Chair in Philosophy
Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1
Position Title / Rank: Chair of Philosophy, Open to University of Guelph Internal Applicants Only
Department: Department of Philosophy
Position Description:
The Department of Philosophy at the University of Guelph invites applications from tenured University of Guelph applicants only for a Chair position at the Associate or Full Professor level.
Applicants will hold a PhD in Philosophy. The mandate is for a five-year term starting July 1, 2026. Responsibilities and conditions around the position of Chair are outlined in Article 20 of the Collective Agreement.
The Department of Philosophy was founded in 1965 as part of the new University of Guelph. The Philosophy Department now offers programs at both the undergraduate (major, minor, area of concentration) and graduate (MA, PhD) levels. Philosophy currently has 16 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members, four of whom are jointly appointed (with Psychology, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Sexuality and Gender Studies, and CARE-AI).
Philosophy’s general areas of research specialization are: Feminist Philosophy; Philosophy of Science and Medicine; Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy; Philosophy of Mind and Language; Epistemology and Metaphysics; and History of Philosophy.
The applicant must have strong academic qualifications in teaching and scholarship, service experience at the department, college, and university level, the ability to work well in a collegial and consultative atmosphere, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and research. The Chair will work closely with the College Dean, the Associate Deans, the Director of Interdisciplinary Programs, and other Chairs/Directors for the benefit of the Department and of the College. It will be essential for the Chair to maintain effective communication between the Department and the College, and between them and the members of the Department. The Chair will work to encourage the Department’s growth, manage its affairs in accordance with the overall strategic plans of the College and the University, and articulate the Department’s academic vision to the University community and beyond. The Chair will take on a key role in managing staff in the Department and work with the Senior Development Manager of the College on alumni and development. The Chair will also coordinate teaching with the Director of Interdisciplinary Programs and with Directors of programs with which the department is collaborating such as CJPP, Justice and Legal Studies, and CARE-AI. More generally, the Chair will also provide the high level of leadership and energy necessary to facilitate personal and institutional goals in the years ahead.
The University of Guelph resides on the traditional lands and territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and Huron Wendat. These lands are now home to a rich diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We offer our respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbours and affirm our responsibility to realize our commitments to reconciliation through ongoing action. We are guided in this work by Bi-Naagward | It Comes into View, the Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.
The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of over 140,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across more than 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our University community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.
Application Process
Internal applicants: If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant. SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)
Assessment of applications will begin on December 12, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply for the advertised position (Requisition ID #1934) by submitting the following materials online (in an integrated single PDF file):
- A cover letter;
- A curriculum vitae
Applications should be addressed to Dr. Samantha Brennan, Dean:
If you have questions about the search process contact Lisa O’Dwyer at COA.DeansOffice@uoguelph.ca.
Date Posted: 11/05/2025
Deadline: 12/05/2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
This position is represented by the University of Guelph Faculty Association (UGFA).
The University of Guelph commits to fostering inclusive excellence through promoting Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Inclusion is a core pillar of Our Time, our strategic plan, which pledges to “transform our human resources, governance and student services and practices across the University to enable us to recruit a diverse student, faculty and staff body and support them in achieving their personal, professional and scholarly goals.” The University commits to creating and maintaining “equitable work environments that empower us in our pursuit of student, faculty and staff success, research excellence, innovation and impact.”
The University of Guelph recognizes that career paths can be diverse and career interruptions may occur. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like considerations given to the impact of any circumstances, such as (but not limited to) those due to health and/or family reasons, that may have affected an applicant’s record of achievement. You are not required to disclose these circumstances in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these circumstances do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.
The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring all applicants have fair and equitable participation in the hiring process. If you anticipate needing medical accommodations during the recruitment or selection processes, confidential assistance is available on request by contacting Lisa O’Dwyer at coa.deansoffice@uoguelph.ca.