The Graduate School of International Studies (École supérieure d’études internationales – ESEI) at Université Laval, located in Quebec City (Canada), is a centre of excellence in multidisciplinary research and teaching on international affaires. ESEI is currently seeking applications for a faculty position on Arctic defence and security.
The competition is open to applicants from all disciplines relevant to the study of defence and security dynamics in the Arctic. Applications from scholars in economics, law, geography, history, management, political science, and other relevant disciplines are particularly encouraged.
The successful candidate will hold the Desgagnés Chair in Arctic Defence and Security and will have access to a research budget of more than $200,000 per year for five years.
The Chair’s mandate is to conduct leading-edge interdisciplinary research. In particular, it seeks to examine transformations in the Arctic strategic environment in a context marked by the return of great-power rivalry and by rapidly evolving economic, legal, geographic, and political realities in the region.
By bringing academic expertise to strategic issues of primary importance to Canada, the Chair seeks to contribute actively to national debates on defence and security.
Research conducted through the Chair may address, among other topics:
- The economic and geoeconomic dimensions of competition in the Arctic;
- The costs, choices, and trade-offs associated with defence and security policies in the region;
- The legal frameworks and governance issues that shape activities in the Arctic, particularly in a region where different and overlapping areas of state jurisdiction coexist;
- The historical and territorial transformations of the region and their implications for contemporary security issues;
- Transformations in the strategic environment and power relations in the Arctic;
- The resilience and security of critical northern infrastructure, particularly land and maritime transportation infrastructure;
- Maritime security and the evolution of commercial shipping;
- The development and transportation of natural resources and their strategic implications.
A research advisor will support the Chairholder in developing, planning, and submitting research grant applications, while also helping to maximize the Chair’s outreach and engagement activities. Funding will also be available to offer doctoral scholarships associated with the Chair.
The successful candidate will join the Graduate School of International Studies as a regular faculty member starting June 1, 2027, and no later than September 1, 2027. Hiring may be at any academic rank in accordance with the Collective Agreement between Laval University and the Syndicat des professeurs et des professeures de l’Université Laval (SPUL).
Duties include:
- Teaching at the graduate level;
- Supervising master’s essays, dissertations and doctoral theses;
- Conducting research and publishing on Arctic defence and security;
- Participating in School-related pedagogical and administrative activities;
- Being involved in any other activity provided for in the Université Laval-SPUL collective agreement;
- Selection criteria:
- Ability to teach in French within three years of appointment.
- Hold a PhD in a field relevant to Arctic defence and security;
- Applications from doctoral candidates nearing completion of their PhD will be considered, provided that a letter from the department chair confirms the expected date of submission or defense;
- Demonstrate strong commitment to pluri-/interdisciplinarity, whether through academic background, research program, teaching experience, or collaborative projects;
- An excellent research record, with publications in top peer-reviewed journals in the candidate’s field, or strong potential to develop such a record for early-career applicants;
- University-level teaching experience;
- A proven track record of securing research funding from recognized granting agencies, or strong potential to obtain such funding in the near future;
- Ability to teach a graduate-level methodology course.
- Proven integration into national and international research networks is considered an asset.
- Employment conditions:
- Regular full-time position;
- Salary based on recognized experience with benefits in accordance with the Université Laval-SPUL collective agreement (available in French only) https://www.rh.ulaval.ca/personnel-enseignant-et-derecherche/professeurs/conventions-collectives
- Applications:
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026
- Starting date: June 1, 2027 (no later than September 1, 2027).
The application file must include:
- A cover letter demonstrating the candidate’s commitment to pluri/interdisciplinarity and international studies;
- A curriculum vitae;
- A document of no more than two pages outlining a proposed five-year research chair program;
- A sample publication.
Valuing equity, diversity, and excellence, Université Laval is firmly committed to providing all its staff with a work and living environment characterized by an inclusive culture. For Université Laval, diversity is a source of strength, and we encourage qualified individuals of all origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, as well as individuals with disabilities, to apply.
Université Laval also adheres to an employment equity program for women, members of visible or ethnic minorities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals with disabilities. To this end, all applicants will be invited to complete a confidential self-identification form upon submission of their application.
All applications will be processed confidentially.
Applications must be sent to:
Jonathan Paquin
Director
Graduate School of International Studies
Université Laval
recrutement.esei@ulaval.ca
To apply, send a message to recrutement.esei@ulaval.ca. (See posting for details.)