"Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law and Public Policy in Canada"

Position # 002661TT-2026-CRCLAW

Date posted: January 19, 2026

The University of Windsor invites applications from emerging scholars for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Law and Public Policy in Canada. This external open position will be appointed to the Faculty of Law at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure-track or tenured), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

Canada Research Chair Position

The University of Windsor invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Law and Public Policy in Canada. We welcome applications from individuals with expertise in Indigenous legal orders, governance, rights, global advocacy, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), land and membership claims, and policy learning. The position will be appointed to the Faculty of Law at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (tenure-track or tenured), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

The Tier 2 CRC program is intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., individuals who have been active researchers in their field and are normally within 10 years of their highest degree and recognized by their peers as performing high-impact research and creative activities at the national and international level, and with the potential to lead in their field for the foreseeable future. The successful applicant should, at a minimum, be an Assistant or Associate Professor or possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels. This position is subject to final budgetary approval and approval of the nomination by the Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS).

The Faculty of Law has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations. The successful candidate will build on existing research strengths and develop innovative scholarship in Indigenous law, governance, and public policy. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, legal frameworks for Indigenous governance, land and resource rights, membership and self-determination, and implementation of UNDRIP within Canadian law and policy contexts.

The CRC will foster research collaborations within the Faculty of Law, across the University, and with local, national, and international partners, including Indigenous communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations. The successful candidate will also play a leadership role in mentoring and supervising students and post-doctoral fellows while contributing to research capacity and excellence within the Faculty and the broader community.

In addition, the CRC will contribute to teaching and curriculum development, providing expertise in Indigenous law and policy in both JD and graduate programs, and will actively engage in knowledge mobilization to impact public policy, legal practice, and community initiatives.

Lived Experience Statement

In pursuit of the University’s equity goals, as outlined in the University of Windsor’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan and in accordance with the CRC Secretariat’s policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion, the University is prioritizing applications from candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, women or minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The University will also adhere to the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation through the search and nomination process.

The University of Windsor understands that gender expression takes many forms and welcomes applications from any candidate who identifies as a woman or minority sexual orientation and/or gender minority, including, but not limited to, applicants who may identify as Two-Spirit, transgender, and/or non-binary.

In alignment with the University’s employment equity policies, applicants are also encouraged to self-identify as racialized people, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Métis), and/or LGBTQ2S+. The lived experience of applicants from equity groups will be taken into consideration as applicable to this position.

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

Candidate Criteria

The ideal candidate for the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law and Public Policy in Canada will be expected to satisfy the following:

• An exceptional emerging scholar who holds a JD/LLB with expertise in Indigenous Legal Orders or a Ph.D in Indigenous studies, public policy, or a related field. In the case of candidates holding a JD/LLB in Law, an LLM or advanced degree in Law or cognate discipline is preferred. In all cases, the successful candidate will have the necessary qualifications to be appointed at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. The candidate will be expected to propose an original, innovative research program of high-quality, transformative, and impactful research in Indigenous law and policy, governance, land and membership frameworks, and the implementation of UNDRIP in Canadian law.
• An emerging scholar is defined as a researcher who has obtained their highest degree (Ph.D. or JD/LLB) within the last 10 years at the time of nomination. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (Ph.D. or JD/LLB) (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, or other relevant factors) may still be eligible through the CRC Tier 2 justification process. For more information, please contact vpri@uwindsor.ca or consult the Canada Research Chairs website.
• A record of success, or potential for success, in establishing, conducting, coordinating, and leading multi-disciplinary and collaborative research programs. This includes fostering relationships with the external community and stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, governments, and agencies. The successful candidate will establish a research program that complements the interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Windsor, including collaboration across the Faculty of Law and with research institutes, Indigenous partners, and scholars across the University.
• The ability to supervise students and postdoctoral fellows, while supporting the development of diverse trainees. The University is especially interested in candidates who are committed to advancing Indigenization and decolonization as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion in the learning and research environment and who have a track record of, or the potential for, attracting, developing, retaining, and mentoring students and future researchers from equity groups.
• Demonstrated potential to achieve, or further augment, international recognition in their research within the next five to ten years.

The initial term of the Tier 2 CRC is five years, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance review as per CRC policies and guidelines. The expiration of the Tier 2 CRC term will not impact the nominee’s tenure-track or tenured appointment.

Compensation

Assistant Professor $83,896- $133,896; Associate Professor $117,799-$167,799

This is within the 2026-2027 salary range for the rank as outlined in Article A Table A.1 of the current Collective Agreement with the Windsor University Faculty Association. The compensation offered to the successful candidate will take into consideration their experience and existing salary structure. A full range of benefits including a pension plan and medical benefits are available to the successful candidate.

Application Requirements

• a cover letter of application, including a statement confirming eligibility to work in Canada;
• a curriculum vitae;
• a one-page statement of commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization and Indigenization;
• a teaching dossier or portfolio no longer than five pages describing the candidate’s teaching philosophy and history (resources and templates for completing a teaching dossier can be found at https://www.uwindsor.ca/ctl/502/teaching-dossiers);
• a statement of research interests and a concise research proposal (up to 3 pages).;
• up to three (3) publications that illustrate the applicant’s most important past research contributions; and
• a list of three (3) referees including only their names and contact information. These referees will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.

The short-listed candidates may be invited to provide further information in support of their applications. To ensure full consideration, complete an online application (http://www.uwindsor.ca/facultypositions) found on the job advertisement by February 20, 2026. Applications may be considered after the deadline date; however, acceptance of late submissions is at the discretion of the appointments committee.

Contact

Dr. Shanthi Johnson
Vice-President, Research and Innovation
Tel: (519) 253-3000 Ext. 5003
E-mail: vpri@uwindsor.ca