The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), which is located on the unceded land of the Mi’kmaq Nation, of the Wabanaki Confederacy, in the traditional district of Epekwitk, welcomes applications for a tenure-track position in Island Studies. This position builds on the growth of the Island Studies constellation at UPEI, one of the leading global sites for Island Studies scholarship, teaching, and public engagement. The academic interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) program has two options for students, a thesis track and a course and work-study track with specializations in Island Tourism, Sustainable Island Communities and International Relations and Island Public Policy. When the MAIS program is combined with the Institute of Island Studies (IIS), the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, and Island Studies Press, it creates a synergy that lives up to its vision, “To be the leading centre of excellence on issues related to island studies scholarship, public policy and engagement.” Both the MAIS program and the IIS play a pivotal role in Prince Edward Island (PEI) public policy formation, bridging the University and the community. They also serve as a hub for a network of island studies scholars and teachers throughout the world. 

The Position: We are looking for someone who will lead a dedicated group of faculty across UPEI to take Island Studies to the next level: locally, nationally and internationally. We are specifically looking for an individual who will be able to contribute to the scholarship and pedagogy associated with one or more of the following broad areas: climate change, governance, economy and/or culture. Promoting and coordinating the Island Studies academic program, which includes the MAIS program and the Minor in Island Studies, recruiting students, and teaching Island Studies courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels are essential parts of the position. This individual would also assume a leadership role at the Institute of Island Studies and would be expected to speak for both units within the University, with the province, and at international forums.

The successful candidate will be appointed to a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Salary will be determined according to rank and experience, as outlined in the Collective Agreement. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses that match up with one or more areas associated with the MAIS program and in the undergraduate Minor in Island Studies. This is a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to play a leadership role in Island Studies globally. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.  

Qualifications: Applicants must have a completed doctoral degree in Island Studies or a cognate discipline with a focus on Island Studies, a record of successful teaching, scholarly research and publishing, a proven ability to acquire research grants and contracts, and a demonstrated competence in coordinating and administering programs. As an interdisciplinary program, it is important that the successful candidate demonstrates the ability to strengthen collegial and collaborative relationships, and a capacity and interest to work across disciplines locally and globally. In alignment with the UPEI Strategic Plan, the successful candidate must be committed to providing programming and learning opportunities that enable our students to reach their full potential in both the classroom and the community. This includes the ability to provide strong mentorship and supervision for students in research.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should forward a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a teaching dossier (including prospective syllabi for an introductory course in Island Studies at the undergraduate level and a methodology course in Island Studies at the graduate level), a description of scholarly endeavours, and the names and contact information of three references to:

Dr. Edward MacDonald

Department of History and Classics

University of Prince Edward Island

550 University Avenue

Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3

Email: gemacdonald@upei.ca

Tel: (902) 894-2805

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.  

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. 

Review of applications will commence on September 3, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.