Open Rank Position for an Indigenous and/or Black Scholar

Osgoode Hall Law School at York University invites applications from highly qualified scholars who identify as Indigenous and/or Black for an Assistant, Associate or Full Professor position, with a preference for those with expertise in the areas of Indigenous Law, Business Law (broadly defined and including Commercial Law, Competition Law, Corporate Governance, and Advanced Property Law) or Health Law (broadly defined and including intersections with Disability Law). This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2024.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black and Indigenous faculty, this position is open only to qualified individuals who identify as Black peoples of African Descent (e.g., Africans and African heritage people from the Caribbean, Americas, Europe) and/or Indigenous peoples of Canada (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, Métis). The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. To be considered, applicants must self-identify as Black and/or Indigenous on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below). The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant scholarly community at York, where we aspire to achieve equity and diversity in all areas, including race equity.

  • Candidates may be interested in learning more about York’s commitment to redressing anti-Black racism, including through its Framework and Action Plan for Black Inclusion at York.  
  • York University is committed to providing an inviting, rich and supportive work, study and research environment to Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. This includes: cultivating understanding of, respect for and connections with Indigenous communities; integrating Indigenous cultures, approaches and perspectives into curricular offerings and research; collaborating with Indigenous communities; and supporting the recruitment and success of Indigenous students, staff and faculty members. These efforts are guided by the Associate Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Council, and the Indigenous Framework for York University and include the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services and Skennen’kó:wa Gamig, a space for Indigenous faculty, staff, and students. 

In the case of Indigenous applicants: We are particularly interested in applications from colleagues whose scholarship is informed by Indigenous knowledges and perspectives. They may apply these to any field of study and may or may not focus specifically on Indigenous peoples, communities, or indigeneity. 

Candidate Qualifications

Degree

All candidates must hold a JD degree and a graduate degree in law or equivalent credentials. PhD or PhD near completion by the appointment’s start is preferred.

Scholarship

  • A coherent and well-articulated program of research, research creation and/or professional practice and specialization in specific areas.
  • A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research and/or research creation.
  • A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (of a recognized international calibre as demonstrated in: their research plan; a record of high quality publications (or forthcoming publications), including with significant journals in the field; presentations at major conferences; awards and achievements; and strong recommendations from referees of high standing).

Teaching

  • A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (demonstrated in: the teaching dossier; teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovations including in high priority areas such as experiential education and technology-enhanced learning; teaching evaluations; and strong letters of reference).
  • Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.

Hiring Policies

  • Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  • All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
  • Osgoode Hall Law School is committed to the principles of equality and diversity, and inclusion, broadly understood. We are particularly interested in candidates with diverse backgrounds and especially encourage candidates in equity, diversity and inclusion categories. As a part of this commitment, the Law School’s Employment Equity Plan aims to increase the representation on faculty of members from five groups: women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.  Persons identifying as members of these equity-seeking groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
  • York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous peoples of Canada will be given priority.

York has a policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities and is committed to working towards a barrier-free workplace and expanding the accessibility of the workplace to persons with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation are invited to contact François Tanguay-Renaud, Chair of the Faculty Recruitment Committee, at facultyrecruitment@osgoode.yorku.ca.

Application Process

  • Due date for completed applications:  Tuesday, October 17, 2023 by 5:00pm EST
  • Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter; 3) copies of law and graduate transcripts; 4) a detailed research plan; 5) a teaching dossier (see details below); 6) copies of up to three (up to 3) academic articles or book chapters authored by the applicant (where published materials are not available, one or more dissertation/ thesis chapter(s) may be submitted in lieu); 7) contact information for three (3) referees. Candidates may, during the recruitment process, be asked to have their referees provide their letters of reference directly to Osgoode. All applications will be kept confidential to the committee and faculty colleagues who provide reviews of files.
  • The teaching dossier should be no more than 15-20 pages and should include: teaching evaluations; a statement of teaching philosophy; an account of teaching experiences and related responsibilities (e.g., list of courses taught/course outlines, examples of print and digital teaching materials and how they are used); a summary of commitment to professional development (e.g., participation in teaching workshops, supervision of masters and doctoral students, mentoring new faculty); and other evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student letters of support, teaching awards).
  • Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
  • François Tanguay-Renaud, Chair of the Faculty Recruitment Committee, at facultyrecruitment@osgoode.yorku.ca.