Assistant or Associate Professor and Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation

Faculty Positions Position Title / Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor and Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation College: College of Arts Department: OPEN Date Posted: April 1, 2024 Deadline: April 30, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is found Please reference AD #23-54 Position Description: The College of Arts at the University of Guelph invites applications for the position of Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (5-year term) at the rank of Assistant (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured). The position of Director will be renewable for a 2nd 5-year term following the normal review process. Candidates’ research will be based in the developing field of Critical Improvisational Studies with an open disciplinary specialty. The successful candidate will teach in the Institute’s graduate program and in the candidate’s home department (one of the School of Fine Art and Music, the School of Languages and Literatures, the Department of History, the Department of Philosophy, the School of English and Theatre Studies). Preference will be for a candidate who could also contribute to one of the College of Arts’ Interdisciplinary Programs, especially the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness or Culture and Technology Studies programs. The operation of the Institute will require the successful candidate to demonstrate significant experience in research administration. The appointment will commence on July 1, 2024. The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI) is a world-renowned research institute founded through a SSHRC Partnership Grant and hosted at the University of Guelph. IICSI’s mandate is to create positive social change through innovative scholarship, effective arts events and community-oriented activities. The Institute works with scholars, students, creative practitioners, and community partners to practice and study improvisation as a model for social change. This research has resulted in the development of new technologies for making sound; large-scale celebratory community gatherings; numerous publications, including hundreds of articles through the Institute’s peer-reviewed journal; workshops for youth; artists’ talks and academic conferences. The project team for the Institute includes more than 75 researchers and more than 65 community partners around the globe as well as several Student Research Assistants and core staff members. The Institute has key sites at the University of Guelph, Memorial University, McGill University, University of Regina, Carleton University, the University of British Columbia, Queens University (Belfast) and 17, Institute of Critical Studies (Mexico). The University of Guelph offers a PhD program in Critical Studies in Improvisation, borne from years of award-winning arts-based research and training by IICSI. Through study and experiential learning opportunities, students gain broadly applicable practical skills in research and project development, management and implementation, leadership, and collaboration. Required Qualifications: Demonstrated research excellence in Critical Studies in Improvisation and a PhD in a related field; a record of excellence in teaching and research; and a record of success managing a significant research program. Preferred Qualifications: The ability to teach in one of the following areas: The School of Fine Art and Music, the School of Languages and Literatures, the Department of History, the Department of Philosophy, the School of English and Theatre Studies, or in the College’s Interdisciplinary Programs, especially the Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness, or the Culture and Technology Studies program. The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our university community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues. Application Process Assessment of applications will begin on April 30, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials by email (preferably as a single PDF file): (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) evidence of research effectiveness such as samples or a portfolio of your work. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent under separate cover. Applications should be sent to the attention of: Dr. John Walsh Director School of Languages and Literatures (SOLAL) University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Email: coado@uoguelph.ca The University of Guelph is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs. The university supports diversity in its teaching, learning and work environments, and ensures that applications from underrepresented groups are seriously considered under its employment equity policy. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our university community are encouraged to apply, particularly those from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in employment. This includes scholars who are Black, indigenous, visible minorities, disabled, LGBTQ* and women. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position. The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them. At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution. If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.