The Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is actively building a diverse, welcoming community and invites applications for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Learning Analytics and Learning Design with an effective start date of either September 1, 2018 or January 1, 2019.

The successful candidate will play an instrumental role in creating a synergy that can propel leading-edge research initiatives to identify and meet the challenges of enhancing student experience and retaining undergraduate students, and with the potential to contribute to the educational experience of students in the K–12 school system. The Chair will significantly enhance the Faculty of Education’s research strengths in learning design, educational technology, and learning science.

The Chair’s expertise in learning analytics will capitalize on in-hand and ambient big data generated throughout SFU’s present and future systems. The Chair will also contribute strong leadership to dedicated research and development of specialized online and blended delivery courses, transforming student experience, improving the learning environment, tailoring learning supports and interventions, and fostering academic success.

Applicants must present a profile of field-leading scholarship that is highly regarded nationally and internationally. The appointee is expected to make significant contributions to research, teaching, graduate student supervision and publicizing results of learning analytics and learning design research to the scholarly community, professional groups and the public. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs. Demonstrated experience in increasing diversity at the previous institutional environment is also an asset.

This position is contingent upon the applicant receiving a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. To meet the criteria of the CRC program, a Tier 1 nominee must be a full professor (or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination) with an outstanding publication record. Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidate must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Applicants who are more than 10 years from their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process; please see CRC website for eligibility details [1] or contact the Major Projects Office [2].

The Tier 1 Canada Research Chair is tenable for seven years and may be renewable for a second term. The Tier 2 Canada Research Chair is tenable for five years and may be renewable for a second term. Interested applicants are invited to review the initial appointment and chair renewal details of the CRC Program [3].

To apply, applicants should provide a complete curriculum vitae with details of research and teaching; scholarly record, funding and collaborations; two examples of refereed published scholarly work; and a concise research proposal (2-6 pages) along with the names and email addresses of six referees*. SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions can impact research achievements; candidates are encouraged to highlight how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them in their application. All applications should be submitted in separate files (Word or PDF) to educ_appointments@sfu.ca.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

The position is subject to the availability of funding and to final approval by the University Board of Governors and the CRC Secretariat.

The competition will remain open until the position is filled. Screening of applications will commence on May 10, 2018.

*Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University Academic Appointment Competitions will be collected. For further details see the Collection Notice at: http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/faculty_openings/collection_notice.html

[1] http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx

[2] https://www.sfu.ca/vpresearch/mpo.html

[3] http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx