Common Law - Assistant Professor

The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, is looking to fill a tenure-track position in the Common Law Section for July 1, 2026.

Priority will be given to those with expertise and research interests in Indigenous legal orders, Indigenous peoples and the law, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Informed by Hoop 1 of the uOttawa Indigenous Action Plan (https://www.uottawa.ca/about-us/indigenous/indigenous-affairs/indigenous-action-plan), the University is prioritizing applications from candidates who self-identify as Indigenous.

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading university and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada’s capital.

Title of the position: Assistant Professor

Duties: The duties of the position consist of the following: teaching; active participation in research; a personal commitment to the English Common Law program, the faculty and the University; and thesis and research paper supervision.

Terms: Vacant tenure-track position

Wage: The salary for an assistant professor is $99,377 to $137,444 (according to the salary scale in effect May 1, 2025. We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package, which includes long-term disability insurance, basic group life insurance, health insurance, University of Ottawa pension plan and optional life insurance, as well as reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses.

Location of work:  Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, University of Ottawa, 57 Louis Pasteur, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Ottawa ON, K1N 6N5

Contact information: Dean’s Office, Faculty of Faculty of Law, Common Law section, Ottawa ON  K1N 6N5, [email protected]

Skills requirements:

• Education: Undergraduate degree in common law or equivalent, together with a PhD in law or a related discipline (or PhD nearing completion) or an LLM. PhD candidates nearing completion of their program must provide a letter from their supervisor confirming that their thesis will be submitted prior to the start of employment.

Work experience:

• Proven research expertise and interest in Indigenous legal orders, Indigenous peoples and the law, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• Excellent university record, extensive experience in research and publication, including external research scholarships or eligibility for such scholarships, capacity for excellence in teaching, and participation in academic life and faculty governance.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Passive knowledge of Canada’s other official language is compulsory for tenure.

Applications must include the following:

• Cover letter stating level of experience, teaching interests, awards and distinctions;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Detailed research agenda;
• Description of the applicant’s teaching philosophy and interests, and teaching dossier (if applicable);
• Transcript for each degree obtained;
• Names and contact information of three referees (letters are not requested at this stage).

Three confidential letters of reference should be sent directly to:

Kristen Boon, Dean, Common Law section
University of Ottawa
[email protected]

Application deadline: March 10, 2026. 

More information regarding Academic Careers can be found online. Apply online through the University of Ottawa Careers portal.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff and faculty. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minority members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women and all qualified applicants with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities. Applicants who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups should complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire when they apply.

In accordance with government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by emailing the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations, at [email protected]. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its more than 175-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides second-language training to staff members and their spouses.