Assistant Professor - Indigenous Politics

Inside Higher Ed; Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Canada is seeking an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Politics to join the Department of Political Science. This role involves teaching, maintaining an active research agenda, and contributing to community engagement initiatives. Candidates must have a PhD in Political Science or a related field. The position offers a chance to shape the department's commitment to Indigenous Studies. Application deadline: November 5, 2025.

Qualifications

• PhD must be earned by the time of appointment or shortly thereafter.
• Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching and research.
• Strong engagement with Indigenous communities required.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Maintain an active, externally funded research program.
• Supervise undergraduate, MA, and PhD students.
• Engage with Indigenous communities.
• Participate in departmental service and activities.

Skills

Teaching excellence

Research excellence

Engagement with Indigenous communities

Education

PhD in Political Science or related field focused on Indigenous politics

Job description

Overview

The Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in Indigenous Politics. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous. The University uses the term “Indigenous” to encompass a broad range of Indigenous peoples in relation to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Candidates must have earned a PhD in Political Science or a related social sciences or humanities discipline with a focus on Indigenous politics by the time of appointment (or shortly thereafter). A demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, research, and Indigenous community engagement is required.

The successful candidate will pursue innovative and independent research and establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses (assignments to be negotiated), participating in departmental and university activities, maintaining a productive research agenda, supervising students at the undergraduate, MA and PhD levels, and mentoring students. The candidate will contribute to growing and shaping the department’s commitment to Indigenous Studies in the coming years.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses (specific assignments to be negotiated).
• Maintain an active, externally funded research program and publish in top journals.
• Supervise and mentor students at the undergraduate, MA, and PhD levels.
• Engage with Indigenous communities and contribute to the department’s Indigenous Studies initiatives.
• Participate in departmental and university service and activities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Political Science or a related social sciences or humanities discipline with a focus on Indigenous politics by appointment or shortly thereafter.
• Evidence of research excellence (high-quality publications, forthcoming works, conference presentations, awards, and strong referee endorsements).
• Evidence of teaching excellence via teaching dossier, materials, and strong letters of reference.

Salary

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

• All qualified candidates should apply online with the following materials: a cover letter; a current curriculum vitae; a research statement outlining current and future research interests; a recent writing sample (no more than 30 pages); and a teaching dossier including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations.
• Provide the names and contact information of three references. At least one reference letter must primarily address the candidate’s engagement with Indigenous communities. The University’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference within 48 hours after submission; applicants are responsible for ensuring that references submit letters by the closing date.
• Submission guidelines and file formatting: combine additional materials into one or two files in PDF or MS Word format. For questions, contact Sari Sherman at [e-mail].
• Application deadline: All materials must be received by November 5, 2025. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity and Accessibility

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to academic excellence. The University invites applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. Applicants are encouraged to complete the optional Diversity Survey; information is confidential and used for institutional planning purposes. The University is committed to accessibility and will provide accommodations as required; contact [e-mail] for assistance.

For more information about the role and the application process, please consult the University of Toronto’s Diversity and Equity statements and the TRC-related initiatives referenced in this posting.

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