"Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in AI & Inequality (Tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor)"

Appointment Type and Rank:

Tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor

Number of Positions:

One

Posting Date:

March 10, 2026

Closing Date to Apply:

Review of applications will begin on April 10, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Start Date:

July 1, 2027 or as negotiated

Vacancy Disclosure Statement:

This position is an existing vacancy.

Position Profile:

The Faculty of Social Science at The University of Western Ontario invites applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in AI & Inequality. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Full Professor or Associate Professor (tenured) in any department in the Faculty of Social Science (https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/departments/). Nominees for Tier 1 chair positions must be full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor level within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if the nominee comes from outside the academic sector, they must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at one of these levels.

Qualifications:

Candidates will have a PhD or equivalent in a social science discipline or closely related field and a high-impact research program focused on AI and inequality. The anticipated starting date will be July 1, 2027, or as negotiated. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the first available competition after their appointment.

Rapid developments in AI have outpaced our understanding of the broader societal implications of these technologies. Given the profound implications of AI for social inequality, social science perspectives and methodologies are not only relevant but essential tools to apply to the complex challenges posed by AI to social equity. The successful applicant will be a social scientist who brings a critical, future-oriented perspective to AI technologies and their implications for social inequality, considering issues such as bias and discrimination within algorithms and data sets; AI’s impact on the environment, governance, and accountability; AI in the context of surveillance and access to technology; its implications for economic disparities, among other topics. This research program must have significant implications for policies regarding AI development, application, and/or usage.

In accordance with the CRC (Tier 1) criteria, the candidate must be an outstanding and innovative researcher, with a track record of high-impact publications and extramural funding. The successful candidate will be engaged in ongoing knowledge mobilization and will evince leadership and advocacy in the domains of policy and public engagement. The potential for interdisciplinary collaboration and community-building within the Faculty of Social Science and other Western Faculties and programs is essential.

To address Western’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of Women in our Chairholders and pursuant to Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, only applicants who self-identify as women will be considered for this CRC opportunity. The CRC Program includes individuals from Gender Equity-Seeking Groups in the designated group of Women. This includes individuals who self-identify as transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary and Two-Spirit. Applicants will be required to self-identify to the search committee members in their application for the position. Candidates must complete the CRC Application Form and submit it with their application materials. This information will be disclosed to members of the search committee responsible for the selection of candidates and senior administrative personnel supporting the committee. Self-identification of applicants will not be disclosed to advisory members to the search process or other departmental or Faculty members.

The University of Western Ontario recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record, and to submit a full career or extended CV to a chairholder position in cases where they have had career interruptions.

Compensation Details:

The annual salary for this position will be: Associate Professor - $155,000-$205,000 and Full Professor - $175,000-$225,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Further details can be accessed at https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/faculty.html.

To Apply:

Applications must include the following:

• Application for Full-Time Faculty Position form, which can be found here: WESTERN UNIVERSITY APPLICATION FOR CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR AI AND INEQUALITY (TIER 1)
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Teaching Statement
• Names, addresses, and email addresses for three referees (we do not solicit letters until the interview stage).

Please combine all components, ordered as above, in a single PDF file named YOURLASTNAME_UWO_FSS_CRC_T1 and email the file to:

Chair, Search Committee, Tier 1 CRC in AI & Inequality
c/o Karen Foullong, Faculty Specialist
Faculty of Social Science
Western University
Email: kfoullon@uwo.ca

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Karen Foullong kfoullon@uwo.ca.

Posting Number: CRC-SS-AI&INEQUALITY_2026