Senior Member
(Faculty Position)
in Philosophy

Position Description 

The Senior Member in Philosophy contributes to the MA and PhD programs of ICS by mentoring students, teaching courses, and supervising MA theses and PhD dissertations in modern and contemporary European continental philosophy as well as in either ancient or medieval European philosophy.  

The successful applicant will have demonstrated a hermeneutical approach to the practice of philosophy and its history in their prior scholarship. Facility as a scholar in the relevant languages is necessary in consideration for this position. ICS is particularly interested in applicants with a commitment to the study of race, gender, and decoloniality. ICS will not require (but will recommend) relocation to Toronto for this position.

About the Organization

ICS is an independent Christian graduate school based in Toronto with a charter to grant MA and PhD degrees in philosophy (including an  Educational Leadership stream within the MA program), as well as an MWS-ART (Master of Worldview Studies in Art,  Religion, and Theology). At ICS, the expertise of our experienced and widely-published faculty combines with the intimacy of a  small school to create a hospitable academic community that welcomes the whole person.

A Brief Description of the Meaning of the Term "Senior Member" at ICS

ICS understands itself to be a community of scholars for whom the gospel's message of renewal shapes our collaborative and communal pursuit of wisdom. The Institute for Christian Studies is committed to creating a collegial academic environment and to this end calls the full-time participants in our community our academic “members”—Junior Members when students  in one of our graduate programs and Senior Members when faculty with a primary appointment at ICS.

The Senior Members of ICS are stewards of the Institute’s Reformational tradition of scholarship. As such, Senior Members have demonstrated competency as scholars (evidenced at a minimum by having been awarded a doctoral degree), commitment to the pursuit of Christian scholarship (manifested in affirmation of the Institute’s Educational Creed), and an ability and willingness to participate in interdisciplinary work.

The Senior Members of ICS constitute the core of our academic faculty, and as such:  

• plan and teach courses 

• mentor and advise Junior Members 

• plan and execute a research program 

• serve the Institute’s wider communities 

• participate in the administration of the Institute’s academic affairs 

• contribute to the Institute’s efforts to promote Christian higher education 

The normal expectation is that Senior Members of ICS invest 40% of their work time in research, 40% in teaching, and 20% in community service (with such service to include participation in the governance and administration of the Institute).

Criteria for Assessing Applicants

In assessing applications for a Senior Member position, the Search Committee shall use the following criteria.

Primary Criteria

The candidate recommended by the Search Committee to the Senate shall: 

• hold a PhD 

• confirm their Christian commitment, manifested in affirmation of the Institute’s Educational Creed 

• work within the Institute’s intellectual tradition 

• be suited to the field for which the vacancy has been advertised 

• have an established record of academic competence as both a teacher and a researcher (as evidenced by their curriculum vitae and references) 

• be able and willing to participate in interdisciplinary work 

Secondary Criteria

In choosing between applicants who compare closely in terms of the primary criteria, the Search committee shall consider: 

• diversity 
  The Institute pursues increased diversity among its Senior Members. As part of its recommendation to the Senate, the Search Committee shall report on any women or persons of colour who apply but are not recommended as the Search Committee’s candidate for the vacant Senior Member position, and give its reasons for not recommending these applicants. 

• administrative abilities 

• citizenship
  
  

Terms and Conditions of Employment

The Senior Member in Philosophy is expected to start their employment with ICS on July 1, 2023. Beginning Senior Members are normally offered an initial three-year appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, renewable once upon favourable review by the Academic Council and Senate, after which time the Senior Member is expected to seek continuing appointment. ICS is, however, open to considering applicants at all academic ranks. For the complete terms and conditions of employment of ICS Senior Members, please review the 2022-2023 ICS Senior Member Handbook.

Applications

To apply, please submit the following materials to Gideon Strauss, PhD, ICS  Academic Dean, at academic-dean@icscanada.edu by Monday, October 3, 2022:

• a letter of application

• an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)

• a statement on the relationship of Scripture, faith, and scholarship in your academic practice

• reports on teaching experience and assessments

• a writing sample

• the contact information of two (2) professional references and one (1) personal reference

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

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The Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) is an accredited, independent graduate school for interdisciplinary philosophy, affiliated with the Toronto  School of Theology at the University of Toronto. ICS brings a rich tradition of critical inquiry to the issues shaping our complex world. We’re equipping  new generations of scholars and leaders to ask the difficult questions and challenge the easy answers. Our MA and PhD graduates are providing  leadership across the globe – in universities, churches, and social agencies. And we take our ideas to communities across North America – inviting  individuals to discuss what’s important in their life and our world. 

The Institute for Christian Studies is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and to providing employees with a work  environment free of discrimination and harassment. ICS complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and will provide  reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If contacted for an interview, and accommodations are needed, please inform us at that  time. 

For further information about the Institute for Christian Studies, please take a moment to browse the rest of our website.