Assistant Professor - Food Studies

Date Posted: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 11/23/2026, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 49621
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: University of Toronto Scarborough: Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences (DPES) at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a full-time tenure-stream position in the field of Food Studies. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Food Studies or a related discipline by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Food Studies. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing . The proposed position would add to the existing departmental research performed within the discipline. This discipline incorporates a humanities and social science focus within the broader science department. Demonstrated commitment to the interdisciplinary field of Food Studies through scholarship, teaching, and professional activity is essential. We look for a scholar conducting culturally aware, community-engaged research with global scope.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated through a record of publications in top-ranked Food Studies journals or forthcoming publications that meet high international standards; the submitted research statement that outlines a high quality and innovative multi-year research plan; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements from referees of high standing.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below, as well as evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities), and strong letters of reference. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor in kitchen, farm, or lecture contexts, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.

Candidates must also show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and to the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, as demonstrated through the application materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research in the broad area of food and sustainability, with clear connection to the impact of environmental factors on food and culinary practices. They will also establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program affiliated with the .

In addition, the successful candidate will be assigned a teaching and service load. The position requires teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, as well as providing service to the Department and University. The UTSC Food Studies program emphasizes experiential learning in the Culinaria Kitchen Laboratory.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The expected salary range is $120,000-$145,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

ABOUT US

The appointment is at the University of Toronto Scarborough, which is a research-intensive campus with a commitment to interdisciplinary research, a multicultural student body, and a modern campus. The University offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most diverse cities of the world. The appointment is in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences with full membership in the tri-campus Graduate Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences incorporating activity across all three campuses of the University of Toronto. At the University of Toronto Scarborough, the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences is a multidisciplinary unit comprised of four primary groups: Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Food & Environmental Studies and Physics & Astrophysics.