Indigenous Justice

Job Type:

Academic Regular

Faculty/Department:

Department of Criminology_FT

Department of Criminology

Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Ottawa

Two (2) tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of Indigenous Justice

Located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinàbe-Algonquin People, near the Kichi Sìbi river, the Department of Criminology at the University of Ottawa is accepting applications for two (2) tenure-track positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in the field of Indigenous Justice. One (1) of these positions is to teach predominantly in French; the other is linguistically open (English and/or French).

The Faculty of Social Sciences comprises nine departments, schools and institutes, which offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in both English and French. With its 10,000 students, 260 full-time professors, and wide array of programs and research centres, the Faculty of Social Sciences plays a key role at the heart of the University of Ottawa. Its graduate students are supervised by excellent researchers and undertake cutting-edge research in the Faculty’s Master’s and Ph.D. programs. The University of Ottawa is committed to creating a supportive environment for Indigenous colleagues and is undertaking cohort hires across the campus to this effect.

In line with a priority of both the Faculty of Social Sciences and the University of Ottawa, candidates shall have in-depth knowledge of Indigenous realities in Canada informed by strong connections with Indigenous communities, a PhD (may be in progress) or a Master’s degree with an extensive background in research, and significant experience in the study of issues affecting Indigenous Peoples and communities from a social science, humanities, education, law, or public health perspective. These positions will contribute to the development of an Indigenous Justice Institute and, as such, the department values candidates with experience in community and social engagement and transformation efforts. It should be noted that the paradigms mobilized by the Department of Criminology are part of critical and/or transformative perspectives in research and intervention. The Department of Criminology currently offers programs in three cycles (BA, MA and Ph.D.) and has joint BA and MA programs with the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies.

This position is a designated hire restricted to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) candidates. While all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, priority in selection will be given to candidates who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. Applicants are invited to identify as First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit in their cover letter by highlighting their lived experiences, connections to community, and research praxis. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit documentation according to the university's Policy 135 for FNMI membership/citizenship verification for all appointments, awards, and funding opportunities for faculty, staff, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows prior to interviewing. 

DUTIES

• Conduct research and publishing activities;
• Teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• Supervise Master’s students and Ph.D. students/candidates;
• Participate in the University’s academic and administrative activities;
• Carry out other activities as specified in the collective agreement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in Criminology or a related field that is relevant to the study of Indigenous Justice (e.g., Indigenous Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Law, Cultural Studies, Political Studies, Humanities, Education, Public Health). Candidates whose Ph.D. is in progress and are close to completion are encouraged to apply and will be considered. As per the APUO Collective Agreement, a Master’s degree in criminology or a related field as well as substantial research experience may be considered equivalent to a doctorate;
• In-depth knowledge of the history, realities, needs, ancestral and contemporary values and knowledges of Indigenous Peoples and communities;
• Research, advocacy, or other relevant experience working with Indigenous communities;
• Experience or demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and research;
• Selection will be limited to Indigenous applicants.

BILINGUALISM

The University of Ottawa is a bilingual institution (in French and English) and all professors in the Faculty of Social Sciences must be actively bilingual to obtain tenure. Candidates do not have to be actively bilingual at the time of hire. The University of Ottawa offers second-language training to staff members and their spouses.

TERMS AND SALARY

Two (2) new tenure-track positions. Salary scale for Assistant Professors starts at $99,377 (as of May 1, 2025).

STARTING DATE

July 1st, 2027 

LOCATION OF WORK

Department of Criminology, University of Ottawa, 120 University, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5

BENEFITS PACKAGE

The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability insurance, basic group life insurance, health insurance, University of Ottawa pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The deadline for applications is November 16, 2026; however, applications may be considered after this date until the positions are filled.

A complete application must include the following elements:

• A curriculum vitae;
• A letter describing their teaching and research experience and interests, experience with Indigenous justice, an example of their current research, and an indication of their French and English language abilities;
• Copies of their main publications and teaching evaluations.

Applicants must also provide the names and contact information of three referees who may be asked to submit letters of recommendation. As these positions are for Indigenous scholars, applicants who wish to be considered must self-identify in their cover letter (no documentation is required at the time of application).

All information and letters are to be submitted to the following address:  

Chris Bruckert

Chair, Department of Criminology

Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Ottawa

120 University, room 14002c

Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5

Email: [email protected] 

More information regarding Academic Careers can be found online. Apply online through the University of Ottawa Careers portal.

In accordance with government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by emailing the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, at [email protected]. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its more than 175-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides second-language training to staff members and their spouses.