Canada Research Chair in Social Equity and Health Policy Research

Trent University

The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) at Trent University invites applications from qualified candidates for a SSHRC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Social Equity and Health Policy Research. Consistent with Trent University’s CRC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan. In recognition of the underrepresentation of members of the Federally Designated Groups (FDG) in our chairholders and pursuant to Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, this opportunity is restricted: Only applicants who self-identify as Women or Gender Minorities will be eligible for this particular position, in line with the EDI goals of Trent’s Canada Research Chair program. Trent University is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion within our community and developing an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the broader populations that we serve.

This CRC in Social Equity and Health Policy Research will advance the TFSON’s social justice goals by addressing the root causes of social and health inequities. With a program of research that takes a critical lens, they will contribute to policy transformation and advocacy to enhance the wellbeing of diverse and underserved populations. Innovative action-oriented strategies rooted in community engagement and empowerment should be central to their research. The CRC will have expertise and an existing research program that includes alignment with the mandate of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. They will conduct research that relates to one or more of TFSON’s research foci from a Social Sciences perspective, and will establish relationships within the university that will facilitate interdisciplinary scholarship. Their focus on equity, as well as experience in advocacy and policy, will align with Trent’s Strategic Research Plan 2023-2028 (sustainable and healthy communities and environments) and reinforce the university’s reputation as a leader in health policies and practices.

The TFSON faculty are actively engaged in research programs that focus on rural health, mental health and addiction, aging and dementia, women’s health and gender, as well as research programs with Indigenous communities. The TFSON aims to improve the health and quality of life, particularly of equity deserving groups through research efforts, community partnerships, and the education of excellent graduates. Programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is built upon relational inquiry curriculum, a joint Master of Science in Nursing with Ontario Tech University and two Graduate Diplomas in Nursing (mental health and addictions and dementia studies). In addition, many of our faculty are appointed to Trent’s Interdisciplinary Social Research PhD program.

In their role as a Tier 2 CRC, the candidate will promote a dynamic and sustainable research ecosystem using collaborative and community-based research methods that complement the research of other CRCs at Trent (Community-Partnered Social Justice and Care Work, Ethnicity, Race and Aging). Their focus, however, on identifying and addressing the root causes of inequities will offer a new perspective on issues of social justice and health. The successful candidate will have exciting opportunities to collaborate with researchers in the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies, Trent Centre for Aging and Society, Gender and Social Justice, Social Work, and others who examine policies, programs, and interventions to strive toward social equity. The TFSON and Trent have strong community partnerships that will facilitate collaborative research and mobilization of findings. The addition of the CRC will increase Trent’s capacity to address concerns of the community and broaden the impact of the TFSON’s work.

Candidate Qualifications

As a Tier 2 CRC, the candidate must be an emerging scholar who will have received their PhD no more than ten years ago. Preference will be given to those with nursing credentials. As an upand-coming world-class researcher, they will have demonstrated influential research and strength in securing major funding. They will facilitate the training of highly qualified personnel and attract excellent students and future researchers to Trent. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental, or extended sick leave, etc.) will have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. More information on eligibility can be found on the Canada Research Chairs’ website.

Applicants should electronically submit:

A cover letter;
Curriculum vitae;
Three of the applicant’s most influential publications (or other research contributions);
Evidence of policy change and research mobilization impacting social equity and wellbeing;
A comprehensive Canada Research Chair vision statement and research plan of no longer than 5 pages, including a description on how they intend to develop externally funded strategic research projects;
A statement no longer than 3 pages emphasizing their research mentorship experience, teaching philosophy, and their experiences in equity, diversity and inclusion;
A Trent University Self-Identification Form.

Applications should include a list of at least three referees who may be contacted later in the process with the candidate’s permission. Applications should be compiled into a single PDF and emailed to Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Interim VP Research and Innovation. The closing date for applications is November 8 th, 2024. For more information about Trent University applicants are invited to visit the Trent University Webpage or contact Dr. Hintelmann.

About Trent University

One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings. Recognized as Canada’s outstanding environmental university, Trent has an extensive riverfront campus, including several nature reserves; less than two hours from Toronto, Ontario, it attracts a diverse student body. Trent University is actively committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive campus community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The University especially welcomes applications from the members of the four designated groups (Women and gender diverse individuals, Indigenous Persons, racialized persons, and persons with disabilities). Recruitment will be guided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Practices, the Trent University Canada Research Chair Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and by the University’s commitment to employment equity and diversity. Training and development activities related to unconscious bias, equity, diversity and inclusion for administrators and faculty involved in the recruitment and nomination processes for chair positions is mandatory.

All Candidates are required to complete and submit a self-identification form alongside their application. By identifying, CRC applicants allow Trent University, and the Canada Research Chair Program, to measure the levels of diversity and collect data for all groups to ensure any systemic barriers within our policies and processes can be identified. The collected forms, and their associated data, will be kept confidential, and only accessed on a need-to-know basis by members of the selection committee and, for nominees selected, by the Canada Research Chair Program Office.

Trent University recognizes the impacts that interruptions (e.g., parental leave, extended leave due to illness, etc.) can have on a person’s career and research achievements, and these leaves will be carefully considered when reviewing the candidate’s record. Candidates are encouraged to explain in their application how career interruptions may have impacted them. 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 Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Interim VP Research and Innovation.