Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities                                                                                             

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Reference # SSH-2026-27-02 

Lakehead University, Orillia Campus, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.  Applicants with teaching and research interests in social justice with a focus on poverty, food insecurity and/or homelessness, as well as a strong research foundation in structural and intersectional issues that make particular populations socially vulnerable are encouraged to apply. The position will commence on August 15, 2026.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Department is located on the Orillia campus. The City of Orillia is located two hours north of Toronto, in beautiful Simcoe County, between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. It is home to affordable living; thriving food and arts communities; and four-season, world class outdoor recreation (www.visitorillia.ca and www.orillialakecountry.ca). 

The Department offers 3-year and 4-year interdisciplinary HBASc programs in the arts and sciences. This position will support and provide leadership for the Interdisciplinary Studies’ undergraduate Social Justice concentration and contribute to the cross-campus Master of Arts in Social Justice. A cross-campus Ph.D in Social Justice is in the planning stages.  Detailed information about the department and its programs can be found here:

The successful candidate will:

1. Hold a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies, social justice studies, or a cognate discipline before starting the position
2. Demonstrate research productivity and the capacity to develop an interdisciplinary research program focused on social justice, attract external research funding and publish in peer-reviewed journals
3. Have demonstrated ability to teach required undergraduate and graduate courses related to social justice and have evidence of an effective teaching record. Experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery is highly desired.
4. Have demonstrated personal and professional commitments to equity, diversity, decolonization, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice
5. Be able to supervise undergraduate and graduate student research
6. Be able to contribute to the service and administrative activities of the program, the department, and the university

Compensation

This position will be filled at the rank of Assistant Professor. The expected compensation range for this position is:

• Assistant Professor: $88,094 - $133,223 

Salary will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further detail, please visit: 

For further information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Jarman, jjarman@lakeheadu.ca

Application Deadline:   June 15th, 2026 

Review of applications will begin on June 15th and continue until the position is filled.

The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference # SSH-2026-27-02 should include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously-taught courses), a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package.

Applicants should submit their electronic application to:

Dean Glenda Bonifacio

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Email:  ssh@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. 

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.cato make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to final budgetary approval.