Merilees Chair for the Study of Democracy (Professor)

The Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Campus, invites applications for the Harold and Dorrie Merilees Chair for the Study of Democracy, which is made possible through the generous support of Stephen and Gail Jarislowsky. The Holder of the Merilees Chair will have a reduced teaching load and annual research funding for an initial five-year term, which may be renewed, in accordance with the University’s Honorifics Policy and the terms of the Endowment that supports the Chair.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a full-time tenured faculty member in the Department of Political Science, at the rank of Professor (but consideration may be given to appointment at the Associate Professor rank in the case of an outstanding candidate who is expected to be promoted to the Professor rank within one or two years). Appointment at a senior rank with tenure is subject to an additional review process, which must be approved by the President prior to the start of the appointment. The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2026. 

We are seeking an established scholar and leader with a Ph.D. in any field of political science, who has attained eminence in their field and who holds a distinguished international reputation in the study of democratic politics, institutions, transnational dynamics, or theory, broadly defined. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out a robust research agenda, teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Political Science, supervise graduate students, and contribute to service at the departmental level and beyond.

Applicants should submit:

• cover letter
• curriculum vitae
• statement of major research contributions and current and future research programs (2-4 pages)
• statement addressing experience working with a diverse student body and past and potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion (1-2 pages)
• names and contact information (incl. institutional affiliation, address, e-mail address) of four referees
• a recent writing sample.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and accomplishments, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., teaching evaluations, sample syllabi) prior to the interview.

Applications should be submitted online at: https://poli.air.arts.ubc.ca/merilees-chair-for-the-study-of-democracy-professor-application-form-2025/ .

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. Expected pay range for this position at the Professor rank is $15,000/month – $22,000/month. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an accessible process for all candidates (including but not limited to disabled people). If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/working-injury-illness-or-disability/centre-workplace-accessibility.

The UBC – Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking Musqueam people. Equity and diversity are essential to academic and creative excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  We especially encourage applications from members of groups that have historically been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.