Understanding the Current Job Landscape at Concordia University

Concordia University, located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, stands as one of Canada's prominent public research universities, offering a dynamic environment for professionals in higher education. With over 7,000 faculty and staff contributing to its two vibrant campuses—the Sir George Williams (SGW) Campus downtown and the Loyola Campus—the institution fosters innovation, research, and teaching excellence. As of early 2026, Concordia University jobs encompass a variety of roles, from tenure-track faculty positions to administrative staff and student opportunities, reflecting the university's commitment to academic advancement amid evolving higher education trends in Canada.

The job market at Concordia is influenced by national shifts, including federal policies on international student enrollment, which have led to both challenges and strategic hiring focuses. Despite recent adjustments, the university maintains active recruitment for specialized roles, particularly in research and part-time teaching. Prospective applicants will find opportunities aligned with Concordia's strengths in areas like engineering, arts, sciences, and business, making it an attractive destination for careers in Canadian higher education.

Diverse Types of Positions Available

Concordia University jobs span multiple categories, catering to academics, professionals, and students alike. Faculty positions, governed by associations such as the Concordia University Faculty Association (CUFA) for full-time roles and the Concordia University Part-Time Faculty Association (CUPFA) for contract work, include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and instructors. These roles often require a doctoral degree, proven research output, and teaching experience.

Staff positions cover administrative, technical, and support functions, falling under unions like the Administrative, Clerical, and Union of McGill Employees (ACUMAE) or the Concordia University Professional Employees Union (CUPEU). Examples include department administrators, events coordinators, and IT specialists. Research roles, such as research associates and assistants under the Contract Academic Research Employees (CARE) scale, appeal to those with advanced degrees seeking project-based work.

• Full-time faculty: Focus on research, teaching, and service; priority for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• Part-time faculty: Course-specific contracts, with applications opening periodically.
• Staff and admin: Full benefits packages, hybrid options available.
• Research chairs: Prestigious positions like Canada Research Chairs (Tier 1 and Tier 2).

Senior administrative roles, though currently limited, occasionally open for deans or directors, emphasizing leadership in academic units.

Faculty and Academic Hiring Trends

Faculty positions at Concordia represent core Concordia University jobs for scholars aiming to advance knowledge. While specific departmental postings vary—such as recent calls in the Faculty of Fine Arts for tenure-track roles in Art Education, Creative Arts Therapies, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, and Studio Arts—the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science frequently seeks part-time instructors and teaching assistants for upcoming terms like Summer 2026.

Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), funded by the Government of Canada, are a highlight, with Tier 1 chairs for established researchers (seven-year terms, up to $1.4 million funding) and Tier 2 for emerging leaders (five-year terms, up to $600,000). Applications are discipline-specific and emphasize equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Part-time faculty recommendations for Fall/Winter 2026 were due in March, with notifications by early April, illustrating the competitive, time-sensitive nature of these opportunities.

In the Faculty of Arts and Science, though no openings were listed as of April 2026, historical trends show demand in chemistry, computer science, and biology. Candidates must navigate eligibility rules, prioritizing Canadians and permanent residents, with open work permit holders considered for limited terms.

Staff and Support Roles: Building the Operational Backbone

Staff positions form a substantial portion of Concordia University jobs, supporting daily operations across academic and administrative units. Current listings, accessible via the university's SAP SuccessFactors portal, include roles like plumbers, carpenters, department administrators, and events coordinators. These positions offer stability and progression within unionized frameworks.

For instance, ACUMAE scales range from Grade 7 ($59,852 minimum) for entry-level admin to Grade 20 ($193,191 maximum) for senior executives. Hourly roles under CULEU start at $25.31 for basic clerical work, scaling to $45.60 for advanced duties. Trades like electricians begin at $37.13 per hour, with premiums for leadership or evenings.

Hybrid and flexible arrangements are common, aligning with Concordia's family-friendly policies, making these roles appealing for mid-career professionals relocating to Montreal.

