Faculty Position in Science Diplomacy

The Graduate School of International Studies at Université Laval, located in Quebec City, Canada, is inviting applications for a faculty position in the field of science diplomacy. The successful candidate will serve as co-chair of the Université Laval - Sorbonne Université - Fonds de recherche du Québec Research Chair in Science Diplomacy. Following this recruitment, Sorbonne Université will select a co-chair with complementary expertise and a research profile aligned with the chair’s objectives.

Science diplomacy is a broad field of research, and two of its key dimensions are of particular interest to our school: science in diplomacy and science for diplomacy. Applications focusing on either or both dimensions are encouraged. The first dimension focuses on integrating the best scientific knowledge into evidence-based policymaking on critical global challenges such as climate change, generative AI, global health, and democratic backsliding. The aim is to explore how scientific insights can shape and guide international policies. This requires: identifying relevant sources of scientific knowledge for policy; mapping the knowledge transfer channels between researchers, policymakers, and international institutions; defining key stakeholders involved in science-policy interactions; assessing the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between scientific and political actors; and analyzing case studies to identify both successes and failures in influencing policy.

The second dimension of interest is science for diplomacy. It views scientific collaboration as a strategic tool for fostering international cooperation and building mutual trust between nations. In politically sensitive contexts, science can serve as a neutral platform for dialogue, offering opportunities to facilitate collaboration between researchers from rival or conflict-affected states. The aim is to study transnational scientific collaborations and to assess their impact on political dynamics. Can these partnerships, for example, help reduce international tensions or open alternative communication channels between governments? We believe that for both dimensions, adopting a multidisciplinary approach allows for a deeper understanding of science diplomacy.

A research advisor will support the co-chairs in developing, planning, and submitting research grant applications, while also ensuring the Chair’s outreach activities are maximized. A budget will also be allocated to provide doctoral scholarships associated with the Chair.

The selected candidate for this position will be integrated into the Graduate School as a regular professor starting on September 1, 2025, or no later than January 1^st, 2026. 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

• Teaching at the graduate level;
• Supervising master’s essays, dissertations and doctoral theses;
• Conducting research and publishing in the field of science diplomacy;
• 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

• Ph.D. in a field relevant to science diplomacy;
• Strong commitment to multi/interdisciplinarity, whether through training, a research program, teaching experience or collaborations;
• Excellent research record with publications in peer-reviewed journals considered among the best in the field, or the potential to develop an excellent research record for early career applicants;
• Teaching experience at the university level, ideally confirmed by evaluations;
• Research grants from granting agencies in their field or demonstrate the potential to obtain such grants in the near future;
• Ability to teach a graduate-level methodology course;
• Proven involvement in international research networks (considered an asset);
• High interest in collaborative work;
• Teach in French within 3 years of taking up the position (Université Laval provides support for newly-recruited faculty to attain proficiency in French).

Applications from doctoral students who are about to defend their doctoral thesis will be considered, provided that a letter from the department head confirming the expected date of thesis submission or defense is provided.

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

Application

• Application deadline: January 31, 2025
• Starting date: September 1, 2025

Application File

1. A cover letter demonstrating, among other things, a commitment to multi/interdisciplinarity and international issues;
2. A resume;
3. A document (2 pages maximum) describing a research program for the next 5 years that covers the theoretical, methodological and dissemination aspects of research;
4. A sample of publications.

Candidates on the short list of successful applicants will be required to provide three letters of recommendation from respondents outside Université Laval. Letters are to be sent to the Graduate School of International Studies management.

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 and letters of recommendations must be sent to:

Jonathan Paquin
Director
Graduate School of International Studies
Université Laval
directeur.esei@ulaval.ca