Two-Year Limited Term Appointment – Thanatology

King’s University College at Western University, situated on the traditional territories of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Chonnonton peoples, invites applications for a two-year, limited-term appointment in The Department of Thanatology, effective July 1, 2025, subject to budgetary approval.

King’s University College is affiliated with Western University a large, world-class university. King’s students enjoy learning in smaller classes led by outstanding faculty on a small, beautiful campus while enjoying the experiences of being part of a comprehensive university. As a Catholic university, King’s emphasizes the value of each individual and the importance of social justice. Faculty, employees and students from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Respect for the human person is behind our commitment to diversity, accessibility, social justice and to building the common good. King’s is home to approximately 3500 full- and part-time students from across Canada as well as 35 other countries.

King’s University College is situated in London, Ontario. With a diverse population of over 530,000 people, London is currently the 11th largest city in Canada and offers its residents and visitors big-city appeal mixed with small-town charm. To learn more about London, please visit https://www.ledc.com. 

Thanatology at King’s University College focuses on the complex personal, relational, social, political, historical, cultural, ethical, and medical contexts found in the interdisciplinary fields of Thanatology and critical death studies. We emphasize the intersectionality of race, gender, culture, location, class, and ability among other axes of identity in order to deepen our understanding of dying, death, bereavement, loss, grief, and mourning. Our approach to death education prioritizes attention to research, interdisciplinary teaching, cross-disciplinary events, community engagement, and death scholarship. 

The successful candidate will bring/have doctoral-level graduates with research, expertise, and training in Thanatology-related areas. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of end of life issues, current trends, demonstrate awareness of the various sociological, political, and ethical underpinnings related to the experience of death, loss, and grief, as well as knowledge of current research and trends in the field. Preference will be given to individuals with specific academic preparation and/or certification in Thanatology (i.e., CT/FT) and previous experience teaching in Thanatology-related areas.

A commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching is expected.  Demonstrated evidence of high-quality teaching at the university level in classroom, community and/or virtual environments, experiential learning, curating and/or producing digital learning resources and assessments using a range of tools and technologies from course design through to delivery will be an asset.

Applicants must have fluent written and oral communication skills in English.

Salary shall be in accordance with the King’s University College Faculty Association (KUCFA) Collective Agreement. Details of the current collective agreement can be accessed here.

Applications should include the following, ideally packaged into a single PDF.

1. Cover letter that explains how the candidate’s qualifications align with the job description and the department, as well as how they will contribute to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization; 
2. curriculum vitae; 
3. short statements of research and teaching interests; 
4. evidence of effective and innovative teaching, including teaching evaluations;
5. copies of a maximum of three publications or dissertation chapters; links to other papers
6. the names and contact details of three academic referees (we will request letters for only those candidates who are considered for the interview stage)

These materials should be submitted electronically no later than February 24, 2025.

For any questions regarding the position please contact:

Dr. Eunice Gorman

Chair, Department of Thanatology

King’s University College

Thanatology.Chair@kings.uwo.ca

We thank all applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview.

Tags: Critical death studies, loss, grief

The College is committed to advancing the Catholic intellectual tradition and welcomes faculty, staff and students from all faiths and backgrounds. King’s University College is committed to Employment Equity and welcomes applications from qualified individuals, including persons of all genders and sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and racialized people.

King’s University College is committed to recognizing the dignity and independence of all and seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have genuine, open and unhindered access to the College’s employment opportunities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at HR@kings.uwo.ca or 519-433-3491 for assistance.

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

www.kings.uwo.ca