Associate Professor/Professor - Indigenous Knowledge Systems

University of Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Centre for Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure-stream position in Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Preference will be given to Indigenous-identifying candidates.

Applicants must demonstrate research and teaching excellence, engage with Indigenous communities, and contribute to graduate program development, while upholding ethical relationships

Qualifications

• Evidence of research excellence through publications in top journals and a strong research statement.
• Teaching dossier including materials and evaluations.
• Experience building relationships with Indigenous communities and Elders/Knowledge Holders.

Responsibilities

• Sustain and lead an innovative, externally funded research program.
• Maintain a teaching and service load.
• Participate in development and implementation of a graduate program.

Skills

Research excellence

Teaching excellence

Community engagement

Indigenous knowledge

Education

PhD in Indigenous Studies or related field

Job description

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 Associate Professor or 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

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in Indigenous Studies or a related area, with a clearly demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Candidates must have an established international reputation. 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, as demonstrated by a record of sustained high-impact contributions and publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals; the submitted research statement; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; other noteworthy activities that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline; and strong endorsements from referees.

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.

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

Candidates will be expected to sustain and lead innovative and independent research, and to maintain 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 rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The upper end of the salary range for this position exceeds $200,000 CAD per annum.

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.

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by November 11, 2026.

• a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• a teaching dossier, including
  • a teaching statement,
  • sample course materials, and
  • teaching evaluations; and
• the name and contact information of three references.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to academic excellence as articulated in University of Toronto’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence. We seek candidates who share these values and who demonstrate throughout the application materials their commitment and efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Applicants must arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead, dated and signed) sent directly by the referee via email to [e-mail] by the closing date. Reference letters should be addressed to Professor Susan Hill, Director, Centre for Indigenous Studies.

Please note: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in the initial screening or assessment of applications; however, all final assessments and hiring decisions are made by the search committee members.

Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building aculture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectivelyaddress and serve the interests of our global community. Westrongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples,Black and racialized persons, women, persons withdisabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment toequity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverseperspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential tostrengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP .

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] .