"Assistant Professor in Forensic Biology"

The Department of Anthropology and the Institute of Forensic Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga invite applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the area of Forensic Biology. This will be a joint appointment between the Department of Anthropology (51%) and the Institute of Forensic Sciences (49%). The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Biology or closely related field by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in both research and teaching, with an emphasis on forensic genetics. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. The successful applicant must have demonstrated expertise in the field of Forensic Biology and a proven record, or planned trajectory, of practice that includes forensic laboratory experience, and/or professional forensic activities such as casework, court testimony, or similar practices.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, which can be demonstrated by a record of existing and forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, and awards and accolades, as well as strong endorsements from referees.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated by teaching accomplishments, and the teaching dossier, including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as 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.

To complement our current forensic biology course offerings, preference will be given to candidates with experience in the following: Laboratory Analysis of Forensic Biological Evidence and crime scene investigation; Forensic Serology & Basic Serology techniques, Forensic DNA profiling; DNA extraction methods; DNA quantitation methods; PCR; SNP genotyping (Real Time PCR and Luminex); STR genotyping using capillary sequencer, primer design; Sanger sequencing; massively parallel sequencing (sequencing by synthesis); experience in Illumina platforms and chemistries preferred.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing strengths in the Institute of Forensic Sciences and the Department of Anthropology. For further information on the Institute of Forensic Sciences, please see https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/forensic/ and for the Department of Anthropology https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/anthropology/department-anthropology.

The University of Toronto Mississauga's Institute of Forensic Sciences is designed to provide students with an understanding of scientific analyses, theories, laboratory skills, applications, and field techniques. Programs are offered in the fields of forensic anthropology, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic psychology. For more information, see the UTM Forensic Science website at http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/forensic/.

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research at the highest international level and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. Collaborations with tri-campus departments are encouraged. Cross appointment at the graduate level to a relevant department will be pursued upon hiring.

At UTM we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. With an enviable diverse student body, we especially welcome applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black, or racially visible (persons of colour), and who have experience working with teaching or mentoring diverse groups or students. Candidates must demonstrate, in their application materials, an ability to foster diversity on campus and within the curriculum or discipline, and must show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial environment. Candidates must submit a statement describing their contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities; efforts undertaken to develop inclusive pedagogies, collaboration, and engagement with underrepresented communities; and mentoring of students from underrepresented groups. If you have questions about this statement, please contact the Chair of UTM Anthropology at anthrochair.utm@utoronto.ca.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit a cover letter; a current curriculum vitae; a research statement outlining current and future research interests; a recent writing sample; and a teaching dossier including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above; and an EDI statement as outlined above.

Applicants must provide 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 after an application is submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated, and signed) by the closing date. More details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. 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. If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Chair of UTM Anthropology at anthrochair.utm@utoronto.ca.

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by 11:59pm on December 8, 2025.

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