Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University: Call for Applications for Postdoctoral Scholars

The Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University invites applications for up to two postdoctoral scholar positions to be held for 12 months at Trent University, Symons Campus located in Peterborough, Ontario. Each position has the possibility of renewal once, for another 12-month period in the same location.

Each position will be hosted in the Department of Political Studies and the Leadership & Democracy Lab under the supervision of Dr. Cristine de Clercy.  Candidates should have completed the Ph.D in Political Science before beginning the position (within the last 5 years) or be very near completion.  Candidates are expected to possess expertise in the fields of Canadian and comparative politics (developed), with enriched graduate-level training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.  A clear interest in studying political leaders, leadership, and public trust, along with some more specific focus on topics such as elections, electoral behaviour, election law, democracy, parties, political trust, subnational politics and federalism are helpful attributes. A capacity to communicate in English and French is desirable but not required. Some teaching experience is an asset for the purposes of this application.

The successful candidate(s) will conduct their own research as well as contribute to existing and new research in the area of trust and political leadership in collaboration with Dr. de Clercy and other leadership researchers.  As well, the successful candidate(s) may have the opportunity to teach courses and supervise undergraduate students to enrich their pedagogical experience.

The annual salary per postdoctoral scholar will be $65,000 CDN plus benefits and supports.  The position(s) may begin July 1 2026; there is some flexibility in the start date to allow for relocation logistics.

About the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University.

In 2023, Trent University and the Jarislowsky Foundation collaborated to create this endowed chair, which is one of five such chairs established at the same time across Canada.  Together these five chairs form the Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership, a $20 million research commitment from the Jarislowsky Foundation and the five academic partners designed to advance the study of trust and leadership within Canada and beyond its borders. More information about the Network can be found here: www.trustandleadershipnetwork.ca

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a full and updated curriculum vitae, along with the names of three references, a writing sample, and a statement of teaching (or a teaching dossier) to cristinedeclercy@trentu.ca

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.  Applications will be reviewed beginning May 8, 2026.  The final date to submit an application is 4 pm EST on May 15, 2026.

Trent University is actively committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Trent University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process or require an accessible version of a document/publication, please contact  cristinedeclercy@trentu.ca

Candidates should have completed the Ph.D in Political Science before beginning the position (within the last 5 years) or be very near completion.  Candidates are expected to possess expertise in the fields of Canadian and comparative politics (developed), with enriched graduate-level training in quantitative and qualitative research methods.  A clear interest in studying political leaders, leadership, and public trust, along with some more specific focus on topics such as elections, electoral behaviour, election law, democracy, parties, political trust, subnational politics and federalism are helpful attributes. A capacity to communicate in English and French is desirable but not required. Some teaching experience is an asset for the purposes of this application.