Assistant Professor (Teaching), The Digital Body: Dance Production & Emerging Tech

University of Calgary

Dance Limited Term, Assistant Professor (Teaching), The Digital Body: Dance Production and Emerging Technologies

Job ID: 34549
Location: Main Campus
Updated April 17, 2025

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta.
The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Description
The Faculty of Arts, School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) invites applications for a two-year 0.5 FTE (half time) limited term position at the rank of Assistant Professor (Teaching) of Dance. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.

We are seeking an artist-scholar whose primary responsibilities for course instruction will be in dance production and technologies and dance studies at the undergraduate level; the successful applicant is expected to teach 3.5 courses (3.5 HCE) per year. As part of these responsibilities, the incumbent will also be expected to participate in the development of courses within the SCPA and be involved in extra-curricular events on campus and within the broader community, with the goal to sustain a vibrant program. Mentorship of students and service to the SCPA, faculty, and University is also expected.

This position will focus on the range of technological and production strategies that are emerging in the performing arts, with an expertise in various modes of digital creation and production. The candidate is expected to have knowledge of and/or expertise in the application of computer systems for dance, such as through machine learning, generative processes, ComputerVision, and text and visual programming languages, as well as in the operation and teaching of mobile production kits for live performance. Priority will be placed on applicants who investigate such technologies through both practice and theory. The candidate will also be expected to support student learning in an interdisciplinary setting, with a focus on developing basic technological skills to be applied in both stage- and site-based production settings. Preferred candidates will be able to support pedagogical offerings in introductory level Dance Studies, Dance Production, and the intersection of dance histories and technologies.

The preferred applicant will hold an MA, MFA or PhD in Dance or an Interdisciplinary MFA or PhD with a dance focus. The incumbent will demonstrate teaching excellence by presenting an outstanding record of teaching effectiveness, evidence of pedagogical innovation, and experience with mentoring students and developing undergraduate curricula. A strong record of participating in community-based artistic projects, attaining artistic grants, and offering technological and/or managerial production support for community-based events is required. The successful applicant must demonstrate the ability to use instructional strategies designed for diverse learning styles and academic goals. Preferred candidates will also contribute to student diversification and recruitment initiatives.

The School of Creative and Performing Arts is a community of practicing creators, performers and scholars who, with expert technical and administrative support, are dedicated to the education of artists and critical thinkers in the context of a university devoted to the formation of intelligent and engaged world citizens. In addition to a deep engagement with the foundation of their chosen discipline, students have the opportunity to enrich their education with inter-arts experiences from among the other disciplines in the School. For more information about the School and Dance, please visit https://arts.ucalgary.ca/creative-performing-arts.

Application Deadline: May 23, 2025

Submit applications online via the 'Apply Now' link on the University of Calgary careers webpage: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/15996318-dance-limited-term-assistant-professor-teaching-the-digital-body-dance-production-and-emerging-technologies

Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents):
• Letter of interest that includes names and contact information for three references from whom we may request letters of reference
• Curriculum vitae
• Portfolio of Creative Work, including links if available
• Teaching dossier that includes statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching experience and effectiveness, such as the following:
• List of courses taught
• Sample syllabi
• Relevant teaching evaluations
• Scholarly practices in teaching and learning
• A one-page statement outlining your contributions, or potential contributions, to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and your ability to work with a culturally diverse and international student body.

Questions regarding this opportunity should be addressed to Dr. Joelle Welling by email (scpaDirector@ucalgary.ca).

The University of Calgary believes that a respectful workplace, equal opportunity, and building a diverse workforce contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching, learning and research, and provide faculty, staff, students and the public with a university that reflects the society it serves.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following questions: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (yes/no) and are you currently legally entitled to work in Canada? (yes/no)

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, click here.

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.