Applications are invited from leading scholars in the areas of northern and Arctic inquiry to serve as Executive Director of the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA), a major multi-disciplinary institute of the University of Calgary that was created in 1945 to advance the study of the North American and circumpolar Arctic through the natural and social sciences, the arts, and the humanities.  This opportunity comes at a time of unprecedented interest in the Arctic within governments, academia, industry, and the media, and at a time when Northerners feel increasing pressures from a unique convergence of issues that revolve around climate change, resource development, sovereignty, security and social conditions.

AINA is the cornerstone of a variety of world-leading research initiatives conducted by scholars from across Canada.  AINA, which serves a wide variety of southern and northern stakeholders united by a common interest in the Arctic, delivers its mandate through a number of flagship programs such as Arctic journal, the Kluane Lake Research Station, and the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS).  The Institute also publishes books, manages scholarships, and maintains Canada’s premier university-based library collection of northern and Arctic books and reports, in addition to a rich art and photographic collection.

The ideal candidate will be a leading scholar with a research focus in one or more fields of northern inquiry and an understanding of current policy issues. Academic background will be suitable for appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor.  S/he will hold a PhD, and will possess the aptitude to develop, lead and deliver multi-disciplinary educational and research programs.  Preference will be given to candidates with strong connections with academia, government, industry, and particularly with northern communities and their aboriginal and non-aboriginal governments.

The successful candidate will be appointed as AINA’s Director for a renewable term of five years, and will also be cross-appointed to a home Faculty at the University of Calgary.  The appointment will commence September 1, 2012, or at a mutually agreeable date.

Applicants are invited to submit curriculum vitae, a statement of northern interests, including a brief description of present and aspiring contributions to the field of northern and Arctic inquiry and a vision for the institute, current employment eligibility in Canada, and the names and contact information for at least three referees.

Applications should be sent via email in a pdf format and addressed to

Dr. M. Anne Katzenberg
Associate Vice-President, Research
Email:  vpr@ucalgary.ca

Consideration of applications will begin May 15, 2012, and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Calgary respects, appreciates and encourages diversity.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.