Assistant Professor

The Department of Philosophy at McMaster University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Value Theory, to begin July 1st, 2027. We seek candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Ethics, Philosophy of Law (including Indigenous law), Social/Political Philosophy, or Feminist Philosophy.  The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the Justice, Political Philosophy and Law BA Honours Program.  The Department is particularly interested in candidates who connect philosophical inquiry to practical questions in policy, health, or law. 

The successful applicant must demonstrate a record of excellence in teaching and research. They must be willing and able to 1) contribute actively to the Philosophy Department’s undergraduate programs; 2) work with other McMaster faculty to attract, instruct, and supervise students in our graduate programs; and 3) support the collegial atmosphere and intellectual life of the Department. The successful applicant must have or be very near completion of a doctorate in Philosophy or a closely related area. 

Faculty in the Philosophy Department typically teach 4 courses per year (2 per term) plus graduate supervision.  Factors such as supervisory load and research funding reduce the normal teaching expectation in the Faculty of Humanities which is 5 courses per academic year. For information about the Department of Philosophy see https://philos.humanities.mcmaster.ca.

The starting salary will not be less than $97,025 and will be determined based on rank, discipline, experience, and qualifications. Average salaries by rank and Faculty for previous academic years can be found here.

How to apply:

Application packages should include: 

1.  a letter of interest,
2.  a curriculum vitae, 
3.  a writing sample, 
4.  a statement of research interests and plans, 
5.  a teaching statement and 1-2 sample course syllabi,
6.  a statement describing contributions and goals to promote equity, diversity and inclusive excellence in teaching, research or service. 

Long-listed candidates will be contacted by email with a request for additional information including 3 reference letters and a teaching dossier with additional materials indicating teaching effectiveness (e.g., teaching letter, teaching evaluations, additional course syllabi, etc.). It is advisable to inform referees that they may be asked to provide letters within 7 days of receiving a request. Letters should comment on the applicant’s demonstrated scholarly excellence and research potential in the field, demonstrated ability and/or potential to successfully teach undergraduate students and supervise graduate students, and ability to work in a collaborative environment and make contributions to university and/or community service. 

Complete applications received by November 2, 2026 are assured of full consideration; however, applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Violetta Igneski, Chair, Department of Philosophy at [email protected].

Application materials must be submitted through the University’s electronic portal: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/careers/current-opportunities/  (Faculty Positions, Job 78847)

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact McMaster’s Human Resources Service Centre at905-525-9140ext. 222-HR (22247) or the Office of the Dean of Humanities (905-525-9140 ext. 27532) to communicate their accommodation needs.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship. However, all applications must include one of the following statements: 

        • Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 

        • No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 

Employment Equity Statement 

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement. 

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. 

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. 

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self- identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information. 

AI Statement 

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.