Residence Assistant/Instructor–Field Course, Florence

Established in 1789, King’s College is Canada’s oldest chartered university and is associated with Dalhousie University. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, King’s is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, including its renowned Foundation Year Program, its professional programs in journalism and its fine arts programs in creative writing. King’s is a community where students, faculty, alumni and staff work to bring greater understanding, creativity and compassion to the world.

The Early Modern Studies Program at the University of King’s College invites applications for a Residence Assistant/Instructor to join a month-long undergraduate field course in Florence, Italy, running from May 4 to 29, 2026.

Under the auspices of the Early Modern Studies program, “Early Modern Art, Literature, and Politics in Florence, Italy” is a one-month, 6-credit hour residency taught entirely on-site. This course offers students the unique opportunity to consider the civic, ecclesiastical and domestic spheres of Renaissance Florentine life through daily visits to the city’s town halls, churches, palaces and museums.

The Residence Assistant/Instructor is a hybrid role that combines student support and pastoral care with teaching responsibilities as part of this immersive, interdisciplinary course.

Role Description

The Residence Assistant/Instructor will work closely with the Course Instructor and students throughout the duration of the program. Responsibilities will include:

Residence Assistant/Student Support

• Serving as a primary point of contact for students outside of scheduled class time
• Assisting with daily communication, logistics and general student support
• Supporting students with practical needs, including accompaniment to medical or pharmacy visits when necessary
• Providing pastoral care and helping foster a supportive, respectful and inclusive learning environment
• Assisting with residence-related coordination and student well-being during the program
• Supporting students in navigating interpersonal challenges and assisting with the informal mediation of student concerns, in consultation with the Course Instructor

Instructor Responsibilities

• Teaching or co-teaching selected lectures, seminars or site-based discussions
• Assisting with course delivery during museum visits, walking tours and on-site learning activities
• Supporting student learning, engagement and discussion throughout the course

Required Qualifications

• MA degree (completed by the start of the program) in a relevant field such as art history or early modern studies
• Demonstrated experience teaching or working closely with undergraduate students
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to support students in an immersive context
• Maturity, dependability, flexibility and sound judgment

Desired Qualifications

• Background or coursework in art history, visual culture or early modern studies
• Previous experience as an instructor, or experience in residence life/student-support role
• Familiarity with Italian (spoken and/or reading) is considered an asset
• Experience with international travel

Additional Information

This is an in-residence position in Florence for the full duration of the course. Accommodation, travel support and payment details will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• A brief cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the role
• A current CV

Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026

Applications and inquiries may be directed to the course instructor, Dr. Justina Spencer – justina.spencer@ukings.ca
Assistant Professor of Humanities
Early Modern Studies Program
University of King’s College
6350 Coburg Road
Kjipuktuk/Halifax, NS
B3H 2A1 Canada

The University of King’s College is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversification of our community.