Assistant Professor - Climate and Community Health Equity

This position part of the Canada Excellence Research Chair's Network for Equity in Sustainability Transitions (CERC NEST). The CERC NEST uses a transdisciplinary, comparative and action-centred approach with communities and city actors in Toronto and internationally to examine how to enhance participation in decision-making, address inequities in regulations and investments, and ensure fair distribution of benefits, livability and a good life for all.

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in a related discipline (e.g., Sociology, Engineering, Public Health, Environmental Sciences, etc.) by the time of appointment or shortly thereafter with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and broaden our existing departmental strengths, dovetail with CERC NEST research vision and methodologies, and enhance the campus strengths and priorities.

The successful candidate will have mixed or multi-methods research experience relevant to sustainability transitions by focusing on the human health and community equity implications of climate-related issues, such as extreme heat, air pollution (indoor and ambient), and energy use in cities. Grounded in the CERC-NEST goal of co-producing knowledge to foster equity in sustainability transitions, this hire will take an integrated approach to community health equity. Teaching experience is essential, and experience in curriculum or course development will be considered an asset. Strong professional, research, and academic networks are also advantageous.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated through a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals or forthcoming publications that meet high international standards; the submitted research statement; as well as presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

Demonstrated teaching ability across a range of courses is required, including areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation in cities, community health equity, and health across diverse communities throughout the lifespan. Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below, as well as evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities), and strong letters of reference. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching, and service commit to equity, diversity, inclusion and to the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, as demonstrated through the application materials. Candidates are asked to submit a 1–2-page statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. The successful candidate is also expected to establish strong connections particularly within Scarborough and between DHS, the CERC NEST, and the new Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH).

In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load.

Hiring Salary Range

The salary range is $145,000 - $165,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

About Us

The University of Toronto offers the opportunity to conduct research and creative practice, teach, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. The appointment is at the University of Toronto Scarborough, which is a research-intensive campus with an interdisciplinary commitment, a multicultural student body, and a modern campus. Within the University of Toronto Scarborough, the Department of Health and Society is home to a diverse community of students, teachers, and researchers. Members of our growing department ask cutting-edge questions about health, disability, illness, and disease, locally and globally and from a range of disciplinary perspectives. For more information about the Department of Health and Society at the University of Toronto Scarborough, please visit our website.

Application Process

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by December 3, 2026.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. Applicants must submit the following materials:

• a cover letter;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a 2- to 3-page research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• 1 to 3 recent article-length publications;
• a teaching dossier that includes a strong teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above;
• an EDI statement as described above; and
• the name and contact information of three references.

The University of Toronto's recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee within 48 hours of an application being submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that referees submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated, and signed) by the closing date. Submission guidelines and details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Michelle Silver, Department Chair, at dhs-chair@utsc.utoronto.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.