Assistant Professor - in Artificial Intelligence Ethics

Position

Position Title: Assistant Professor

Faculty/Department: Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts

Campus: Main Campus

Work location: Department of Philosophy, University of Ottawa, 55 Laurier East, 8th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5

Anticipated start date: July 1st, 2027

Union affiliation: APUO

About the Role

The Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa is seeking applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Artificial Intelligence Ethics, including the philosophical and normative underpinnings of artificial intelligence, along with the philosophical challenges that arise from its applications and repercussions in political, legal, and technological spheres. The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing and contributing to the development of the interdisciplinary Master's program in Artificial Intelligence Ethics. The area of expertise for this role is flexible.

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading university and the largest bilingual university (French and English) in the world. Located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes significantly to the economy, culture, and quality of life in Canada's capital.

Duties

The duties of a faculty member include, in varying proportions:

• teaching activities
• scholarly activities manifested through research and peer-reviewed publications
• activities related to service to the university community
• supervision of graduate students

A commitment to developing discipline and academic unity, including graduate programs, is required. To this end, the successful candidate must have established a rigorous research program that includes grants from major funding agencies such as SSHRC or a clearly defined plan to develop an active research program.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in English and French, upon attainment of tenure.

Terms

Contract type: New tenure-track position

Salary: $99,377 (according to the scale in effect as of May 1, 2025)

Benefits package: The University of Ottawa provides an extensive benefits package, which includes long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, supplementary health benefits, a pension plan, optional life insurance, and reimbursement for relaxation expenses.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Philosophy or a related discipline completed no later than July 1, 2027
• Evidence of an established and innovative research program, together with a record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations
• Demonstrated ability to secure external research funding
• Successful teaching experience at the post-secondary level
• Excellent communication skills in French or English. French-English bilingualism is an asset. Active knowledge of Canada's two official languages (French and English) is a requirement for tenure.
• Experience recruiting and supervising graduate students (an asset)

Application Requirements

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• two recent peer-reviewed publications
• a statement of research interests
• a sample course outline

After an initial screening of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and conduct a teaching demonstration for the Department's faculty and students. Candidates must also provide three confidential letters of recommendation, which should be sent directly by their referees.

Applications must be submitted through the University of Ottawa's career portal, and only complete submissions will be evaluated.

Deadline: Applications received by October 16, 2026, will be fully considered; however, the position will remain open until it is filled.

Contact

For inquiries: Dr. Patrice Philie, Director, Department of Philosophy, University of Ottawa, email: Dir.Philosophie-Philosophy.Dir@uottawa.ca

To learn more about the department, please visit: https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-arts/philosophy

Equity and Inclusion

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Accommodations

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at vra.affairesprofessorales@uottawa.ca. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

Bilingualism

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.