Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in uOttawa’s Strategic Areas of Research (for Indigenous Researchers – Internal Opportunity)

The University of Ottawa is engaging in the process of Indigenization by learning from and working with Indigenous worldviews. This will be achieved by creating a connected community in which all faculties and service areas cooperate to integrate Indigenous worldviews into their activities, while maintaining open communication and mutual support. The University’s Indigenous Action Plan (2025-2030) (PDF, 4.19 MB) weaves throughout all sectors of the University—faculties, departments, student services, staff and student organizations, and the senior administration. 

Working together in this manner, Indigenous knowledge and traditions can be appropriately integrated and infused into the University, as interconnectivity is a cornerstone of an Indigenous worldview. The implementation process will enrich all areas of our university, highlight the diversity and depth of Indigenous knowledge and promote Indigenous methods, theoretical traditions and pedagogies. The selected candidate will work in close collaboration with the Indigenous Institute of Research and Studies as well as the Office of Indigenous Affairs. 

Applications will be assessed by a select committee managed by the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation with diverse representation of researchers across Tri-Agency mandates and with representation by Indigenous scholars. 

Applicants must hold a full-time tenured or tenure-track position at the University or a regular position at one of the hospital-based institutes affiliated to the University. External candidates are not eligible.

In accordance with the University’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan (PDF, 983 KB) for Canada Research Chairs the selection will be limited to Indigenous scholars – First Nations, Inuit and Métis as defined in the CRC Program method for establishing equity targets and the Employment Equity Act.

Tier 1 Chairs, tenable for seven years and renewable once, are for outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields. For each Tier 1 Chair, the institution receives $200,000 annually for seven years. 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 they come from outside the academic sector, nominees must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these levels.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty members. Indigenous candidates who wish to be considered for this position must complete the confidential self-identification questionnaire during the application process online. The objective of this measure is to increase the representation of the four designated groups in the allocation of Canada Research Chair positions. All candidates are asked to complete the confidential self-identification form during the application process (institutional Count-me In survey). 

• Education: PhD or equivalent (e.g., MD or MD-PhD)
• Required Qualifications: outstanding independent research achievements in the CRC’s identified area(s), a solid record with respect to teaching and training of students at the graduate level, strong record of external research funding. Excellent communication skills in either English or French. Passive knowledge of the other Official Language in Canada (French or English). English-French bilingualism is an asset. 

University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

1. A cover letter (Please include linkage to uOttawa’s strategic areas of research and the Indigenous action plan);
2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (Please include any personal circumstances and/or career interruptions such as parental or sick leaves that may have impacted your research trajectory. These will be taken into consideration in the selection process);
3. A research plan (2 to 3 pages);
4. A statement of the nominee’s five most significant research contributions made during their career, explaining their significance and impact (2 pages maximum);
5. An Indigeneity statement acknowledging and honoring the history, culture, and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples (1 to 2 pages). For those candidates who engage in research with and to benefit Indigenous communities, explain how the candidate’s research reflects and speaks to positive outcomes/changes for the Indigenous people they work with. Indigenous-focused research should prioritize the perspectives, knowledge, and experiences of Indigenous communities, ensuring that research is co-created, community-led, and benefits the community. Candidates should address how their praxis respects Indigenous intellectual property and data sovereignty. Finally, candidates are asked to describe their approach to creating an inclusive learning and training environment that supports diverse populations and perspectives, that includes a demonstrated ability and commitment to mentoring, and their experience in supporting and advancing inclusivity on campus.
6. The names of three people who may be contacted by the University for letters of reference which will follow the Canada Research Chairs guidelines (i.e. Tier 1: all three arm’s length including one of international stature and who does not live in the country where the candidate is currently working); and
7. Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation: When submitting the application applicants will be asked to complete uOttawa’s Self-ID questionnaire. Applicants who are shortlisted for the position will be asked to provide documentation that affirms their Indigenous citizenship or membership in an Indigenous collective. The University of Ottawa follows the Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmation process outlined in the Tri-Agency’s Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation. The stated objective of the policy is “…to establish a process focused on the affirmation of Indigenous citizenship or membership, that will provide reasonable assurance that programs, funding opportunities and/or appointments intended for First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants are held by First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants.” The policy outlines two options for affirmation: Option 1 has applicants submit official documents and option 2 has applicants submit a personal statement with supporting documentation and reference (Please see the Tri-agency’s Policy on Indigenous citizenship and membership as well as the Directive on the Tri-Agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation for full details).