Research Positions and Prestigious Chairs

Research-focused Concordia University jobs attract top talent through programs like Canada Excellence Research Chairs and Impact+ Research Chairs for 2026. Research associates earn $30.79 to $53.28 hourly under CARE, while assistants range from $27.03 to $46.79. Student researchers under CREW receive tiered rates: $33.59 for doctoral candidates, $24.95 for master's, and $19.45 for undergraduates.

These roles involve collaborative projects in sustainability, AI, health sciences, and more, often tied to Concordia's research clusters. Postdoctoral fellowships, though not currently listed in Arts and Science, periodically open across faculties. For detailed opportunities, visit the official Concordia careers page.

Student Employment and Entry-Level Pathways

For students, Concordia University jobs include on-campus part-time roles, internships, and work-study programs via the Hire-a-Student portal. Areas like libraries, labs, and residence life hire throughout the year, providing hands-on experience. Exam invigilators, a flexible gig, ensure testing integrity during peak periods.

These positions build resumes for future academic careers, with many transitioning to full-time roles post-graduation. Concordia's 93% employment rate for graduates underscores the value of starting here, with average starting salaries around CAD 91,133.

Salary Scales and Compensation Insights

Understanding pay structures is crucial for evaluating Concordia University jobs. Part-time faculty earn $10,818 per three-credit course (2025/2026, plus 8% vacation pay), while full-time CUFA salaries follow negotiated scales detailed in collective agreements—typically competitive with Canadian peers, averaging higher for professors.

Staff annual salaries under ACUMAE span $59,852 (Grade 7) to $193,191 (Grade 20), with steps for progression. Research roles offer hourly rates scaling with experience. View comprehensive scales on the university's salary page. Factors like union premiums, pensions, and location adjustments enhance total compensation in Montreal's cost-effective environment.

Why Concordia: Top Employer Status and Benefits

Named a Montréal Top Employer for the 11th consecutive year in 2026, Concordia excels in flexibility, professional development, and family supports. Benefits include comprehensive health and dental plans, a robust pension, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition subsidies for job-related courses, apprenticeships, and leadership training.

Family perks feature parental leave top-ups, hybrid work, flexible schedules, and reduced summer hours. These elements, praised in Canada's Top 100 Employers profile, position Concordia as a leader in employee well-being, fostering long-term retention in higher education.

Navigating Recent Challenges and Developments

Canadian higher education faces headwinds, with Concordia announcing in November 2025 the non-renewal of 63 limited-term faculty contracts expiring June 2026, alongside deferred sabbaticals and voluntary retirements. Triggered by a 23% drop in international enrollment due to federal caps (155,000 permits for 2026) and Quebec tuition hikes, these measures address a structural deficit.

Impacts include morale dips and potential course shifts, but the university prioritizes core operations. Details in this analysis highlight sector-wide ripples, yet strategic hires in research persist.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Review openings on the SAPSF portal for staff or faculty-specific FRIS system.
2. Prepare CV, cover letter, references; tailor to EDI commitments.
3. Submit via external (career17.sapsf.com) or internal portals.
4. Interviews may include teaching demos or panels.
5. Offers include contract reviews by April 15 for some roles.

External candidates: Follow external guidelines.

Career Growth and Professional Development

Concordia invests in growth via in-house training, online courses, and accreditation support. Employees access leadership programs and mentorship, aiding transitions from staff to admin or research to faculty. Montreal's bilingual culture enhances global mobility.

Future Outlook and Strategic Hiring

Looking to 2026-2027, expect focus on high-impact research amid enrollment stabilization. Volt-Age Research Fellowships and new chairs signal growth in emerging fields. Job seekers should monitor faculty sites for tenure-track expansions.

Actionable advice: Network via LinkedIn, attend virtual career fairs, and leverage EDI initiatives for competitive edges.