BI306A - Global Biogeography and Conservation Biology (Winter 2027)

Faculty/Academic Area: Faculty of Science 

Department: Biology 

Campus: Waterloo 

Employee Group: WLUFA 

Requisition ID: 11716 

Position Title: BI306 - Global Biogeography and Conservation Biology

Term: Winter term (Jan 1 – Apr 30)

Days/Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.

Hours per week/Hours Total: 3/36

Mode of Delivery: In-Person

Type of Instruction: Lecture

Anticipated Class Size: 35

Additional Course Requirements: none

Posted on: July 23, 2026

Posting ends: August 7, 2026

AI tools will be used in the hiring process: No

Position Summary:

An integrated study of the distribution, abundance and diversity of plants and animals, with an emphasis on the study of broad patterns in the ecological characteristics of organisms and ecosystems. Topics typically may include temporal and spatial patterns of biodiversity, species abundances and range patterns, vicariance, dispersal, species interactions, disturbance events, historical and evolutionary biogeography, endemism and island biogeography. These topics form the theoretical underpinning of much of the theory of conservation planning, which will be a foremost applied focus throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain an in-depth understanding on the distribution, abundance and diversity of plants and animals
2. Describe temporal and spatial patterns of biodiversity, species abundances and species interactions
3. Discuss and analyze disturbance events
4. Understand the concepts of historical and evolutionary biogeography, endemism and island biogeography
5. Gain the knowledge to critically review and analyze the current scientific literature in the area of the biogeography and conservation biology
6. Logically present the content in research articles
7. Work effectively in small groups

8. Communicate science (in both written and oral forms)

Topics Covered:

Diversity of plants, animals, and ways of knowing; ecosystem structure; biodiversity, species abundances, and threats; management types; vicariance and dispersal; species interactions; global conservation; island biogeography; historical and evolutionary biogeography; disturbance events and conservation planning; local restoration.

Qualifications – Required Academic Degree: PhD

Qualifications – Required Discipline: Biological Sciences

Qualifications – Required Areas of Specialization: Global Biogeography and Conservation Biology

Salary: $10,212.40

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026

Submit with Application:

Required for All Applicants

• CV (required)
• Candidate Application Form (CAF)

Required for External Applicants

• Names and Contact Information for Referees
• Evidence of Good Teaching
• Verification of highest degree

Optional

• Cover Letter
• Teaching Dossier
• Sample Course Outline

Note: A Cover Letter is not expected (unless noted as required) as the CAF will include information that is typically included in a Cover Letter.

Applications may be addressed to:

Dr. Matt Smith

Chair, Department of Biology

Wilfrid Laurier University

Waterloo, Ontario

To Apply:

Please click the gold “Apply Now” button located on the top right hand side of the page.

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This appointment is in accordance with the Contract Teaching Faculty and Part-time Librarians Collective Agreement, for which the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty Association (WLUFA) is the exclusive bargaining agent.  All applicants are assessed using both the “Appendix H: Assessment of CTF Candidates under 13.6.1” in the collective agreement and the program specific rubric.  Candidates should review these documents and ensure the information required is easily accessible in the application. 

Please Note:

Assessment of your application will be based primarily on the Candidate Application Form (CAF). The Part-time Appointment Committee is only required to review the CAF, Curriculum Vitae, and any specifically referenced pages in a supplemental document(s) to ensure fair assessment of each candidate.

Candidate Application form (CAF) is used to apply to an individual posting and must be submitted with each application. The completed form is to be uploaded with all other application materials by the deadline listed in the course posting. Refer to Appendix I of the Contract Teaching Faculty Collective Agreement for further guidance about completing the CAF and Appendix H for details on how this form will be scored.

For Supplementary Remuneration for marking and grading allowance, see Article 28.2, and coordination of large classes or multi-section courses, see Article 28.3

Pursuant to Article 13.5 of the Collective Agreement for Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) and Part-time Librarians, all applicants shall apply electronically. Applications must be received by 23:59 local time of the date on the posting.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contract Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posted in an alternative format, please contact Faculty Relations at FacultyRelations@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Members of the equity-deserving groups must self-identify to the appropriate Dean(s) to be considered for employment equity.

All course offerings will be contingent on adequate student registration and subject to budgetary funding.

Members of the Contract Teaching Faculty bargaining unit:

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online.

All applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the part-time hiring committee. Only those applicants recommended for a position will be contacted.