Associate Professor - Critical Disabilities & Health Studies

Date Posted: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 12/16/2026, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 50482
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed.
Department: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in Critical Disabilities and Health Studies. The appointment will be at the rank of Associate Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will have a focus on critical disability, sport, and/or health research and scholarship and will contribute to teaching in the physical cultural and behavioural dimensions of Kinesiology within the Faculty.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply. Recognizing that there are a variety of terms that potential candidates may use to self-identify, the University uses the term “Indigenous” in this search, which forms part of the U of T Response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to encompass the people of Turtle Island, including those who identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuk (Inuit), Alaska Native, Native American, and Native Hawaiian people.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must have earned a PhD in Kinesiology or relevant field in the social sciences (e.g., sociology, health studies, cultural studies, psychology, gender/race studies, public health, medical anthropology) with expertise in one or more of the following areas pertaining to critical disabilities research: disability sport/physical activity, health and (dis)ability, pedagogy, human rights and social justice, and social policy. Candidates must have a clearly demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Critical Disabilities and Health Studies. Candidates with a strong background in qualitative research methodologies and training/experience in equity/anti-oppression/anti-colonial work related to critical disabilities studies are encouraged to apply.

Candidates must have an established international reputation. We seek exceptional candidates whose research and teaching interests would complement our existing strengths (for KPE Faculty Members/Research Areas, please see https://kpe.utoronto.ca/faculty) and expand upon existing collaborations with colleagues in the Faculty, the University and related research community. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of these criteria, as they relate to each candidate’s area of inquiry.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, as demonstrated by a record of sustained high-impact contributions and publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals; the submitted research statement; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; other noteworthy activities that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline; and strong endorsements from referees.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below), and strong letters of reference.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Candidates will be expected to sustain and lead innovative and independent research, and to maintain an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program.

In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The expected salary range for this position is $130,000-180,000 CAD per annum. Exceptionally qualified candidates may be considered for compensation beyond these stated ranges.

ABOUT US

Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest and most research-intensive university, and the only Canadian university to be repeatedly among the top 25 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Located in and around Toronto, one of the world’s most diverse cities with a vibrant Indigenous community, the University of Toronto’s vibrant academic life is defined by the intellectual and cultural diversity in its community.

The appointment is at the University of Toronto, St. George campus, which is a research-intensive institution with an interdisciplinary commitment, a multicultural student body, and a modern campus. The University offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most diverse cities of the world.

The Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) at the University of Toronto has made major contributions to its mission of developing, advancing and disseminating knowledge about physical activity and health and its interactions through, education, research, leadership and the provision of opportunity. With a culturally diverse student body of more than 1000 undergraduate students and 140 graduate students, as well as 35 faculty members from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, ours is an intellectually rich and supportive community, guided by the highest standards of scholarship with a commitment to equity and social justice. The successful candidate will join an internationally recognized faculty whose commitments to equity and access are reflected in our research, education, policy and practice. In keeping with this commitment, particular attention will be given to candidates from under-represented groups.

For more information on working at the University of Toronto, please visit https://www.utoronto.ca/research-innovation/working-at-uoft.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All application materials, including names and contact information of references, must be received by December 16, 2026.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. Applicants must submit the following materials:

• a cover letter;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• one recent publication;
• a teaching dossier, including
  • a teaching statement,
  • sample course materials, and
  • teaching evaluations; and
• the name and contact information of three references.

The Faculty will request letters of recommendation from references at a later stage of the search process.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Gretchen Kerr at [email protected].

The University of Toronto has adopted the AAU Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Academia, including the requirement that applicants release personnel information from prior employers regarding sexual misconduct. Full details and requirements can be found here.

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

Indigenous Substantiation
The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for those candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information regarding the University's Indigenous Substantiation Process, please refer to: Indigenous Substantiation Website.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

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 [email protected].