Assistant Professor of Francophone Literatures of the Global South (Brock Univ., Canada)

Brock University is inviting applications for a tenure-stream position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the following area:

Francophone Literatures of the Global South

The successful candidate will work closely with current faculty members of the department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (MLLC) at Brock University. In addition to developing and teaching courses in Francophone literatures of the Global South in French at the undergraduate level, the candidate will be expected to coordinate and teach existing French language core courses. The candidate will be expected to develop a high-quality, internationally recognized and externally funded research program that advances and improves the strategic priorities of the university. The successful applicant will also provide service to the university that supports EDID initiatives. Candidates for this position must possess a Ph.D. in the field of Francophone Studies or be near completion, and have native or near-native fluency in French. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience teaching Francophone literatures and cultures in French and research experience with a promising track record of academic excellence and publications.

Using diverse methodological and theoretical approaches from varying geographies and histories, the department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures promotes intercultural understanding and dialogue with our students. The department invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Francophone Literatures of the Global South (Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, the Mascarene Islands), at the rank of Assistant Professor effective July 1, 2024. 

The ideal candidate will: 

• have completed a Ph.D. in the field of Francophone Studies by the time of appointment (or be near completion);
• have demonstrated experience teaching Francophone literatures and cultures in French as well as experience teaching French language courses;
• possess a research profile with a track record of academic excellence and peer-reviewed publications in relevant journals;
• self-identify as Black through ancestry and lived experience as they are encouraged to share their Africanist worldview, culture, and values with students, colleagues, and the University community;
• state how they plan to make substantive contributions to diversity at the University.  

Additional knowledge in Creolisms and Creolization, and in Francophone Pacific literature will be considered an asset, as will any background in Africana Studies. 

The candidate will be expected to engage in a program of research/creation, participate in departmental affairs, and fulfill service commitments to the department and the University. Applicants should provide evidence of excellence in Black knowledge and/or artistic output, as well as potential for excellence in teaching and research. In addition to teaching Francophone literatures and cultures in French, the successful candidate will also be asked to coordinate multi-section French language courses at all levels. 

Brock University is a signatory of the Scarborough Charter and is committed to the development of Black academic excellence. Pillar 4 of Brock’s Strategic Plan focuses on sustainable representation – owing to the rapidly growing number of People of African descent attending Brock University – and creating a culture of inclusion within all Faculties.

To Apply:

Decisions will be made on the basis of excellence in research and teaching and meeting Departmental needs. Successful applicants will be expected to take up the position on July 1, 2024. The application process for the position should be submitted via the Workday online application system (note: file maximum of 5 MB per attachment upload) and should include the following (incomplete application packages will not be processed):

A cover letter (1-2 pages) that clearly addresses the requirements of the position. All applicants must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; or, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada” in their cover letter.
An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
A Research Statement (1-2 pages) covering their most important research contributions, future research plan and objectives, along with recent samples of academic peer-reviewed publications.
A Teaching Statement (2-3 pages) showing contributions to teaching and learning philosophy, including experience in curriculum development, experiential education, and practice of inclusive pedagogy, along with teaching evaluations from courses in the relevant field.
A Statement of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (1-2 pages) explaining practices and principles that the candidate enacts in pedagogy, research, and service.

Please arrange for three confidential signed and dated letters of reference on letterhead to be sent directly the to the chair of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, Dr. Carmela Colella at ccolella@brocku.ca by September 30, 2023.

All applicants to this cluster hiring opportunity must self-identify as Black in their cover letter. Because this opportunity is restricted to self-identified Black candidates, this self-identification information will be used for the purposes of screening candidates. Please note this information will be securely accessed only by member of the search committee and for the fulfillment of this cluster hiring initiative.

Complete applications that are received by September 30, 2023 will be given full consideration; however, review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries regarding these positions should be directed to the Chair, Dr. Carmela Colella (ccolella@brocku.ca). Please do not email application material to the Department. Although we appreciate all applications received, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The position is subject to final budgetary approval.

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About Brock University  

With a student population of more than 19,000, Brock is renowned for its exceptional campus experience and high level of student satisfaction. Brock offers 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees in six academic faculties and is home to world-class instructors and researchers making breakthroughs of all kinds each and every day. Founded in 1964 by the Niagara community, Brock remains a proud partner committed to improving the vitality of the region even as it extends its global reach.  

Our Geography 

Brock is located on a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. This unique region intersects Lakes Ontario and Erie and is home to nearly 500,000 residents. Brock is one of the region’s top employers, and is a significant contributor to the economic, intellectual and cultural fabric of the area. Niagara provides abundant recreation, cultural and lifestyle options and is just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area and the United States border. 

What We Offer  

Brock University offers competitive salary and benefits and ample support for research and sabbaticals. Research resources include; conference support, start-up funding, subscriptions to major databases and access to various research funding vehicles.  For candidates considering relocation, moving expenses will be administered according to the Brock University Faculty Association Collective Agreement.    

Our Commitment

Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application. LGBTQ is an umbrella category and shall be read to include two-spirited people. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups can fill out the Self-Identification questions included in the questionnaire at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employment Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment-Accommodation-Policy.pdf. Please advise: talent@brocku.ca  to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. 

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.