Tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in North American Archaeology

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The Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University invites applications for one tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in North American Archaeology beginning July 1, 2025, subject to budgetary approval.

The Archaeology and Heritage Studies program covers a broad spectrum of archaeological work across the globe, with particular focus on North America, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, in addition to specialization in subfields such as bioarchaeology. The program is recognized for its academic excellence with many graduates going on to world-class graduate programs in archaeology, museum studies and related fields, and careers in all parts of the world. Archaeology and Heritage Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University is also renowned for its experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. It is the only undergraduate Archaeology program in Ontario that has mandatory field courses, and undergraduate students can gain additional hands-on learning experience through faculty-led research, the Laurier Work Study program, and volunteer opportunities in our laboratories.

Archaeology and Heritage Studies is seeking a scholar with a research specialization in the archaeology of North America, with a preference for focus on the region of Ontario. The successful candidate will be doing innovative research and have a demonstrated excellence in teaching. Research specialization is open and could include, but is not limited to, bioarchaeology, landscape archaeology, environmental archaeology, material culture studies, archaeological science, pre- or post-colonial North America, public archaeology, cultural resource management, and so on. As an effective teacher and active participant in the program, the successful candidate will help address the strategic priorities of the program. This includes developing and expanding on existing experiential learning opportunities for students, and engaging with scholars from other programs, departments and faculties at Wilfrid Laurier University. The successful candidate will teach 4 courses during the academic year (2 each in the Fall and Winter semesters) and contribute to the service needs of the Department.

The successful candidate will be a strong scholar with a promising record of research whose work engages with material culture, Indigenous heritage, and archaeology that complements the existing strengths and priorities of the department. Preference will be given to candidates whose research focus is on the archaeology and heritage of Ontario and who have active field work opportunities that would be available to Laurier undergraduates. The successful candidate will be able to teach a selection of existing courses at the undergraduate level.

The department recognizes that Wilfrid Laurier and its campuses are located on the Haldimand Tract, traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee people. Aligned with Laurier’s Action Plan for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Indigeneity (https://www.wlu.ca/about/discover-laurier/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/index.html), the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies is strongly committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in our hiring process and consideration of candidates with lived experience. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from diverse and equity-deserving groups to apply.

Qualifications:
• Required: PhD in Archaeology, Anthropology, or a Related Discipline (in hand as of July 1, 2025)
• Required: Postsecondary Teaching Experience
• Preferred: Archaeology and Heritage of Ontario

Applicants should submit:
• Cover letter (addressed to Dr. Scott Gallimore, Chair, Archaeology and Heritage Studies)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (1-2 pages)
• Statement of teaching effectiveness (1-2 pages)
• Teaching dossier or other teaching evidence (e.g., 1-2 examples of course syllabi, selection of course evaluations). Maximum 30 pages.
• Sample of publication or work in progress
• References from three individuals who can speak to the candidate’s teaching, research, and service potential to be confidentially addressed to [email protected]

WHERE TO SUBMIT
Electronic submission of applications will only be accepted through Laurier’s online career portal (https://careers.wlu.ca/job/Waterloo-Tenure-Track-Assistant-Professor-in-North-American-Archaeology-ON/729411847/) until March 15, 2025.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at [email protected]. Candidates from other equity deserving-groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity and Accessibility at [email protected].

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenships; however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

Yes, I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
No, I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to Dr. Sofie Lachapelle, Dean of Arts ([email protected]). Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html

Applicants are encouraged to address any career interruptions or special circumstances that may have affected their record of research and teaching, in accordance with SSHRC and NSERC definitions and guidelines. To obtain a copy of this job description in an accessible format, please contact [email protected].

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