Assistant Professor in International Studies, International Law and Foreign Affairs

The School for International Studies at Simon Fraser University (Vancouver, Canada) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor starting as early as July 15, 2027. We invite applicants from the social sciences or law, with expertise in international law and foreign affairs, broadly defined (e.g., the history and practice of the international legal order; law and diplomacy; international humanitarian law; global governance and international organizations). Expertise related to Canadian foreign policy will be considered an asset. Professional experience in applied research, practice, or policy will also be considered an asset. 

We welcome applications from scholars who take a broad range of approaches, including scholars whose research engages critically with conventional approaches to law and legal scholarship (e.g., work grounded in decolonial and anti-colonial scholarship, Indigenous legal traditions, Third World Approaches to International Law [TWAIL), critical race theory, or Marxist approaches.)

Duties 

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the University’s research excellence through a rigorous research program. The candidate will be expected to teach courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs in areas specified above, as well as supervise MA students’ research. A normal teaching load for a tenure-track research faculty member is four courses per year over two 13-week semesters. Finally, it is expected that the successful candidate will contribute to the School, Faculty, University and the academic community through service. 

Qualifications

Excellence in research and teaching are the primary criteria for this position. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in social sciences or law by the employment start date.

The successful candidate must demonstrate each of the following. Note that all items will be assessed commensurate with years of experience.

• A strong record of research productivity commensurate with experience, including demonstrated commitments to interdisciplinary research;
• The establishment of, or potential for, a successful research program;
• Evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching existing courses in the International Studies undergraduate and graduate curricula as well as new courses which complement our existing curriculum;
• Evidence of, or potential for, supervision of graduate students;
• Ability to engage a diverse student body;
• Potential for service contributions to the School, Faculty, University, and the academic community more generally.

Applications

Applicants should have a doctoral degree by the time of appointment. Applications will be treated in confidence and should include: a cover letter; a research statement (2 page maximum) addressing substantive and/or theoretical contributions, methods, and future plans; a teaching statement (2 page maximum) addressing experience, pedagogical approaches, and potential contributions; a curriculum vitae; 1 writing sample (no more than 30 pages); and 3 letters of reference. Applications will be reviewed beginning November 12, 2026, until the position is filled. 

Materials should be sent in one PDF file via email only to intst@sfu.ca, except for letters of reference which should be sent directly from the letter writers. In the subject line of the email, indicate the following information: “2026 Assistant Professor Application, (Applicant Name).” Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Elizabeth Cooper (is_director@sfu.ca).

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. We welcome applications from scholars belonging to underrepresented groups, including first generation scholars.

SFU is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization. Diversity is an underlying principle of SFU’s Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is a signatory to the Scarborough Charter, which commits the institution to redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion in universities and colleges across Canada. SFU’s Strategic Academic Plan (2025-2030) supports the decolonization and Indigenization of courses and programs, fostering teaching and learning environments that respect diverse Indigenous knowledge systems and world views. SFU’s Black Caucus and Queer Faculty Network are two examples of faculty-led initiatives making safer scholarly spaces and uplifting the work of historically marginalized colleagues.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact the Equity Office at EDI@SFU.CA

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have impacted them. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and non-traditional areas of research and/or research outputs.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. The current salary ranges are based on the 2022-2025 SFU/SFUFA Collective Agreement. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 to $153,322, depending on experience and inclusive of a market differential.

This is a junior faculty position; only those holding or those eligible to be appointed to the rank will be considered. This position is subject to the availability of funding.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

About SFU and the School for International Studies

The School for International Studies is an interdisciplinary unit with research and teaching programs focused on peace and security; international development; human rights and international law; and governance and civil society. Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a leading Canadian public research university (consistently ranked #1 by Maclean’s Magazine for best comprehensive university in Canada). We earn top marks for our world-class social science research, award-winning students and faculty, and new library acquisitions.

We acknowledge the (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓ íc̓ əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Səmyámə (Semiahmoo), and sc̓ əwaθən (Tsawwassen) Peoples, on whose unceded traditional territories Simon Fraser University’s three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.