The Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta invites applications for the Saroj and Prem Singhmar Chair in Classical Indian Polity and Society, 500 BCE-500 CE, at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.

The Chair will lead the university’s efforts to establish a strong Indian Studies program at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Chair is also expected to play a prominent role as a public intellectual and participate in the University’s ongoing and successful efforts to engage with stakeholder communities in Edmonton, across Canada, and worldwide.

The Chair must have a completed PhD in an appropriate field and have a strong scholarly international reputation and network. Departmental affiliation(s) will be determined by the successful candidate’s disciplinary focus. The chair will be expected to teach courses that broadly cover the history, ideas, and practices of this period, in addition to more specialized undergraduate and graduate courses.  Competence in Sanskrit and at least one modern Indian language (excluding English and Urdu) is required.  The successful candidate will have demonstrated research excellence, a strong teaching record, leadership skills, experience of or potential in program-building, and fit with Faculty needs.

The University of Alberta aims to be one of the world’s great universities, by transforming learning, leading ground-breaking research, and uplifting society through new knowledge, leadership, and service. The University plays a key role in the educational, business, and cultural life of the province of Alberta and Canada as a whole, through the impact of its integrated mandate of teaching, research, and community service. It serves over 39,000 students in close to 400 rigorous undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. (www.ualberta.ca). The Faculty of Arts is the oldest and most diverse faculty on campus and one of the largest research and teaching centres in western Canada (www.arts.ualberta.ca).  The University’s main campus is located in Edmonton, the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the province of Alberta.  The Edmonton metropolitan area is the sixth largest in the country with a population of approximately one million (www.edmonton.ca) and an outstanding quality of life.  It is located only a few hours drive from Banff and Jasper National Parks, which offer skiing in winter and excellent hiking and sightseeing in summer.

To apply online, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of three referees (please attach the latter under the references option). Considerations of applications will commence on February 28, 2014 and the search will remain open until filled.  Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience in accordance with the Faculty Agreement.

For further information please contact the Dean, Dr. Lesley Cormack at lesley.cormack@ualberta.ca.