part of the process of building trust / authentic relationships), especially working with vulnerable communities (e.g. racialized communities) who have faced trauma.
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Knowledge and experience in working in relations with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, and civil society leaders.
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Research experience in addressing intersectional vulnerabilities with other sectors.
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Experience with systems transformation regarding social issues such as child protection, domestic violence, settlement, system integration, and people with disabilities.
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Capacity and willingness to engage institutions and donors to diversify funding for research and demonstration projects.
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An outstanding publication record in peer-reviewed journals for the stage of career.
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An outstanding track record of securing ongoing external research funds as principal investigator.
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Evidence of international-level influence.
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Service in University and Faculty committees.
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Evidence of excellence in contributing to ongoing curriculum development.
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Expertise and knowledge of clinical and systems support to families.
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Experience and knowledge in conflict resolution approaches that foster dialogue, address harm and promote accountability.
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Demonstrated success with building capacity and training highly qualified personnel, and providing early research mentorship to colleagues.
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Demonstrated advanced ability for graduate student (MSW Thesis and PhD) supervision.
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Experience in collaboration and sharing scholarship with community-based practitioners.
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Evidence of success in removing barriers to people achieving their full potential.
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An asset would be experience in developing training for the public in non-credit and credit offerings.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated the potential to engage outstanding students and future researchers, build individual and community capacity through local and global partnerships, and attract competitive research funding. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to ensure a transformational voice in policy based on research, and facilitate discussions regarding research, services, programs, and systems transformation.
The candidate will have deep knowledge of service systems, systems methodologies, and significant research experience in social work, social sciences, or social policy.
The University of Calgary adheres to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and strives to evaluate research impact responsibly and inclusively by explicitly considering discipline-appropriate methods for demonstrating the quality, significance, and societal impact of a broad range of research contributions.
Application Instructions
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online via the 'Apply Now' link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):
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Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
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Statement of research interests, accomplishments and vision (maximum 2 pages)
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A teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and an educational development plan)
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Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (maximum 2 pages)
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Statement of principles and values aligned with social work.
Questions may be addressed to:
Dr. Ellen Perrault, Dean, Faculty of Social Work, [email protected]
Applications are accepted until September 1, 2026.
Please indicate the rank at which you are applying for.
The University of Calgary recognizes that candidates have varying career paths and that career interruptions can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged but not required to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committees have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions, when assessing the candidate's research productivity.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' aa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of equity-deserving groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodation can be sent to the People & Culture Team ([email protected]).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)
The Faculty of Social Work
The University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work (FSW) is Canada's largest social work research school. The faculty operates with three campuses (Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge). The FSW is best known for spearheading community-based research and advancing transdisciplinary collaboration.
The FSW is committed to building strong connections with community partners, government organizations, other disciplines, academic institutions, students, and community colleagues. Accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, the FSW at the University of Calgary is an innovative social work faculty. The Faculty offers a strong practice and theory-based program that prepares students to be leaders in Social Work. With more than 1000 students currently enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs across Canada, the FSW recruits and retains a diverse and inclusive workforce that creates the future of social work.
The University's strategic plan entitled Ahead of Tomorrow - Strategic Plan 2023-2030 will position us to be a leading university for transformative change and action by:
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Increasing access to impactful and future-focused education.
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Harnessing the power of research and innovation.
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Locating the community at the centre.
The diversity of our scholars and staff reflects the University of Calgary's commitment to ensuring that all have a rightful place to learn and grow. Through our teaching, research, and community outreach, our values underpin this commitment to serving individuals and communities to flourish. We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity by cultivating an environment where people with various experiences, genders, interests, and talents feel welcome and supported.
The University has established the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning (http://www.ucalgary.ca/taylorinstitute), which supports the development of teaching excellence and scholarly activity.
To learn more about the Faculty of Social Work please visit https://socialwork.ucalgary.ca/
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
About Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, and offers a blend of large city amenities and natural beauty. Known as Canada's "Festival City," it balances a strong arts and culture scene with an extensive, 160-kilometer River Valley-the largest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America, nestled around a the North Saskatchewan River.
