Assistant Professor – Indigenous Studies

Tracking Code: req435

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

Appointment Type: Tenured and Tenure-Track, Full-time Continuing

Number of Positions: 1

Salary Grade: Administered in accordance with the Collective Agreement

Posting Date: November 21, 2022

Application Review Date: January 9, 2023 or until a suitable candidate is found

Ontario Tech University (University of Ontario Institute of Technology), located in Oshawa, Ontario, is proud to encourage an interactive, information-sharing culture for our individual staff, and teams which enhance organizational effectiveness.  Ontario Tech’s innovative programs, and technology-enriched learning environment create an atmosphere of academic excellence. Ontario Tech promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking, and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. We invite you to consider joining Ontario Tech’s globally trained faculty as we further our reputation for providing a leading-edge learning environment and delivering innovative research.

Ontario Tech University is situated on the Traditional Territory of the Michi Saagiig, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi and acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation as we work towards reconciliation and Indigenization. The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH) is seeking an Indigenous scholar for a full-time tenure-track appointment at the level of Assistant Professor.  To address the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in academia, this opportunity is open only to individuals who self-identify as Indigenous.

Specialization in any area of the social sciences and humanities will be considered. The Faculty currently has major programs in Criminology, Communication & Digital Media Studies, Legal Studies, Liberal Studies, Political Science, and General & Forensic Psychology, as well as specialized minor programs in Indigenous Studies and Sustainability. The Faculty encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching and research. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to contribute to the new interdisciplinary Master’s program in Social Practice and Innovation, or one of the other graduate programs in Criminology and Psychology.

While Ontario Tech University is at the early stages of the reconciliation and Indigenization process, the university is committed to supporting Indigenous scholars, staff, and students; developing understanding among the university community around Indigenous worldviews and knowledge systems; and building community with the surrounding Indigenous nations. More information can be found at the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services website. The Faculty recently launched an Indigenous Studies minor, which offers courses such as: Introduction to Indigenous Studies: Colonial History and its Impacts on Indigenous Peoples, (Re)Membering Reciprocal Relations), History and Stories of the Michi Saagiig and Haudenosaunee in Southern Ontario, Indigenous Digital and Visual Media, and Contemporary Indigenous Literature.

Candidates must have a PhD or be all-but-dissertation (ABD) in a relevant discipline.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate capacity to contribute to the Indigenous Studies Minor.
The successful candidate must self-identify as Indigenous. Ontario Tech University recognizes that there are a variety of terms used to encompass the people of Turtle Island, including those who identify as status and non-status First Nations, Métis, Inuk (Inuit), Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian people. Please include this in your cover letter.

The successful candidate will be expected to follow a 40% Research, 40% Teaching and 20% Service workload each year.

Applicants should submit in electronic format a covering letter; a curriculum vitae; a statement of teaching philosophy (1 page); an outline of their present research program (1 page); 5-year research plan (1 page); and the names of three referees (the search committee will only contact referees for reference letters in the case of the candidate being shortlisted). Shortlisted applicants will submit a writing sample and teaching evaluations (if available).

Applicants are invited to self-identify on their cover letter and share their relationship with and commitment to Indigenous communities in their application package; we understand that such relationships and communities can take many forms. Applicant self-identification information will be used for the purposes of screening and consideration. Please note that this information will be securely accessed only by members of the selection committee.

Candidates should submit their applications in digital format (as a single pdf file) to the Ontario Tech University Human Resources website.

Review of applications will begin on January 9th and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Position start date: July 1, 2023

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the UOIT Faculty Association and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the University and the UOIT Faculty Association.  The collective agreement may be found on the Human Resources section of our website. Starting salary will be commensurate with experience and annual salary increases are administered as per the terms outlined in the collective agreement.

Ontario Tech University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous Peoples in Canada will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people’s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the university required all students, faculty, staff and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined by our mandatory vaccine directive. This directive was paused, effective May 1, 2022, but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts. All employees of the university will be expected to comply with the requirements of this directive.

The university recognizes faculty and staff may require accommodations. We are committed to an accommodation process in which individualized needs (e.g. for medical and religious/creed grounds) are appropriately addressed under the Ontario Human Rights Code. A COVID-19 Vaccination Accommodation Application Form is available. If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 7/1/2023

Expected End Date: N/A

External link to posting:

https://ontariotechu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/435?c=ontariotechu