Acadia University is recognized as one of Canada’s premier undergraduate institutions. Academic innovation and a technology-rich teaching and learning environment have garnered the university a reputation for excellence. Our progressive workplace is located only one hour from Halifax in Nova Scotia's beautiful Annapolis Valley – a small-town setting offering an affordable lifestyle, outstanding recreational opportunities, internationally acclaimed restaurants, a healthy economy, and the best weather in the Atlantic Provinces.

This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which the Mi’kmaq, Wəlastəkwiyik, and Peskotomuhkatiyik Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1726. These treaties did not implicate or affirm the surrender or transfer of land to the British but recognized Mi’kmaq title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations. Acknowledging the land that we are on, means that we are working towards decolonization across campus. 

Faculty of Pure and Applied Science

Department of Physics

Assistant Professor Contractually Limited Term Position 
Position #21003 CLT 10 months

The Department of Physics invites applications for a 10-month, contractually limited term (CLT) position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 1, 2026 and continuing to May 31, 2027.

The Department of Physics offers BSc and BScH degrees in Physics. We are a small but engaged faculty and have excellent theoretical and experimental research and teaching programs. 

The Department is seeking a dynamic colleague who is able to work effectively with a variety of learners in a range of courses from specialized small senior undergraduate courses to more general large elective courses.  Courses taught may include Astronomy, Quantum Mechanics, and Classical Mechanics, but specific teaching and related duties will be decided in consultation with the successful candidate.  Applicants should provide evidence of performance and potential as a teacher, which can include past teaching experience, demonstration of teaching effectiveness, examples of innovative approaches to teaching, supervision of students, and ability and potential to participate in and contribute to the department's programming and initiatives. Teaching experience in a mix of lecture, laboratory, and community settings will be considered an asset. 

Applicants should also show evidence of demonstrated or developing scholarly activity, including, but not limited to, research and publications. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of, or potential for, producing high quality peer-reviewed research in Physics or Astronomy. Contributions to community-based research will also be considered.  We are seeking a colleague who is able to mentor undergraduate student researchers within our Honours and Major programs.

The successful applicant will also contribute to the service activities of the department, and should indicate previous service contributions, including course and program development, outreach, committee participation, or related activities, as well as any contributions to the discipline in a wider context. 

Experience outside of academia will be taken into account when assessing candidates. Early career researchers are encouraged to apply.

As outlined in the 17th Collective Agreement between the Faculty Association and the University Board of Governors, Acadia faculty receive a range of benefits, including extended health and dental benefits to complement the public system, relocation expenses, and professional insurance and registration fees. For further information on salary and benefits, please see the 17th Collective Agreement.

Academic Qualifications: 
Applicants must hold or be about to complete a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.

How to Apply: Candidates are asked to submit their application in a single PDF document to Faculty.Careers@AcadiaU.ca. Receipt of the application will be acknowledged via email. Applications should include the following:

• The position number 21003 (included in the subject of the submission email);
• A cover letter. In their cover letter candidates should describe how their experience is pertinent to Acadia and to this position. Specifically, the letter should clearly describe the applicant’s expertise, experience, and positive performance related to both teaching and research. The letter should also include evidence of the applicant’s experience in internal and external service activities, and their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• An up-to-date CV;
• Proof of academic qualifications (i.e. a copy of the highest degree); 
• A list of additional qualifications (i.e. professional training, career development activities etc.);
• A teaching dossier demonstrating past experience and teaching approach (4 pages maximum);
• A research dossier demonstrating existing contributions and a plan for pursuing research at Acadia (4 pages maximum); and
• Any additional documents that would provide information on the factors outlined above;
• The names and email/phone contact information of three references at least one of whom can speak directly about the applicant’s teaching (referees will be contacted soon after the closing date if the applicant is short-listed.)

Applications should be addressed to:

Anna Kiefte, Chair of the Selection Committee

Acadia University

    Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4P 2R6 

    Email: Faculty.Careers@Acadiau.ca 

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, candidates eligible to work in Canada shall  be given priority. The University encourages applications from Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous people; African Canadians; African Nova Scotians; persons with disabilities; racialized groups; women; persons of any minority sexuality, minority gender identity or minority gender expression; and all intersections of these identities. Acadia embraces the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion as fundamental in creating an expansive academic environment and champions diverse knowledge systems as pillars of academic excellence.

All applicants are required to submit an online  Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Formas part of their application package. All information provided will be held in strict confidence by Human Resources and is not seen by the Committee. The form provides the option of self-identifying based on the applicant’s comfort level, including an option to not self-identify. Please note that failure to complete the form by the closing date will result in the disqualification of your application. Only candidates who have submitted a self-identification form can be considered as members of designated equity-seeking groups.

Closing Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact Avril Bird, our department Administrative Assistant: avril.bird@acadiau.ca. 

Questions about the position can be directed to the Chair of the Selection Committee, Anna Kiefte (anna.kiefte@acadiau.ca).