Canada Research Chair in AI and the Arts, School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design at York University
The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) at York University invites highly qualified applicants for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Arts. This is an open tenure-track appointment to the Professorial Stream to commence July 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will be appointed to a home department best suited to their research and teaching (Department of Computational Arts, Department of Film & Media Arts, Department of Visual Art & Art History, Department of Theatre, Dance & Performance, Department of Music, Department of Design) or joint appointment across two units.
Through a combined engagement with creative practice, ethical frameworks, and emerging technologies, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping how the Arts contribute to the development and critical examination of AI. The successful candidate will provide leadership in novel research creation that bridges Arts and STEM approaches and will deepen interdisciplinary synergies across AMPD while fostering collaboration with communities, creative industries, and national/international partners. The successful candidate will also be responsible for researching and developing courses on AI across the Arts.
The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program seeks to attract outstanding researchers for careers at Canadian universities. Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment at the time of nomination, with consideration for career breaks) who have the acknowledged potential to lead their field of research. Appointment to a Tier 2 Chair is for five years, is renewable once, and comes with enhanced research support from the program. Applicants who are more than 10 years from their first independent academic research-related appointment (and where career breaks exist, including maternity leave, extended sick leave, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Please see the CRC website for further eligibility details.
Recognizing the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities among CRCs, this position is open only to qualified researchers who indicate on the Affirmative Action self-identification form (see below) that they identify as women or gender non-conforming (e.g., genderfluid, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, trans man, trans woman). The appointment is part of the University’s Affirmative Action program, which is based on the special program provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
This position is intended to recruit external candidates to add to the University’s research strength in the areas identified in this ad.
Candidate Qualifications:
- Degree: PhD or PhD equivalent such as an MFA/MA with a substantial record of professional experience, in a field relevant to creative activity in AI/emerging technologies by the appointment’s start is required.
- Creative Practice/Scholarship:
- A coherent and well-articulated program of research, research creation and/or professional practice and specialization in AI and Arts in areas such as studio-based AI research, emerging technologies and AI, interactive and immersive media, emerging technologies and performance, artist-led machine learning, human-AI collaboration and creativity, community-engaged or ethical AI arts practices.
- A record or evident promise of generating innovative, substantive, rigorous, and as appropriate, externally funded research, research creation and/or creative practice.
- A record or evident promise of making influential contributions and demonstrating excellence in the field (e.g., statement and CV; publications; presentations in significant journals/venues in the field; presentations at major conferences/festivals; awards and accolades; strong recommendations from referees of high standing).
- Teaching:
- A record or evident promise of excellence in teaching and dedication to undergraduate students (e.g., the teaching statement; teaching evaluations; and evidence of teaching accomplishments and pedagogical innovations including in high-priority areas such as experiential education, technology-enhanced learning and multi-platform approaches).
- A record or evident promise of engaging in curriculum design and development.
- Suitability for prompt appointment to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, given that the position will involve graduate teaching and supervision.
Hiring Policies:
- The anticipated starting salary for this position at the rank of Assistant Professor is in the range of $130,000 to $160,000, at the rank of Associate Professor is in the range of $138,000 to $168,000, and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. York University offers generous benefits and salary provisions.
- York is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, in its community. Details of the AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be found here or by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).
- York welcomes and employs scholars from all over the world. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Application Process:
- Due date for completed applications: November 18, 2026
- Required materials: 1) current CV; 2) a letter of application covering areas of interest in research/professional practice, teaching, and university service; 3) a statement of research or professional practice; 4) link to a digital portfolio of recent work/researchcreation/publications; 5) teaching statement and dossier (including teaching evaluations where applicable); 6) the names and contact information for three professional references. Reference letters will only be requested from shortlisted candidates. Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action at this link: YUWorkAA.
- Direct questions about the position to Sharon Hayashi, AMPD Associate Dean Research, aiarts-search@yorku.ca.
Submit materials: to aiarts-search@yorku.ca, as a single PDF no larger than 20 MB.