The Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a tenure- stream faculty position in the field of First Nations Language Documentation, Conservation, and Revitalization. Appointment at an advanced rank (Associate Professor or full Professor) will be considered, and candidates with experience in institutional collaboration with Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment in a discipline directly relevant to the documentation, conservation, and revitalization of endangered languages, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge systems; a record of or clear potential for excellent research, teaching, publication, and student supervision; a strong commitment to mentoring Aboriginal students and community practitioners and teachers; and a history of success in ethical engagement and respectful collaboration with Aboriginal communities, organizations, and institutions. Experience in curriculum development for and/or the teaching of endangered languages would be an asset, as would expertise in computational methods for database analysis and archiving.

The successful candidate will be expected to have an active program of research, a deep understanding of pedagogy in diverse contexts, and a commitment to service at and beyond UBC. The position involves: teaching in the core curriculum of the First Nations Languages (FNLG) program to both UBC students and community participants; a commitment to capacity-building pedagogy and the development of additional curriculum; the mentoring and research supervision of students and community practitioners; and the ability to compete successfully for funding opportunities for First Nations language documentation and sustainability initiatives, especially those supporting community capacity-building in research skills, language fluency, and pedagogical applications. Responsibilities entail close collaboration with the Language and Culture Department of the Musqueam Indian Band under the established terms of the UBC-FNLG protocols, as well as liaison with other programs and initiatives at UBC related to Indigenous peoples, and liaison with other post- secondary institutions, endangered language organizations, and community-based initiatives provincially, nationally, and internationally. In addition to these essential responsibilities, the successful candidate will be responsible for the administrative context of the program.

For more information about the First Nations Languages program, please consult the web site at: http://fnlg.arts.ubc.ca. For information about UBC’s Aboriginal Strategic Plan and the broader context for Indigenous studies at UBC, please visit: http://aboriginal.ubc.ca.

The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2013, or as soon as possible thereafter, and is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The First Nations Languages program is an interdisciplinary program: faculty will also be appointed in a department of disciplinary specialization. Appointment structure is flexible, with primary responsibilities within FNLG, but open to graduate teaching and student supervision in the department.

The University of British Columbia hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will, however, be given priority.

Please include with your application:
• a letter of application;
• curriculum vitae;
• a publication (or manuscript) related to your endangered language research; • a sample of your language teaching materials if available;
• evidence of teaching effectiveness, including evaluations if available;
• names and contact information for 4 academic references;
• names and contact information for 2 other references who can address your effectiveness in community engagement.

Applications should be directed to:
Geraldine Pratt, Associate Dean
FNLG CHAIR Search Committee
c/o Judy Barry
Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, UBC Buchanan A240 - 1866 Main Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z1 Canada
http://www.arts.ubc.ca/

Review of applications will begin February 19, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.