Assistant Professor - Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous. Recognizing that there are a variety of terms that potential candidates may use to self-identify, the University uses the term “Indigenous” in this search, which forms part of the U of T Response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to encompass the people of Turtle Island, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuk (Inuit), Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian people.

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Indigenous Studies or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Indigenous Knowledge Systems. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. The candidate will have a deep understanding of the Indigenous Knowledge systems and pedagogies of their own people, community, or Nation, including knowledge gained through sustained community relationships and culturally grounded practices of teaching and learning. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to teach Indigenous and non-Indigenous students how Indigenous Knowledge systems and pedagogies shape Indigenous Studies and other academic disciplines. Knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages is also an asset.

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; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements from referees.

Candidates should have teaching experience in a degree-granting program, including lecture preparation and delivery, curriculum development, and development of online material/lectures. A demonstrated record of experience and engagement, including relationship-building, long-standing relationships, and work with community leaders and Elders/Knowledge Holders, is required. Candidates must also demonstrate long-term experience and ethical engagement with Indigenous organizations and institutions and evidence of understanding the importance of consensus-building relationships. Engagement with Indigenous communities will be demonstrated through reference letters and other application materials.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below), and strong letters of reference.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.

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

The Centre for Indigenous Studies is in the process of developing a graduate program and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be fully engaged in the development and implementation of the program.

Hiring Salary Range

The expected salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

About Us

Building upon the expertise of our faculty and the extensive resources of the University, the Centre for Indigenous Studies houses an interdisciplinary program within the Faculty of Arts & Science and is uniquely positioned to nurture critical scholarship and teaching. We draw faculty members and students from across the world and are situated in one of the most diverse metropolitan regions in North America, on the traditional land of many Indigenous nations, including the Wendat, the Seneca (Haudenosaunee), and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

For more information on working at the University of Toronto, please visit https://www.utoronto.ca/research-innovation/working-at-uoft.

Application Process

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by November 11, 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 research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• a recent writing sample;
• 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
• the name and contact information of three references.

Equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to academic excellence as articulated in University of Toronto’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Excellence. We seek candidates who share these values and who demonstrate throughout the application materials their commitment and efforts to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Applicants must arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead, dated and signed) sent directly by the referee via email to indigenousstudies.admin@utoronto.ca by the closing date. Reference letters should be addressed to Professor Susan Hill, Director, Centre for Indigenous Studies.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Susan Hill at indigenousstudies.admin@utoronto.ca.

Please note: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in the initial screening or assessment of applications; however, all final assessments and hiring decisions are made by the search committee members.

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.

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