Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Critical Data Studies and Computational Social Science

Simon Fraser University

The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) at Simon Fraser University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Critical Data Studies and Computational Social Science at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing July 15, 2025.

Qualifications

• PhD in hand at the time of appointment
• research and methodological expertise in (but not limited to) one or more of the following areas: natural language processing, machine learning, network analysis, big-data analytics and visualization, platform studies, algorithm studies, human-computer interaction (HCI)
• an interdisciplinary research agenda concerned with data justice that seeks to understand how data and computation are implicated in intersectional forms of power and inequality (including racism, colonialism, capitalism, etc.), especially as these shape gender and/or sexuality
• grounding in approaches that complement the department’s existing strengths in the study of race, colonialism, Indigeneity, and migration, such as (but not limited to) Black feminist studies, Indigenous studies, ethnic studies, global south, and/or queer of colour theory
• outstanding potential for research excellence
• evidence of inclusive pedagogy and strong teaching skills in interdisciplinary settings
• demonstrated capacity for introducing quantitative and computational methods
to social science and humanities students along with a critical and creative engagement with data production and circulation
• demonstrated capacity or strong potential for introducing quantitative and computational methods in public pedagogy and/or in community settings
• the ability to work effectively with colleagues across disciplinary fields in the social sciences and the humanities

Duties

• enhance and expand the research strengths of the department
• develop the quantitative component of the department’s core undergraduate curriculum
• teach interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s research areas
• participate in service to the department as directed by the department chair
• participate in service to the Faculty, the university, and the broader community

Applications should include:
• a cover letter summarizing the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and interests for the position
• a complete CV
• the name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information of three academic referees
• a 1-page research statement outlining the applicant’s research program
• one writing sample
• a 1-page teaching statement on the applicant’s teaching philosophy
• outline of a relevant undergraduate course including a course description, 5-7 core texts, types of assignments, and proposed methods of evaluation

Applications should be addressed to Dr. Helen Leung, Department Chair, and submitted electronically to gswspost@sfu.ca.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled, with priority given to completed applications received prior to November 25, 2024.

Please consult the Department’s website at http://www.sfu.ca/gsws for information about the department and samples of courses currently taught in GSWS.

We acknowledge the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), Tsleil-Waututh (səlilwətaɬ), Katzie, and Kwikwetlem peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University’s three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

SFU is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate for the salary scale range for this role is $104,700 - $133,322.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is a junior-faculty position. Only those eligible for appointment or promotion to the rank will be considered. This position is subject to the availability of funding.

Please consult the current Collective Agreement between SFU and SFU Faculty Association https://www.sfu.ca/content/dam/sfu/faculty-relations/collective-agreement/SFUFA%20CA%202022-25.pdf and the SFU Faculty Relations website at http://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations.html for detailed information about the terms and conditions of employment at SFU.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general
authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable
University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the
full Collection Notice.