Canada Research Chair in Public Policy in a Polarized Era

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is recruiting a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Public Policy in a Polarized Era. The CRC Program aims to make Canada a world leader in research and development and is committed to addressing equity gaps. 

Canada’s policy context is complex, with dissolving social cohesion, increasing populism, ongoing reconciliation, and growing distrust of science and government. The CRC will lead research into governance tools for evidence-informed policy in an era of political polarization. This research is crucial due to the rise of misinformation and disinformation, which feed political polarization and hinder evidence-informed policy. 

The CRC will advance policy frameworks and training, improving the context for evidence-informed policymaking, and will: 

• Improve the quality of life in Canada.
• Train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to become policy leaders.
• Create new graduate courses on policy and polarization.
• Partner with USask researchers in areas affected by polarization.
• Establish international interdisciplinary networks focused on evidence-informed policy.
• Increase evidence-informed policy tools through JSGS’s government connections. 

We seek an experienced scholar with a doctoral degree in political science, public administration, economics, or a related social science discipline. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in research, impactful publications, successful partnerships, trainee achievements, and significant external research funding. High-quality teaching at the graduate level and public engagement are also important. 

More information is available here. 

Tier 1 Chairs are for outstanding, innovative researchers recognized internationally as leaders in their field. The successful candidate will be nominated for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair and appointed as a tenured faculty member at the Associate or Full Professor rank. 

The candidate must be a member of one of the four federally designated equity groups. Recruitment will follow the CRC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Practices and USask’s commitment to these principles. 

A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package will be offered. This includes dental, health, vision care, pension plan, life insurance, long-term disability, travel insurance, death benefits, employee assistance program, professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and are reviewed upon submission. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026. Applications from international researchers, permanent residents of Canada, and Canadian citizens are encouraged. 

Interested candidates must include:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research and Teaching Statements (max two pages each)
• Contact information for three academic references 

Applications must be submitted through USask’s application portal. Applicants should describe how equity, diversity, and inclusion principles support their research and enhance training and learning outcomes.  

JSGS, a joint school of the universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, has over 50 faculty and staff, 40 affiliates, and numerous research assistants and postdoctoral fellows. The School offers a range of degree programs and has established relationships with various levels of government and Indigenous governments. 

USask is one of Canada’s top 15 research-intensive universities, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. USask is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion and supports career opportunities for Indigenous peoples. USask values the unique perspectives of Indigenous employees and is dedicated to providing accommodations for those with disabilities.

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