Appointment Type and Rank: Assistant Professor (Probationary), Associate Professor (Probationary) or Associate Professor (Tenured)

Number of Positions: 1

Closing Date to Apply: Review of applications will commence July 15 and continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Start Date: January 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Position Profile: As part of Western’s commitment to advancing Indigenous scholarship and research, the University is seeking a strong Indigenous leader with a track record of or demonstrated potential for leading transformative change within the academy to fill one Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Sovereignty and Self-Determination.  This CRC complements recent Indigenous hiring initiatives across a variety of academic units at Western University.

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (probationary), Associate Professor (probationary) or Associate Professor (with tenure), depending on qualifications and experience, in the Faculty of Law, the Department of Political Science or the Department of History.  For those with interdisciplinary research interests, a joint appointment between any two of the Faculty of Law, the Department of Political Science, the Department of History or the Indigenous Studies program is also possible, and expressions of interest in such a joint appointment are welcome.

Academic Expectations: We invite you to describe your ongoing research program and discuss how it will contribute to our strategic vision and support reciprocal relationship-building with Indigenous communities on and off campus. 

Your research interest(s) could include, but are not limited to: 

• Indigenous nationhood and governance 
• Indigenous political theory and political systems
• Indigenous laws, legal systems, customs and traditions
• Historical and contemporary Canada-Indigenous relations
• Indigenous self-determination and gender justice
• Intersections between Indigenous self-determination and broad social/historical contexts

You will be expected to supervise students and teach at both graduate and undergraduate levels.  We are looking for an Indigenous scholar whose research, teaching and/or service includes the application of Indigenous knowledge and/or ethical engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities, organizations and/or institutions. 

Qualifications or Experience and Skills Required: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent (such as a JD and a Masters degree) in a discipline appropriate to the field of research; be engaged in a program of research and have a demonstrated record of excellence in scholarly research and teaching.  We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrated research excellence as defined in their field of expertise.  This may include, but is not limited to, the quality and impact of peer-reviewed publications, previous success securing research funding, and/or the practical applications or dissemination of scholarly work. 

You will demonstrate success in undergraduate and/or graduate and/or professional teaching as well as experience in supervision, training and/or mentorship of students.

You will also have a strong service record, demonstrating leadership and collegial activity at the community level and/or within the academic community. 

The successful candidate will be required to submit a CRC nomination in the first available competition after their appointment. As part of Western’s commitment to respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, this Chair will be open only to Indigenous applicants (First Nations (North American Indian), Métis, and Inuit) in accordance with Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Candidates must self-identify in their cover letter. 

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.

What is a CRC? CRCs at Western

Canada Research Chairs aim to achieve research excellence in humanities and social sciences, engineering and the natural sciences and health sciences. They improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching, and the coordination of other researchers' work.  The work of current CRCs at Western covers a broad array of fields and methodologies. CRC hiring is supported through our CRC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan.

In accordance with the CRC program for Tier 2 Chairs, candidates must be exceptional emerging world-class researchers (i.e., candidates must have less than 10 years of experience as an active researcher in their field at the time of nomination) who have demonstrated particular research creativity and have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their fields within five to ten years.  Applicants who are more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment (and where career breaks exist, such as pregnancy, parental, extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may contact ResearchWesternCRC@uwo.ca  to have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process.  As chairholders, candidates must have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers and be proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality. Please consult the Canada Research Chair website for full information, including further details on eligibility criteria.

Applicants considered for a tenure-track appointment must have a superior academic record and a demonstrated record of, or a strong potential for, excellence in scholarly research and teaching. In addition, they should have the ability and willingness to contribute to the intellectual and scholarly life of the Faculty community and to the University more generally. Candidates considered for appointments with tenure must have an outstanding academic record with a strong record of publications in academic outlets and significant experience in teaching. Applicants may wish to refer to the description of relevant academic responsibilities in the Letter of Understanding - Indigenous Faculty Members in the UWOFA Collective Agreement. The successful candidates will join a transdisciplinary network of collaborative Indigenous researchers across Western University and will have an opportunity to shape partnerships with our University and community stakeholders at the local, provincial, national and international levels. 

Why Choose Western?

It is a very exciting time for Indigenous research and scholarship at Western University (London Ontario). In 2016, Western approved its first ever Indigenous Strategic Plan, followed shortly thereafter by the development of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the appointment of a Vice-Provost and Associate Vice President for Indigenous Initiatives. In 2022 we opened the Wampum Learning Lodge, an intercultural teaching, learning, and gathering space at Western University, designed with Indigenous epistemologies and pedagogies at its heart  and we are developing Indigenous-centred and -developed curriculum across various Faculties and in the Indigenous Studies Program. Collectively, these commitments respond to Western’s desire to create a community where Indigenous peoples are engaging in all levels of work, study and research at Western University, enriching campus for the benefit of all. 

Now, as we begin to implement the Indigenous Strategic Plan, Western is working to build a space where Indigenous people and their knowledges and scholarship are respected, well-represented and well-supported. The development of centres and networks of Indigenous research leadership are critical to this work, but much remains to be done.  We are seeking a research leader who can enliven, inspire and further grow the base of Indigenous research excellence on our campus, while working reciprocally and respectfully with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations in local, national and international contexts. 

More information on the Faculty of Law, Department of Political Science, Department of History and the Indigenous Studies Program.

With an enviable national reputation and an international profile that ranks among the top universities world-wide, Western pushes the boundaries of pedagogical and scholarly excellence while setting a national standard for a student experience that is second to none. Western is fostering understanding and respect for, and reciprocal relationships with, Indigenous communities; and the University is working to support the recruitment and success of Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students, the integration of Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research, collaboration with Indigenous communities, and recruitment and retention of Indigenous faculty and staff. 

Western is a founding member of Canada’s U15, serves as a hub for more than 500 international research collaborations, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. There are more than 38,000 students within Western’s 11 Faculties and Schools and 2 affiliated University Colleges. Approximately 4,000 faculty and staff work in partnership to deliver 400+ specializations, majors and minors, as well as innovative modular degree programs. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit Western’s Strategic Plan, Research Strategic Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan. 

How to Apply

Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy

Compensation Details: The annual salary for this position will be: $125,000-$175,000, 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.

Applications will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary committee and must include the following: 

1. a completed application form
2. a cover letter in which you tell us about your journey as an Indigenous scholar and indicate your preferred academic program/ department(s)/ Faculty of appointment
3. a detailed curriculum vitae
4. a plan identifying your most significant contributions to your field and your proposed 5-year research program; how your past contributions connect with your research plan; potential or demonstrated impact of your research and how you incorporate EDID principles into your research  - maximum 3 pages
5. a statement of your teaching and mentoring philosophies and experience and how you incorporate EDID principles into your teaching    – maximum 2 pages
6. the names and email addresses of 3 references, which may include an Indigenous community leader (references will not be contacted without advance notice)
    

The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to: Margaret McGlynn, Vice Provost, Academic Planning, Policy and Faculty at vpappf@uwo.ca.

Western 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 and 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 community.

Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement and potential candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV. 

Western University reserves the rights to review applicants to ensure eligibility for funding under applicable research policies.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication 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 application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please contact hskillin@uwo.ca