Social Work - Assistant Professor

Trent University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty appointment in the Department of Social Work at the rank of Assistant Professor, to start July 1, 2027. The Department of Social Work is seeking applicants with research and teaching focus on critical practice with individuals, families, and communities.

Recognizing the underrepresentation of Black, other racialized, and or Indigenous persons of Turtle Island/Kanata/Canada (i.e. First Nations, Inuit, Métis), preference will be given to candidates from equity-deserving groups who are currently underrepresented in the academy and in particular, those who have lived experience of racialization and have, or can develop, community-based research links with BIPOC advocacy and/or community groups.

This position is located at Trent’s Durham-GTA Campus and is subject to budgetary approval. The applicable salary scale can be found in the Trent University Faculty Association Collective Agreement and will be determined closer to the start date, in accordance with the Agreement.

Trent University is one of the top-ranked primarily undergraduate universities in Ontario, Canada, with a record of excellence in both teaching and research. Located in the Greater Toronto Area, in the city of Oshawa, Trent University Durham GTA offers a learning experience that is the perfect blend of urban life and a closely knit-campus community.

The successful candidate will teach at all levels of Trent’s four-year, accredited Bachelor of Social Work program, supporting students in the development of their knowledge, values, and skills from micro to macro levels of practice and will have the opportunity to develop new courses in their area of focus. We seek applications from candidates whose research and practice experience in individual, family or community social work, and candidates are expected to have knowledge of incorporating critical, decolonizing, anti-racist and/or anti-oppressive approached social work practice, research, and teaching. Information about the Department of Social Work, and our research profiles can be found at www.trentu.ca/socialwork.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Social Work. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and excellence in research, teaching, and service commensurate with the rank of Assistant Professor. Responsibilities will include developing and expanding a high-quality research program, including grant applications to Canada’s federal funding agencies and elsewhere. Responsibilities will also include teaching across the curriculum in the Department’s BSW degree; contributing to the development of curriculum; and supporting the life of the department, campus, and the university through collegial service. Through their research, teaching and service, the successful candidate will contribute to the Department of Social Work’s strengths in anti-oppressive practice, decolonizing social work, and structural and critical social work.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit applications in PDF format by email to [email protected], specifying “Tenure Track Appointment in Social Work” in the subject heading. Applications should include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (including confirmation to legally work in Canada); a research statement addressing current and future scholarship; a teaching portfolio including a teaching philosophy statement, and evidence of teaching effectiveness such as syllabi and a summary of teaching evaluations; and the names and contact information of three (3) references who may be contacted to support the application. Applicants may also submit a self-identification form as part of their application package. Receipt of applications will be confirmed by email. Applications will be accepted in electronic form only, until the position is filled.

Review of applications will begin on November 27, 2026. Applications will be received until the position is filled.

Trent University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given top priority. Preference will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous People (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, or racialized groups and LGBTQ2+ people.

Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact [email protected].

While all applicants are thanked for their interest and applications to this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For further information about this position, please email Else Marie Knudsen, Director, Department of Social Work [email protected].