Assistant Professor in Cell Biology

Saint Mary's University

Assistant Professor - Biology

Date Posted: TBA
Posting Deadline: January 15.2026
Department: Biology
Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time
Group Affiliation: SMUFU

At Saint Mary’s University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual to the University’s success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Assistant Professor (tenure track) to join our Biology Department.

Job Information and Responsibilities

We are seeking a colleague who will build a research program in Cell Biology and who will enhance the department through a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. We seek candidates whose research focuses on the study of the organization, function and evolution of cells.

The successful applicant will:
• have a strong desire to help create excellent student learning experiences through development and delivery of undergraduate lectures and laboratories, with a focus on courses in Cell Biology and Evolution.
• develop and maintain an innovative, externally funded research program in cell biology, with student involvement at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• contribute to the administrative service activities within the Department, the Faculty of Science, the University, and their professional community.

Experience and Education Requirements

The successful applicant will have:
• a PhD in Biology (or a closely related field) and postdoctoral experience.
• a commitment to excellence in university teaching and evidence of teaching effectiveness.
• research experience and a well-developed plan to establish an independent, externally funded research program with student involvement at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Biology Department is committed to teaching excellence at a primarily undergraduate institution. We offer a broad BSc (Biology) Program and a Certificate in Forensic Sciences. The Biology Department has 11 full-time faculty actively engaged in research involving undergraduate research assistants, Honours students, and graduate (MSc and PhD) students in the Applied Sciences Program. Our collective expertise includes cellular biology, molecular genetics, physiology, behavioural ecology, conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

The SMU Faculty Union’s collective agreement with the university, which outlines salary scales and other elements associated with the faculty role, may be reviewed here:
https://www.smu.ca/webfiles/SMUFUCASeptember12022toAugust312025-DraftNewAgreement-April2420232.pdf.

The Faculty of Science, which houses the Biology Department, has undergone significant renewal, with many new and active faculty involved in teaching and research, and many renovated and upgraded spaces and facilities. We are working to establish and build upon areas of distinct research strength and through those foster collaborations locally, regionally, and internationally, as reflected in our Strategic Research Plan (https://news.smu.ca/research-plan).

Application Details

Qualified candidates must submit a single pdf file containing the following:

i) A cover letter outlining how the applicant’s background aligns with the desired qualifications, including which of the Department’s course offerings the applicant would most like to teach. The cover letter must also include a clear statement of status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

ii) An up-to-date curriculum vitae.

iii) A teaching dossier, which must include statement on teaching philosophy, listing of courses taught to date, evidence of teaching effectiveness, details on experiences training highly qualified personnel (HQP), and approach to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in teaching environments.

iv) A research statement including: i) A summary of the applicant’s most significant contributions to research (publications/presentations/reports/patents on a specific subject can be grouped into one contribution; maximum of 2 pages), ii) A short-term (5 years) and longer-term research plan that includes proposed projects for undergraduate Honours and graduate students (maximum of 2 pages).

v) The names, affiliations and email contacts of three persons who are best able to describe your suitability for this position.

vi) Optional: Candidates may also include a statement detailing career interruptions or other special
circumstances relevant to their application (maximum 2 pages).

The complete application should be sent as a single file in .pdf format to: Dr. David Dansereau, Chair, Biology Department email: david.dansereau@smu.ca. Review of applications will begin on January 15.2026. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary’s University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@smu.ca

About Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s top primarily undergraduate universities--known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada’s best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary’s provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, Saint Mary’s University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary’s University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world—a world without limits.

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