Research Associate; Limited Term

Overview

The Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law is one of the oldest professional faculties at the University of Toronto. Today, it is one of the world's great law schools. Jackman Law’s rich academic programs are complemented by its many legal clinics and public interest programs. Jackman Law is housed in the elegant, state‑of‑the‑art Jackman Law Building alongside two historical buildings, Flavelle House and Falconer Hall, on the St.

George Campus in downtown Toronto.

The Junior Indigenous Scholars Program funds one Research Associate for a one‑year term, to gain research, writing, and teaching experience and prepare for an academic career at a law school. We prioritize hiring a Scholar who will contribute to faculty diversity, and, in particular, whose research interests focus on issues related to Indigenous matters.

The purpose of the program is to support outstanding aspiring legal scholars. The successful applicant will be mentored by Professor John Borrows, Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law, who will provide guidance and support. The position includes workspace and library research support. Scholars will be fully integrated into the Jackman Law community and will be given the opportunity to present a paper to a faculty audience.

Note:

This posting is for a one‑year term position, non‑renewable, with a start date of approximately August 31 2026.

• Research in Indigenous peoples’ law or state law relating to Indigenous peoples and author one work of original scholarship with a view to achieving publication in a peer‑reviewed journal.
• Participate in the intellectual life of the law school, including faculty workshops, seminar series, and conferences.
• Support the teaching of an Indigenous Law course.

Must possess an LL.B. or J.D. degree. An LLM degree is considered a desirable asset.

• Evidence of research experience, preferably in Indigenous issues, including by way of course paper(s), independent research project(s) and/or an LLM thesis.
• Academic record that indicates future promise as a legal scholar.
• Demonstrated interest in Indigenous issues, culture and language; experience/background with Indigenous community work, including “learning on the land,” is considered an asset.
• Strong interest in an academic career.

• Exceptional research, writing and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Highly motivated with strong initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.

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

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