Montreal, QC, Canada
6 days ago
Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Indigenous Studies

​Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

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Position Description:

The new Faculty of Arts Institute of Indigenous Research and Knowledges (FAIIRK) at McGill University (Montreal, Canada) was approved in May 2025.  FAIIRK provides a dedicated institutional home within the Faculty of Arts for research and teaching into Indigenous methodologies, epistemologies, pedagogies, and philosophies, knowledges and experiences in Canada and across the world, where deepening knowledge of the local is enhanced by global comparative frameworks. 

FAIIRK invites applications for a senior tenure-track position in Indigenous Studies, at the rank of Associate Professor. The position carries with it the possibility of a Canada Research Chair (CRC Tier 1) for qualified First Nations, Inuit, or Metis candidates.

We welcome candidates whose work demonstrates an internationally recognized research and teaching agenda in at least one of these three areas: Indigenous languages, Indigenous governance systems, and Indigenous land-based methodologies and practices. Candidates whose work aligns with other topical themes within Indigenous Studies are also welcome to apply.

A successful First Nations, Inuit, or Metis candidate that satisfies the eligibility conditions of the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program will be supported by the University for nomination to a CRC. Candidates for the CRC will be assessed based on demonstrated evidence of existing outstanding original research, and clear recognition as an original researcher of world-class calibre and as a leader in their field.

Applicants should review both the Eligibility and Selection Criteria for Tier 1 chairs.

Canada Research Chairs Program at McGill University:

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program provides an opportunity to nominate a diverse cadre of outstanding researchers for professorships in areas that align with McGill’s Strategic Research Plan. Chairholders are internationally recognized as exceptional researchers and innovators in their discipline.

In pursuit of fulfilling McGill’s Calls to Action as outlined in the final report of the Provost’s Task Force on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education (2017), this senior appointment to FAIIRK supports Calls to Action 32, 44, and 46.

Tier 1 CRCs are reserved for established scholars who have demonstrated their recognition as an outstanding and original researcher of world-class calibre and as a leader in their field.

Application Process:

External applicants

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

Internal applicants

If you are an active McGill employee (i.e.: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

Job Duties:
Successful candidates will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, develop courses at all levels in their areas of specialization, supervise and mentor graduate students, and contribute to the intellectual life of the University. The successful candidate will be expected to take on the service responsibility of FAIIRK Director within 2-3 years of appointment.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Applicants for senior tenure-track positions at McGill University must have a PhD in hand at the time of appointment. This appointment is anticipated to begin on 1 August 2026.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in English, thereby requiring strong English communication skills, both verbally and in writing.


Faculty/Department/Unit:
Faculty of Arts Institute of Indigenous Research and Knowledges (FAIIRK)

Job Type:
Tenure-track

Rank:
Associate Professor

Salary:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Posting Period:
Applications should be submitted within 60 days of the date of posting of this advertisement.

Required Documents:

For external applicants:

A cover letter and curriculum vitae.A statement of researchThree letters of recommendation. (Once your application materials have been submitted, you will be notified via Workday to provide the contact information for three referees. These referees will then be contacted by Workday to upload their reference letters).One writing  sample.Sample course  syllabi.Evidence of teaching success (e.g., teaching evaluations, if available).

For internal applicants only:

1. A joint recommendation (one letter) from the Dean and Chair/Director. This letter is used only for the internal review process.

2. CV details (Education, Affiliation and employment, Funding history, Interruptions and Special circumstances), a Word template is provided to the Faculties.

3. A shortened version of the CRC Supporting documents for nominations:

a. An executive/lay summary (100 words) (Section 2a of the instructions)

b. A description of the proposed research program (3 pages max. following the instructions of Section 2b-e)

c. A description of the quality of the institutional environment, institutional commitment and fit with the McGill Strategic Research Plan (2 pages max. following the instructions of Section 3a-c).

4. CV documents: follow the instructions found here (Sections 1-6).

Commitment to Equity and Diversity:

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry. McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self- identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. For the purposes of a nomination for a Canada Research Chair for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis candidates, candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to validate such self-identification in accordance with McGill’s Policy on Indigenous Membership/Citizenship Validation.


Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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