The Institute for Inclusive Economies and Sustainable Livelihoods (IIESL) University of Toronto, Scarborough (Canada) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join their team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on inclusive economies and sustainable livelihoods. 

The new Institute for Inclusive Economies and Sustainable Livelihoods (IIESL) at the University of Toronto, Scarborough provides an environment that enables the exploration, imagining and sharing of alternative economic development futures. The Institute is rooted in the recognition that transitioning to sustainable livelihoods requires new, place-based and inclusive perspectives on economics and economic development policy, paying particular attention to the needs of traditionally marginalized populations and peripheral territories, both in the Global North and the South. To do this, the IIESL focuses on: 1) facilitating academic debates to reevaluate conventional economic development ideals about growth, development and trickle-down economics; 2) recognizing the diverse economies and economic practices that exist in different societies and are essential to sustain life; 3) understanding the causes of labor and economic exclusion and promoting strategies aimed at labor inclusion; and 4) reassessing the role of the state and policy to achieve more inclusive and sustainable economies within planetary boundaries. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a new and vibrant institute that seeks to advance interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research to promote more inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic systems. In addition to working on your own research, the postdoctoral fellow will collaborate with the inaugural IIESL director, Sergio Montero, to advance the research and outreach program of the Institute through interdisciplinary research projects and grants, organizing and participating in research workshops and seminars, leading academic publications on the topic of inclusive economies, engaging with community leaders and policymakers in Toronto and around the world, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students involved in IIESL initiatives. The postdoc will be expected to be in residence at the University of Toronto. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Publish research findings in top-tier academic journals and present at national and international conferences. 
  • Collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners to advance the IIESL’s mission. 
  • Collaborate with the IIESL director (Sergio Montero) to advance the Institute’s research and outreach agenda. 
  • Organize and participate in research workshops, seminars, and conferences. 
  • Contribute to the preparation and submission of grant proposals 
  • Engage with community leaders and policymakers in Toronto and globally to promote inclusive and sustainable economic practices. 
  • Supervise graduate or undergraduate students involved in IIESL research initiatives. 

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in economics, economic geography, sociology, regional planning, development studies, or a related field. 
  • Proven research interest and expertise in inclusive economies, sustainable livelihoods, local and regional economic development, or related areas. 
  • Strong track record of interdisciplinary and collaborative research. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: 

  • A detailed CV (maximum 3 pages) 
  • A cover letter outlining research interests and fit with the IIESL (max 1 page) 
  • A research proposal (1-2 pages) for an individual project to be completed within 1 year, including potential outcomes, publications and references. 
  • A short description (1 page) of a potential grant application on a topic of interest related with inclusive economies and sustainable livelihoods, including a source of funding. 
  • Contact information for 2 academic references (referees will only be contacted if candidate advances to the final shortlist). 


Starting date: Anticipated September or October, 2024 (flexible to accommodate the candidate’s schedule or immigration requirement if needed). 

Postdoc Duration: Initial appointment is for 1 year, renewable for a second year subject to performance/suitable progress and funding availability. 

FTE: 100% 

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work. 

Time allocation: 20 hours per week for own research, 20 hours per week for IIESL related work. The postdoc will be expected to be in residence in Toronto. In-person meetings at the University of Toronto, Scarborough normally one day a week. 

Compensation: CAD 65,000 per year
Please note that should the minimum rates stipulated in the collective agreement fall below the rates 

stated in this posting, the minimum rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail. 

Application Deadline: June 30, 2024. Please send to supervisor (contact information below). 

Supervisor Contact Information: 

Sergio Montero, PhD (he/him)
Associate Professor, Department of Human Geography
Director, Institute for Inclusive Economies & Sustainable Livelihoods University of Toronto, Scarborough 

Contact email: [email protected]