Department Chair
INTERNAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
CHAIR OF THE MCGILL UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES OF MEDICINE
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at McGill University invites internal applications from ranked academic staff with current appointments at McGill University for the position of Chair, Department of Social Studies of Medicine.
Established in 1966, the Department of Social Studies of Medicine is a multidisciplinary department with faculty members specializing in anthropology, architecture, art history, history, and philosophy, who investigate topics in medicine, biomedical research, public health, and health policy. It has a strong tradition of excellence in research and teaching and maintains significant links with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Engineering.
Department members contribute to teaching in multiple graduate programs as well as in undergraduate medicine. The Department is currently comprised of seven full-time members, five emeritus professors, and 15 associate members. The Department and its members are supported by four endowed chairs.
The successful candidate is expected to:
Have a ranked academic position at McGill University;
Have an internationally recognized research program;
Have an engaging vision for the Department that builds upon existing areas of strength and collaboration and expands to connect with new academic programs, research domains and strategic initiatives within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and across the University;
Have the drive and leadership skills to realize that vision;
Provide strategic guidance and support to the Osler Library and the Maude Abbott Medical Museum;
Promote a collaborative and inclusive environment conducive to research and teaching excellence;
Provide leadership in the recruitment, development, and mentoring of diverse faculty to achieve their full potential;
Fluency in English is essential; a proficiency in French, or a commitment to acquiring it within a few years of appointment is preferred.
The Department is proud to host a respectful, multi-disciplinary and inclusive work setting in its multiple areas of activity, which includes the training of a diverse group of students. A record of experience applying equity, diversity and inclusion competencies will be considered an asset.
Term
The chair position is for a five-year term, starting September 1, 2026, which can be renewed once following a successful review.
Application Process
Please submit the required documentation by email to acadsec.med [at] mcgill.ca no later than June 20, 2026.
Required Documentation
A cover letter and curriculum vitae;
Statement of leadership, research, and educational contributions (combine all documents in a single pdf);
The names and contact information of three referees.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing. L’Université McGill est une institution de langue anglaise dans laquelle la majorité des activités d’enseignement et de recherche s’effectuent en langue anglaise, rendant essentielle l’utilisation de l’anglais pour la communication orale et écrite.
McGill University was founded in 1821 and is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world and among the top three in Canada. McGill is located in Montreal, Quebec
(http://www.montrealinternational.com/en/), a multiethnic city with a sparkling cultural life. Montreal has been selected numerous times as the best city for students in North America. Montreal is safe, housing costs are among the lowest for cities of comparable size, and overall quality of life is outstanding.
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sections, such as government, communities, or industry. McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, and that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.
McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr [at] mcgill.ca via email.