Working at Concordia, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Concordia University

Concordia University, located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, stands as one of the country's largest urban universities. Established in 1974 through the merger of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College, it has grown into a dynamic institution with over 51,000 students across two campuses: the bustling Sir George Williams Campus downtown and the serene Loyola Campus. Known for its innovative approach to education, Concordia emphasizes experiential learning through co-op programs, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary studies. For those seeking jobs at Concordia University, the institution offers a diverse array of academic, research, and administrative positions that contribute to its mission of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement.

The university's commitment to real-world impact is evident in its strong rankings, including top positions in Canada for art and design, computer science, and engineering. Montreal's vibrant, multicultural environment enhances the appeal, providing a backdrop of cultural festivals, bilingualism (English and French), and proximity to global industries. Jobs at Concordia University attract professionals passionate about higher education in a city renowned for its quality of life.

History of Concordia University

Concordia University's roots trace back to the 19th century. Sir George Williams University began as a YMCA evening school in 1929, evolving into a degree-granting institution focused on accessible education. Loyola College, founded in 1896 by the Jesuits, offered liberal arts and sciences. Their 1974 merger created Concordia, symbolizing unity in diversity. This history shapes its job culture, valuing collaboration and innovation. Today, it employs thousands in roles supporting its evolution into a research powerhouse, with milestones like the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science leading aerospace advancements.

Academic Programs and Faculties

Concordia boasts five faculties: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Engineering and Computer Science (Gina Cody School), John Molson School of Business, and the School of Graduate Studies. Programs span over 400 undergraduate and 150 graduate offerings, including unique ones like journalism, game design, and supply chain management. This breadth creates demand for specialized faculty and staff. For instance, the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema attracts experts in film production, while the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering seeks AI specialists.

Explore higher ed faculty jobs or research jobs to see alignments with these programs.

Job Opportunities at Concordia University

Jobs at Concordia University encompass tenure-track professor positions, lecturers, adjunct roles, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, administrative staff, and executive leadership. Tenure-track roles involve teaching, research, and service, leading to permanent positions after review. Lecturers focus on instruction, ideal for those with teaching expertise. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page.

• Faculty positions in emerging fields like AI and sustainability.
• Research roles in labs such as the Centre for Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence (CPAMI).
• Administrative jobs in student services, HR, and finance.
• Support staff in libraries, IT, and facilities.

Current openings often appear on the university's career site, with hundreds posted annually.

Key Terms and Definitions

To understand jobs at Concordia University, key terms include:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role with a probationary period (usually 5-7 years) leading to lifelong employment if criteria in research, teaching, and service are met.
• Postdoctoral fellow (postdoc): A temporary research position for recent PhD graduates to gain experience, typically 1-3 years, funded by grants.
• Co-op program: Concordia's paid work-integrated learning where students alternate study and employment, influencing hiring for industry-linked roles.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time teaching role without tenure eligibility, often for practitioners.

Required Academic Qualifications for Jobs at Concordia University

For faculty jobs at Concordia University, a PhD in the relevant discipline is standard. Research assistant positions require at least a master's degree, while postdoctoral roles demand a completed doctorate. Administrative higher ed jobs may need a bachelor's or master's in fields like education or management. Specific examples: Aerospace engineering professors hold PhDs in mechanical or aeronautical engineering; business lecturers need an MBA or PhD.

Learn more about writing a winning academic CV.

Research Focus and Expertise Needed

Concordia excels in AI (via MILA partnership), aerospace (with Bombardier collaborations), creative technologies, and urban futures. Expertise in machine learning, sustainable materials, digital media, or entrepreneurship is prized. Research grants from NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) fund many positions, prioritizing impactful projects like climate modeling or VR in education.

Preferred Experience and Skills and Competencies

Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), grant funding, and teaching portfolios. Skills encompass interdisciplinary collaboration, grant writing, mentoring, and bilingualism (English/French advantageous in Quebec). Competencies like adaptability in urban settings and community engagement align with Concordia's values. For lecturers, classroom innovation via experiential methods is key.

• Publications in high-impact journals.
• Supervision of graduate students.
• Data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB).
• Project management for research teams.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process starts on Concordia's Workday portal: search openings, submit CV, cover letter, research/teaching statements, and references. Deadlines are strict, often December-January for fall hires.

Actionable tips:

• Customize documents to job ad keywords.
• Highlight Quebec/Canada research relevance.
• Network at conferences like ACS or CINP.
• Prepare for interviews with research seminars.
• Use free cover letter templates.

Follow up professionally; equity statements boost diverse candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Concordia's EDI Strategy targets underrepresented groups via hiring goals, bias training, and the Indigenous Education Initiative. Examples: Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science & Technology (WISEST) program recruits female STEM faculty; Accessibility Fund supports disabled hires. Black Excellence Initiative funds research by Black scholars. These make jobs at Concordia University inclusive, with metrics showing increased diverse hires (e.g., 25% women in engineering faculty).

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Concordia promotes balance with 35-hour weeks, 4+ weeks vacation, sabbaticals every 7 years for faculty, and parental leave exceeding Quebec standards. Wellness includes gyms, counseling, and childcare subsidies. Campus life thrives in Montreal: Loyola's green spaces for reflection, downtown's festivals (Jazz Fest, Igloofest), and biking paths. Employees enjoy cultural perks, transit discounts, and remote options post-pandemic. Bilingual environment aids integration; proximity to Old Port enhances evenings.

Conclusion: Your Next Step in Higher Education Careers

Jobs at Concordia University offer rewarding paths in a innovative, inclusive setting. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, get career advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post your opening via post a job. Concordia awaits talented professionals.