International Studies - Faculty Position (Arctic Defence and Security)

Université Laval - Ville de Québec; Quebec; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Université Laval in Quebec City invites applications for the Desgagnés Chair in Arctic Defence and Security. The Chairholder will lead interdisciplinary research addressing Arctic strategic dynamics amid great‑power competition and evolving regional governance.

A research budget over $200,000 per year for five years supports the chair, with opportunities to supervise doctoral scholarships and contribute to graduate training.

Qualifications

• Ability to teach in multiple disciplines within Arctic defence and security.
• Strong commitment to interdisciplinary research and teaching excellence.
• Experience engaging with national and international research networks.

Responsibilities

• Supervise master’s, dissertations and doctoral theses.
• Conduct research and publish in Arctic defence and security.
• Participate in School-related pedagogical and administrative activities.
• Contribute to the Université Laval collective agreement activities.

Skills

Teaching experience

Interdisciplinarity

International studies

Grant funding

Education

PhD in Arctic defence and security

Job description

International Studies - Faculty Position (Arctic Defence and Security)

Job posting Period: 22-09-2026 to 30-10-2026
Position Number: 22349

The Graduate School of International Studies (École supérieure d’études internationales – ESEI) at Université Laval, located in Quebec City (Canada), is a centre of excellence in multidisciplinary research and teaching on international affaires. ESEI is currently seeking applications for a faculty position on Arctic defence and security.

The competition is open to applicants from all disciplines relevant to the study of defence and security dynamics in the Arctic. Applications from scholars in economics, law, geography, history, management, political science, and other relevant disciplines are particularly encouraged.

The successful candidate will hold the Desgagnés Chair in Arctic Defence and Security and will have access to a research budget of more than $200,000 per year for five years.

The Chair’s mandate is to conduct leading-edge interdisciplinary research. In particular, it seeks to examine transformations in the Arctic strategic environment in a context marked by the return of great-power rivalry and by rapidly evolving economic, legal, geographic, and political realities in the region.

By bringing academic expertise to strategic issues of primary importance to Canada, the Chair seeks to contribute actively to national debates on defence and security.

Research conducted through the Chair may address, among other topics:

• The economic and geoeconomic dimensions of competition in the Arctic;
• The costs, choices, and trade-offs associated with defence and security policies in the region;
• The legal frameworks and governance issues that shape activities in the Arctic, particularly in a region where different and overlapping areas of state jurisdiction coexist;
• The historical and territorial transformations of the region and their implications for contemporary security issues;
• Transformations in the strategic environment and power relations in the Arctic;
• The resilience and security of critical northern infrastructure, particularly land and maritime transportation infrastructure;
• Maritime security and the evolution of commercial shipping;
• The development and transportation of natural resources and their strategic implications.

A research advisor will support the Chairholder in developing, planning, and submitting research grant applications, while also helping to maximize the Chair’s outreach and engagement activities. Funding will also be available to offer doctoral scholarships associated with the Chair.

• Supervising master’s essays, dissertations and doctoral theses;
• Conducting research and publishing on Arctic defence and security;
• Participating in School-related pedagogical and administrative activities;
• Being involved in any other activity provided for in the Université Laval-SPUL collective agreement;

Selection criteria:

• Ability to teach in French within three years of appointment.
• Hold a PhD in a field relevant to Arctic defence and security;
• Applications from doctoral candidates nearing completion of their PhD will be considered, provided that a letter from the department chair confirms the expected date of submission or defense;
• Demonstrate strong commitment to pluri-/interdisciplinarity, whether through academic background, research program, teaching experience, or collaborative projects;
• An excellent research record, with publications in top peer-reviewed journals in the candidate’s field, or strong potential to develop such a record for early-career applicants;
• University-level teaching experience;
• A proven track record of securing research funding from recognized granting agencies, or strong potential to obtain such funding in the near future;
• Ability to teach a graduate-level methodology course.
• Proven integration into national and international research networks is considered an asset.
• Starting date: June 1, 2027 (no later than September 1, 2027).

The application file must include:

• A cover letter demonstrating the candidate’s commitment to pluri/interdisciplinarity and international studies;
• A document of no more than two pages outlining a proposed five-year research chair program;

Valuing equity, diversity, and excellence, Université Laval is firmly committed to providing all its staff with a work and living environment characterized by an inclusive culture. For Université Laval, diversity is a source of strength, and we encourage qualified individuals of all origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, as well as individuals with disabilities, to apply.

Université Laval also adheres to an employment equity program for women, members of visible or ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with disabilities. To this end, all applicants will be invited to complete a confidential self-identification form upon submission of their application.

All applications will be processed confidentially.

Applications must be sent to:

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

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