Dean, Faculty of Science

Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the University is located on the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq Nation. This territory is covered by the "Treaties of Peace and Friendship" which Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725.

On its 42-acre campus in the south end of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Saint Mary’s University (SMU) has evolved into a modern, secular, and metropolitan university with the strong traditions of accessibility and community engagement. SMU has a well-established commitment to cultural diversity and encourages and supports the development of a global perspective, developed on campus in the student body, the curriculum, and in teaching, research, and staff communities.

Home to more than 6,400 students from over 115 countries who are enrolled during the academic year and summer sessions, across the Faculties of Science, Arts, Business, Education, and Graduate Studies & Research, and with over 53,000 alumni worldwide, SMU is the second-largest university in Nova Scotia. SMU offers undergraduate degrees, Masters, and PhD programs in its areas of strengths in the natural sciences, humanities, business, and social sciences. The university is ranked highly in Canada for research; receiving over $10M annually from external funding sources and is home to eight Canada Research Chairs.

The Faculty of Science is a dynamic and growing Faculty home to nine academic units with over 80 full-time faculty members, 1,400+ undergraduate students and 8 Graduate programs (including PhDs in Applied Psychology, Applied Science, and Astronomy) with a strong research focus. The Faculty of Science also houses the Division of Engineering, which offers the first two years of study toward a Bachelor’s of Engineering (B.Eng) degree. The Faculty of Science prioritizes active learning for both its undergraduate and graduate students, affording many students chances to participate in research. The Faculty of Science is actively engaged in outreach, connecting faculty and students to the broader community to encourage an interest in and love of science.

It is within this context that Saint Mary’s University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean, Faculty of Science commencing July 1, 2024, or soon after.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Academic and Research, the Dean of Science is the Faculty’s lead academic and administrative officer, and a key member of the university’s senior leadership team. The Dean of Science promotes excellence in teaching and learning, the student experience, and research activities, all while overseeing the Faculty of Science’s financial operations, advancement activities, and community relations and partnerships. The Dean will advocate for and promote the interests of the Faculty of Science and foster a collegial, innovative, and inclusive environment in which world-class research, excellence in teaching and engaged scholarship flourish, and where students, faculty and staff thrive.

Candidates for the position of Dean, Faculty of Science, must be accomplished scholars with a record of academic and research achievement, teaching excellence, and academic administrative experience. Candidates possess educational credentials and career experience and achievements that indicate the candidate is a leader within both the university and the community, and will have experience working and leading within a complex unionized environment. As the ideal candidate, you will foster innovation, provide sound leadership, and work with faculty, staff and students to build a new strategic plan and vision which will enhance the Faculty of Science's provincial, national and global reputation. You have demonstrably advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion and foster a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment in your institution. Collegial and collaborative, the Dean will represent the interests of the Faculty of Science while fostering and maintaining strong relationships with faculty, staff and students, across campus, and with community and government partners. The successful candidate will embody the values of the Faculty of Science, and passionately support the importance of science in today's society.

The appointment of the Dean is for a five-year renewable term commencing July 1, 2024, or shortly after. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately.

To apply or explore this academic leadership position at Saint Mary’s University further, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter, in confidence, to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).

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.

Candidates are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify by completing the Self-Identification Questionnaire that will be provided at the time of application. All information collected is confidential.

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.