Canada’s policy context is highly complex, and our understanding of governance needs to be adapted to the realities of dissolving social cohesion, increasing populism, the ongoing processes of reconciliation, and growing distrust of both science and government. The Tier 1 CRC in Public Policy in a Polarized Era will lead cutting-edge research into the governance tools necessary to advance evidence-informed policy in an era of political polarization.
This CRC is both timely and necessary. Both misinformation (false or misleading information) and disinformation (misinformation spread with a deliberate intent to deceive) are on the rise. These dynamics feed political polarization and create a powerful negative feedback loop that makes evidence-informed policy difficult.
Polarization is a broad international social phenomenon that is limiting the potential for science-based advancement to translate into public policy. The context for evidence-informed policy in Canada and other advanced democracies has never been more challenging or complex. If we are to achieve the potential for scientific and technological advancement to address the world’s most challenging problems, there is a need for change.
The CRC will help advance both policy frameworks and policy training. In turn, by improving the context for evidence-informed policymaking, the CRC will:
- Improve the quality of life in Canada;
- Train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to become policy leaders equipped to advance evidence-informed policy through innovative public engagement research and practices suitable for a polarized political environment;
- Create new graduate course offerings on policy and polarization available to students in a wide range of disciplines;
- Partner with USask researchers in areas highly affected by polarization;
- Establish international interdisciplinary networks of scholars focused on the issue of evidence-informed policy within a context of polarization; and
- Increase evidence-informed policy tools through JSGS’s strong government connections for use by policymakers.
Qualifications
We are looking for an experienced scholarly colleague with a doctoral degree in political science, public administration, economics, or a related social science discipline. They will have a research track record in an area related to public policy and/or governance.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellence in research through academic recognition, impactful publications, successful partnerships, trainee achievements, and impressive external research funding. High-quality teaching at the graduate level and engaging with the public and relevant communities are also important facets of the CRC.
Tier 1 Chairs are intended for outstanding and innovative world-class researchers whose accomplishments have had a major impact in their field and are recognized internationally as leaders in their field. Please consult the CRC website for eligibility details or contact the University of Saskatchewan's Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives (RASI) unit for more information ([email protected] ). The impact of leaves (e.g., parental leave, extended leave due to illness, etc.) will be carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record of research achievement. Therefore, candidates are encouraged to explain in their application how career interruptions may have impacted their research record.
The successful candidate will be nominated for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair. Once the chair appointment is approved by the CRC Secretariat, the candidate will be appointed as a tenured faculty member in the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the Associate Professor or Professor level.
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace. The candidate must be a member of one of the four federally designated equity groups (women and gender equity-seeking groups, racialized individuals, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities). Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices and by the strong commitment of the University of Saskatchewan and JSGS to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting employees in need of accommodation in an employment context. For more information about the University of Saskatchewan’s accommodation policy, please contact Abdur Rehman, Talent and EDI Consultant ([email protected] ) or Jill Pecar, Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor ([email protected] ).
A competitive salary commensurate with experience and appointment will be negotiated. A stipend with guaranteed funding for any required infrastructure and training will be provided following a successful CRC nomination. This position features a comprehensive benefits package, including a dental, health, and extended vision care plan; pension plan; life insurance (compulsory and voluntary); long-term disability and sick leave; travel insurance; death benefits; employee assistance program; professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.
Application Details
Applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. However, the review of applications will commence in September 2024, and the anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.
Applications from all outstanding candidates, including international researchers, permanent residents of Canada, and Canadian citizens are encouraged.
Interested and qualified candidates must include the following documents in a single PDF file :
Applications must be submitted using the University’s Applicant Tracking System. Click on the “Apply Now” button (top left of page). Visit here for tips on applying and instructions on how to apply. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a voluntary employment equity survey.
Applicants should describe how equity, diversity, and inclusion principles support their innovative and impactful research and enhance training and learning outcomes.
Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.
About JSGS
The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, a joint school of the universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, is embarking on its 17th year. With more than 50 research and teaching faculty, staff, managers, and directors, as well as more than 40 affiliates and two dozen research assistants and postdoctoral fellows, the School provides theoretically grounded, methodologically rigorous, and evidence-informed non-partisan perspectives on public policy issues and practices. We have strengths in Indigenous governance, social policy and inequality, science and innovation policy, climate policy, and governance. The School is also home to three centres: the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co‑operatives , the Centre for the Study of Science and Innovation Policy , and the Diefenbaker Canada Centre .
JSGS has established relationships with a variety of levels of Canadian government, as well as Indigenous governments, which it leverages to the benefit of its students. These connections provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world insights and networking opportunities.
The School offers a range of degree programs – Master of Public Administration (MPA, both in-person and online offerings – distinct programs), Master of Health Administration (MHA), joint Master in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI) in partnership with UiT the Arctic University of Norway, research-based Master of Public Policy, PhD in Public Policy, and PhD in Applied Economics, as well as several graduate certificates. The School has more than 600 students and 1,600 alumni from over 80 countries.
About USask and Saskatoon
The University of Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities. Its main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.
Department: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Posted Date: 6/4/2024
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments, and we are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
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