Assistant Professor - Black Studies and the Archive

The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in the area of Black Studies and the Archive. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor. The expected start date is July 1, 2022, or shortly thereafter.

Applicants must have earned a PhD in the area of Black studies or archival studies; or in a related disciplinary or interdisciplinary area (e.g., history; postcolonial studies; cultural studies; area studies; literary studies; media studies) by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching.

We welcome applicants whose research interests are located at the intersection of Black studies and critical archival studies and that fall into one or more of the following areas: Black history and the archive; embodied and oral memory traditions; Black archival imaginaries; Black and liberatory memory work; alternative Black archival spaces.

The successful candidate's research and teaching interests will complement and build upon our existing strengths ( https://ischool.utoronto.ca/research/ ). The successful candidate will be expected to conduct innovative and independent research at the highest international level and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. Research and teaching excellence will be evaluated commensurate with the career stage of the candidate, taking into consideration the life, trajectory and any special circumstances (e.g., career interruptions) as outlined in the submitted materials.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, which can be demonstrated by a record of publications in top-ranked and field relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated by teaching accomplishments and the teaching dossier, including a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities submitted as part of the application, as well as strong endorsements by referees. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. As part of the University of Toronto, the Faculty of Information offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world. Because of our campus' incredibly diverse student body, and our Faculty's commitment to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion, we seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment through their application materials. Candidates therefore must submit a statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Faculty of Information (iSchool) https://ischool.utoronto.ca/ at the University of Toronto is a research-led Faculty, committed to educating the next generation of professional and academic leaders in Information, who join us in transforming society through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge creation. We are guided by core values that include engagement with cultural, social, political, and ethical issues in information to benefit society and transparency, accountability, and public responsibility. With an outstanding complement of 30 award-winning faculty menbers, our key strengths are the quality of our research, the abilities of our graduate students, close ties across the University, and committed alumni. The Faculty of Information is especially proud of the calibre, excellence, academic engagement, and diversity of the students it recruits, admits, and graduates.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applications must include:
  • a cover letter;
  • a current curriculum vitae;
  • a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
  • writing sample (up to three samples of recent scholarly work (e.g., an article or book chapter));
  • and a teaching dossier to include a teaching statement, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities as listed above;
  • statement of contributions to equity and diversity (as outlined above).

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto's recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each after an application is submitted (this happens overnight). Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date.

All application materials must be submitted online. Submission guidelines can be found at: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply . If you have questions about this position, please contact dean.ischool@utoronto.ca .

The closing date for applications is November 15, 2021
and all application materials, including reference letters, must be received by then.

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

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP .

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca .