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Continuing and Term Faculty

Teaching Faculty Lecturer in International Security, Defence & Diplomacy, with support for the NATO Field School

The Department of Political Science invites applications for a continuing Lecturer position in International Security, Defence and Diplomacy. The candidate will provide teaching and support to the NATO Field School (NFS) and teach introductory courses in Political Science and courses in their areas of expertise. The position will start when filled; preferred starting date is January 2025.

We seek candidates who have a strong background in International Security, Defence, and/or Diplomacy, as well as outstanding teaching skills in a diversity of classroom settings. Relevant experiences in experiential learning (hands-on learning, field exercises, summer schools, simulations, case studies, role-play exercises, peer group learning, etc.) are an asset.

Duties

The successful candidate will collaborate with the NFS Director in preparing and teaching the NFS. The NFS is a growing teaching and engagement endeavour with an emphasis on professional placement of its graduates.

In Political Science, the standard course load for lecturers is eight courses per year. The Collective Agreement stipulates that teaching faculty are to be released from their teaching duties one out every nine terms. This position will likely be paired with an additional role – involving logistical and administrative tasks to support the NFS – that will reduce the overall teaching load based on the level of support.

The NATO Field School and Simulation Program is an intensive political science experience that combines coursework with experiential learning. As one of the lead instructors, you are expected to:

• Act as a liaison between SFU and NATO, working closely with the Director. 
• Accompany and guide students during their field school experience
• The NFS is held in Europe every summer. The candidate will be expected to travel for up to eight weeks per year in summer to support the field school.
• Help to set up the logistics and with recruitment and financial reporting for the field school.
• Teach courses and prepare lectures relevant to the topic.
• Set up simulations and other exercises to help students prepare for the field school.

Required Qualifications:

• The chosen candidate must hold a PhD in Political Science or in a related field, with research and/or teaching experience in Defence, Diplomacy, and/or International Security. Candidates with firm defence dates by December 2024 may be considered.
• Candidates should have demonstrated teaching experience and potential for teaching excellence

Desirable Qualifications:

The following attributes will be considered as additional assets for the position:

• Academic expertise in at least one of the following areas: NATO; international institutions; interstate conflict, diplomacy and negotiations; North American security and defence; Indo-Pacific security and defence; alliances and multilateral security cooperation; interstate conflict, Canadian foreign policy; cyber information warfare and artificial intelligence
• Teaching experience in experiential and engagement courses, including field schools and security simulations for university students
• Professional experience in defence, diplomacy or international relations
• Related publications
• Teaching experience in large classes introductory classes particularly introductory courses in International Relations and Political Science

Candidates must submit the following documents in a single PDF to pol_apply@sfu.ca:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching portfolio demonstrating teaching excellence in experiential learning and simulations and discussing candidate’s approach to equity, diversity and inclusion
• List of three possible referees, to be contacted if the candidate is short-listed

Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by September 5, 2024, however, we will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to have three letters of reference forwarded directly to the department via email at pol_apply@sfu.ca

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $98,340 to $114,241.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment 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, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, 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.

SFU is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive universities in Canada and was recently ranked in the top 50 in the world for engaged research. The Department of Political Science at SFU has a growing number of faculty in diverse fields and is strongly supportive of faculty members’ strengths, interests, and career progress. The department strongly believes in methodological pluralism. More information about the department and the university can be found on our website: http://www.sfu.ca/politics.html. The campus is located on Burnaby Mountain in Greater Vancouver. Vancouver is a scenic waterfront city located minutes from the mountains and a wide range of outdoor activities. It has a reputation as a clean, safe, multicultural, and ethnically diverse city and is one of the very top cities in the world in which to live and work.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This position is subject to the availability of funding.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.

Please submit all inquiries and application materials to pol_apply@sfu.ca