Assistant Professor - Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies

Position Title

Assistant Professor

Department / Institute

Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies, University of Ottawa

Summary

The Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies (IIRS) at the University of Ottawa invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor, open to Indigenous scholars of any disciplinary background. Priority will be given to scholars whose academic background and training is in Indigenous Studies or cognate disciplines and who conduct research around questions of, but not exclusively: gender and sexuality; history and/or contemporary lived realities; museum, archival, or gallery studies; health and wellness and disability studies; science and science knowledge; literature and/or artistic practices; languages; film and media studies; digital humanities; land, territory, and mapping practices; land-based pedagogies and methods; urban studies, housing, built environment; sovereignty, legal orders, governance; or research at the intersection of any of these concepts/areas. IIRS is a newer academic unit, and successful candidates will be expected to contribute to its growth, including the building of graduate programming. A strong commitment to participate in the administrative activities of the Institute is required. This position is a designated hire restricted to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) candidates. While all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, priority in selection will be given to candidates who identify as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to identify as First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit in their cover letter by highlighting their lived experiences, connections to community, and research praxis. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit documentation according to the university's Policy 135 for FNMI membership/citizenship verification for all appointments, awards, and funding opportunities for faculty, staff, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows prior to interviewing. The fundamental purpose of this hiring initiative is to increase the representation of Indigenous faculty members in IIRS’s teaching and research activities and support the growth of Indigenous Studies as a discipline at the University of Ottawa. This hiring is undertaken in accordance with the University’s Indigenous Action Plan which seeks to remedy the under-representation of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit faculty members. We especially encourage applications from Indigenous scholars with connections to the nations and peoples from the territories near the University of Ottawa or who make the region home; however, we welcome applications from all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit scholars. The start date is expected to be July 1st, 2027.

Duties

• a) scholarly activities and research;
• b) academic service including the development of a graduate program;
• c) teaching,
• d) supervision of students.

Employment Details

New tenure-track position.

Salary

Salary scale for an Assistant professor rank starts at $99, 377 (according to the scale in place as of May 1, 2025).

Benefits

The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability leave, basic group life insurance, supplementary health insurance, a pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Work Location

Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies, University of Ottawa, William Commanda Hall, 52 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5.

Contact

Please address questions about this position to Dr. Brenda Macdougall and/or Dr. Sonia Wesche, Co-Directors, Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON, K1N 6N5. E-mail: View email address on apply.j-vers.com.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ph.D.) or terminal degree in the field of study;
• Evidence of successful teaching at a post-secondary institution;
• Evidence of an established and innovative research program and a record of refereed publications and scholarly conferences;
• Ability to attract external funding;
• Fluency in English or French.

Active bilingualism in Canada's two official languages is encouraged and supported; passive bilingualism in French and English will be required to receive tenure (courses and individual tutoring available for professors).

Deadline

December 14, 2026; the position will remain open until filled.

Accommodation and Inclusivity

The University of Ottawa provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by emailing the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, at View email address on apply.j-vers.com. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

University Culture

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouse/partner in their second official language. The University acknowledges its location within the unceded territory of the Algonquin Nation.