Assistant Professor - Indigenous Knowledge Systems

University of Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toronto’s Centre for Indigenous Studies invites applications for a full-time tenure-stream Assistant Professor position in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Start date is July 1, 2027.

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, in line with the U of T response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Applicants must hold a PhD in Indigenous Studies or a related field by appointment or soon after, with demonstrated excellence in research and

Qualifications

• PhD in Indigenous Studies or related area by appointment time or shortly after.
• Evidence of research excellence through publications, presentations, awards, and strong referees.

Responsibilities

• Pursue innovative and independent research and establish an outstanding, externally funded program.
• Assume teaching and service load and contribute to curriculum development.
• Engage with graduate program development and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Skills

Indigenous knowledge systems

Community engagement

Teaching

Education

PhD in Indigenous Studies or related field

Job description

Closing Date: 11/11/2026, 11:59PM ET

Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science

Department: Centre for Indigenous Studies

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Position Description

The Centre for Indigenous Studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the area of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous. Recognizing that there are a variety of terms that potential candidates may use to self-identify, the University uses the term "Indigenous" in this search, which forms part of the U of T Response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to encompass the people of Turtle Island, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuk (Inuit), Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian people.

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Indigenous Studies or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. The candidate will have a deep understanding of the Indigenous Knowledge systems and pedagogies of their own people, community, or Nation, including knowledge gained through sustained community relationships and culturally grounded practices of teaching and learning. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students how Indigenous Knowledge systems and pedagogies shape Indigenous Studies and other academic disciplines. Knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages is also an asset.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated through a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals or forthcoming publications that meet high international standards; the submitted research statement; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements from referees.

Candidates should have teaching experience in a degree-granting program, including lecture preparation and delivery, curriculum development, and development of online material/lectures. A demonstrated record of experience and engagement, including relationship-building, long-standing relationships, and work with community leaders and Elders/Knowledge Holders, is required. Candidates must also demonstrate long-term experience and ethical engagement with Indigenous organizations and institutions and evidence of understanding the importance of consensus-building relationships. Engagement with Indigenous communities will be demonstrated through reference letters and other application materials.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below), and strong letters of reference.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.

In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load.

The Centre for Indigenous Studies is in the process of developing a graduate program and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be fully engaged in the development and implementation of the program.

Hiring Salary Range

The expected salary range is 120,000 - 160,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

About Us

Building upon the expertise of our faculty and the extensive resources of the University, the Centre for Indigenous Studies houses an interdisciplinary program within the Faculty of Arts & Science and is uniquely positioned to nurture critical scholarship and teaching. We draw faculty members and students from across the world and are situated in one of the most diverse metropolitan regions in North America, on the traditional land of many Indigenous nations, including the Wendat, the Seneca (Haudenosaunee), and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

For more information on working at the University of Toronto, please visit https://www.utoronto.ca/research-innovation/working-at-uoft .

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Contact

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Susan Hill at [e-mail].