Assistant Professor of Urban Geography/Climate Crisis

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Urban Geography/Climate Crisis

The Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in urban geographies of climate crisis. The tentative start date for this position is July 15, 2026.

Simon Fraser University is one of British Columbia’s leading research universities with campuses located on the unceded traditional territories of the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. The Department of Geography at SFU is one of the strongest Geography departments in North America. We rank 4th of all Geography departments in Canada according to the 2025 QS World University subject ratings, and 1st amongst Canadian comprehensive universities in the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings.

We seek candidates who have expertise in and seek to advance critical social science understandings of the multifaceted social and political aspects of climate crisis, centring urban geographic dimensions of the crisis. Specifically, these may include: i) urban climate justice; ii) climate-related urban social movements; iii) extreme weather as it relates to urban precarity (e.g., work, housing, food security); iv) critical analyses of urban infrastructures in relation to just climate futures; v) Black, Indigenous, and/or queer approaches to urban life and climate change; and vi) cities and extractivism. Other related interests are also welcome. We particularly welcome applications from scholars whose work addresses one or more of these specializations in the context of the Global South.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in human geography, or a related discipline at the time of appointment. Ph.D. candidates with a solid indication of imminent completion may be hired at the rank of Instructor and will be promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor upon final completion of the Ph.D.
We seek candidates with demonstrated excellence in research, potential for excellence in teaching and supervision, and commitment to collegial service. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized program of research, and be an active, reflexive contributor to the department’s undergraduate and graduate programs

The Department of Geography values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we are committed to reconciliation, and hiring faculty who will work to advance these commitments.
The successful candidate will demonstrate ability/willingness to teach undergraduate social science urban geography and climate-related courses, and contribute to graduate training.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scale bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 – $133,322. A reasonable estimate of the salary range if the successful candidate will be starting as an Instructor is $98,340.

Applications should include:
• a 1-2-page cover letter summarizing the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and interest in the position, and a clear statement as to whether the applicant is legally eligible to work in Canada.
• a CV, including a list of publications.
• the name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information of three academic references (reference letters will only be requested from short-listed candidates).
• a 1-2 page research statement outlining experience, interests, and future directions as they relate to the advertised position. Applicants are expected to describe how they contribute to promoting a culture of inclusive excellence through their research, including the significance of EDI and Indigenous reconciliation, as applicable.
• two samples of relevant publications or manuscripts
• a 1-2 page teaching statement outlining experience and potential contributions to existing or new courses in our programs. Applicants are expected to explain how they support inclusive teaching practices to meet the needs of diverse groups of students, including the significance of EDI and Indigenous reconciliation, as applicable, in their teaching.
• Please submit your application as a single PDF document by webform at: LINK
Applications should be addressed to: Nicholas Blomley, Chair, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, B.C., CANADA V5A 1S6

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled, with priority given to completed applications received prior to February 2, 2026.

For more information about Geography, visit the web site: http://www.sfu.ca/geography.html.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

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.

The position is subject to availability of funding and approval by the SFU Board of Governors.

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