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Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 in AI & Inequality, Faculty of Social Science

Western University

Posted: March 10, 2026

Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 in AI & Inequality, Faculty of Social Science
Appointment Type and Rank: Tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor
Number of Positions: One
Posting Date: March 10, 2026
Closing Date to Apply: Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2027 or as negotiated
Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy.

Position Profile: The Faculty of Social Science at The University of Western Ontario invites applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in AI & Inequality. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor (tenured) in any department in the Faculty of Social Science (https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/departments/ ). Nominees for Tier 1 chair positions must be full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if the nominee comes from outside the academic sector, they must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at one of these levels.

Qualifications: Candidates will have a PhD or equivalent in a social science discipline or closely related field and a high-impact research program focused on AI and inequality. The anticipated starting date will be July 1, 2027, or as negotiated. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the first available competition after their appointment.

Rapid developments in AI have outpaced our understanding of the broader societal implications of these technologies. Given the profound implications of AI for social inequality, social science perspectives and methodologies are not only relevant but essential tools to apply to the complex challenges posed by AI to social equity. The successful applicant will be a social scientist who brings a critical, future-oriented perspective to AI technologies and their implications for social inequality, considering issues such as bias and discrimination within algorithms and data sets; AI’s impact on the environment, governance, and accountability; AI in the context of surveillance and access to technology; its implications for economic disparities, among other topics. This research program must have significant implications for policies regarding AI development, application, and/or usage.

In accordance with the CRC (Tier 1) criteria, the candidate must be an outstanding and innovative researcher, with a track record of high-impact publications and extramural funding. The successful candidate will be engaged in ongoing knowledge mobilization and will evince leadership and advocacy in the domains of policy and public engagement. The potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and community-building within the Faculty of Social Science and other Western Faculties and programs is essential.

To address Western’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of Women in our Chairholders and pursuant to Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/your-guide-special-programs-and-human-rights-code , only applicants who self-identify as women will be considered for this CRC opportunity. The CRC Program includes individuals from Gender Equity-Seeking Groups in the designated group of Women. This includes individuals who self-identify as transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary and Two-Spirit. Applicants will be required to self-identify to the search committee members in their application for the position. Candidates must complete the CRC Application Form (https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/careers/pdf/AI_and_Inequality_CRC_Application-Form.pdf ) and submit it with their application materials. This information will be disclosed to members of the search committee responsible for the selection of candidates and senior administrative personnel supporting the committee. Self-identification of applicants will not be disclosed to advisory members to the search process or other departmental or Faculty members.

The University of Western Ontario recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record, and to submit a full career or extended CV to a chairholder position in cases where they have had career interruptions.

Compensation Details: The annual salary for this position will be: Associate Professor - $155,000-$205,000 and Full Professor - $175,000-$225,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Further details can be accessed at https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html.

Affirmation Policy Statement

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University https://www.uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section1/mapp158.pdf .

About The Faculty of Social Science - Western is home to one of the largest and most diverse Social Science Faculties in Canada. We have eight core Departments, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, the DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology, as well as co-hosting the Indigenous Studies interdisciplinary program and the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Research excellence in each of these departments is supplemented by multiple interdisciplinary Research Centres, Institutes and Groups https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/research/research_centres_and_groups/index.html .

About Western University - With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

Western University recognizes that our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is central to the University’s mandate as a research-intensive institution of higher learning and a community leader. Western understands that our pursuit of research excellence and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are mutually supporting. As such, Western is committed to achieving and maintaining an equitable representation amongst our Canada Research Chair holders, as well as within Western’s broader research enterprise.

To Apply:

Applications must include the following:
• Application for Full-Time Faculty Position form, which can be found here: https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/careers/pdf/AI_and_Inequality_CRC_Application-Form.pdf
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Names, addresses, and email addresses for three referees (we do not solicit letters until the interview stage).

Please combine all components, ordered as above, in a single PDF file named YOURLASTNAME_UWO_FSS_CRC_T1 and email the file to:

Chair, Search Committee, Tier 1 CRC in AI & Inequality
c/o Karen Foullong, Faculty Specialist
Faculty of Social Science
Western University
Email: kfoullon@uwo.ca

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Karen Foullong kfoullon@uwo.ca .