Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Technology, Society and Disability (Associate/Full Professor)
Department of Social Science, Department of Sociology and the School of Public Policy and Administration,
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Date Posted: November 6, 2023
Application Deadline: January 22, 2024
The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York University invites highly qualified applicants for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in Technology, Society and Disability, in any of: the Department of Social Science; Department of Sociology; or the School of Public Policy & Administration. The successful candidate will be appointed to a unit that best suits their qualifications and experience. This appointment is contingent upon a successful nomination to the Canada Research Chairs program (http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/) at the Tier 1 level. This is a tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.
We are seeking an internationally recognized Social Science and Humanities scholar with an original, innovative research program that addresses the social, cultural, political or historical forces that shape technological innovation and disability. Preference will be given to someone who specializes in neurological or neuro-psychiatric disabilities (including but not limited to, cognitive, hearing, visual, intellectual and physical). We particularly welcome applications from candidates with mature research programs on any of the emerging technological platforms that shape the experience of (dis)ability, and/or the applications or impacts of technologies on disability and debility.
York’s research vision is “to aspire to better understand the human condition and the world around us, and to employ the knowledge we gain in the service of society and the health of the planet.” As outlined in our 2023-2028 Strategic Research Plan Knowledge for the Future: From Creation and Discovery to Application, York University is providing internationally recognized leadership in several areas that are directly relevant to this CRC in ‘Technology, Society and Disability’, most notably ‘Building Healthy Lives, Communities and Reimagining Futures’ and ‘Reaching New Horizons in Science, Technology and Society.’ In addition, York has identified several areas of research growth, including ‘Digital Cultures and Disruptive Technologies’, and ‘Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research Innovation’, that position this CRC at the centre of York’s emerging research.
This is a research-enhanced faculty position with funding support from the Connected Minds program, funded in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The successful candidate will be eligible for enhanced start-up funds. In addition, the successful candidate will engage with, and benefit from, the Connected Minds program, which focuses on scholarship in three main themes: I. Co-creating Research for Societal Needs and Predicted Impact; II. Fundamentals of Social Interaction: Neural, Algorithmic, and Social Networks; and III. Designing and Developing Socially Responsible Technologies. The Connected Minds program is supported by a total of $318 million in funding over seven years.
This CRC will develop and expand their research in this area and seek interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty and across the University, including through participation in its associated Research Centres (Centre for Integrative and Applied Neuroscience (CIAN), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Society (CAIS), Institute for Technoscience and Society (ITS) and many others) and relevant graduate research programs. The Chair will have a significant track record of funding from SSHRC or other agencies/programs supporting relevant research in the humanities or social sciences (e.g., CIHR translational research). They will advance a research program that both pursues and has a proven record of impact in and for relevant local, national, and international communities.
The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program seeks to attract outstanding researchers for careers at Canadian universities. Tier 1 Chairs are intended for outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields. Appointment to a Tier 1 Chair is for seven years, is renewable once, and comes with enhanced research support from the program. 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. Please see the CRC website for further eligibility details.
Recognizing the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities among CRCs, this position is open only to qualified researchers who indicate on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below) that they identify as women or gender non-conforming (e.g., genderfluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, trans man, trans woman). 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.
York acknowledges the potential impact of various life circumstances (e.g., illness, disability, caregiving, family commitments) on a candidate’s record of research and other achievements. Candidates are encouraged to describe such circumstances and their impact in their application. This information will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Degree: PhD or PhD equivalent (e.g., MA/MFA) with a substantial record of professional experience in a relevant social science or humanities (disciplinary or interdisciplinary) field is required.
- Scholarship:
- A coherent and well-articulated program of research, research creation and/or professional practice and specialization in Technology, Society and Disability.
- A record of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research and/or research creation.
- A record of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field or in interdisciplinary intellectual spaces (e.g., publications in key journals, major presentations, awards and accolades, knowledge mobilization with and for people with disabilities, community-based and policy impacts).
- A record of excellence in teaching and dedication to students (e.g., teaching accomplishments, pedagogical innovations, experience in making teaching accessible, student and peer evaluations).
- Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
- Additional: Preference is for a researcher with strong collaborative research portfolio across social sciences and biomedicine; a researcher with a multi methods or mixed methods approach; a researcher with strong ties to community (disability rights, patient groups).
Hiring Policies:
- Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- All York University positions are subject to budgetary approval.
- York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Christal Chapman, EDI Program Manager (chapman7@yorku.ca; 416-736-5713).
- 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 the Associate Dean Research & Graduate, Ravi de Costa adres@yorku.ca.
Application Process:
- Due date for completed applications: January 22, 2024
- Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) cover letter; 3) research statement including a five-year plan for the CRC on Technology, Society and Disability; 4) a teaching statement detailing experience, future interests and pedagogical approach; 5) contact information for three references. Only short-listed candidates’ references will be contacted.
- Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes as part of the online application.
- Direct questions about the position to the Associate Dean Research & Graduate, Ravi de Costa adres@yorku.ca.
Learn More About York:
York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region.
Determined by the hiring unit and York University, not the CRC program.
Published: 11/20/2023
