In 1988 the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) became the first Senate-approved research centre at the University of Victoria. Mindful of the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to Canada, CAPI’s supporters— the Dorothy and David Lam Foundation, the Federal Secretary of State and the Provincial Government of British Columbia—provided the financial support needed to turn the idea of an Asia-Pacific focused centre into reality. Since its inception, CAPI has acted as a vital link between the University of Victoria (UVic) and the Asia-Pacific region, providing programming and research initiatives that have brought together scholars from the region with those from UVic. In the 36 years since CAPI’s founding, the importance of the Asia-Pacific region, which we now understand to include the Indian Ocean region, to Canadian interests and global affairs has only grown in significance. CAPI continues to be one of the most active and dynamic Asia-focused research centres in Canada and the world.

The CAPI China Chair in History and Political Science is shared by the Departments of History and Political Science (one of which will be designated the chair’s home department), and, on an equal basis, with CAPI. The China Chair complements CAPI’s two other endowed chairs, the Jarislowsky CAPI Japan (East Asia) Chair and the Chair in Asia-Pacific Legal Relations, and as well as other CAPI-based research chairs, such as the ECS-CAPI Chair in Inclusive Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Department of History, the Department of Political Science, and the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI), invite applications from talented scholars for a tenured position at the rank of Associate Professor/Professor to commence on 1 July 2025. The CAPI China Chair will receive an annual research stipend, along with a teaching release of two courses per year, to support their research. The chair will work with colleagues across campus as well as international partners to develop new projects and build on existing activities, within History, Political Science, and CAPI, and to supervise graduate students and post-doctoral researchers.

Salary Range. The candidate's qualifications, experience and overall market demand will determine a candidate’s final salary offer. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of$122,000 - $150,000 at the Associate Professor rank, or $169,000 - $208,000 and the Professor rank. . UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves and pension plan.

Qualified candidates will have earned a doctoral degree in political science, history, or a related field. Fluency in written and spoken Chinese is required. We are particularly interested in greater China-focused scholars with an established international reputation in their field, a scholarly record commensurate with a research-intensive appointment, and a strong record of teaching, research and graduate supervision. Candidates who bring an interdisciplinary and global perspective to understanding modern China and its place in the world are of particular interest to us. Specific areas of focus could include (but are not limited to) historical and political science related research on world history, intellectual history, international relations and governance, gender, ecology, religion, culture, technology, and political economy. We welcome applications from candidates whose work cuts across two or more of these or related areas and who demonstrate innovative approaches to interdisciplinary research, outreach, and teaching. They will have an established network in China, Asia, and internationally. The successful candidate will also have experience organizing international events, projects, and initiatives, and obtaining and managing research grants. Networks in the Global South, research on China’s relationship with the Global South, and a track record of knowledge mobilization (e.g., writing for and speaking to audiences, including outside the academy) would all be considered assets.

To be considered, please submit a complete application package including: (1) a cover letter addressing the candidate’s suitability for the job requirements; an up-to-date curriculum vitae; (2) a concise statement of the candidate’s ongoing research and research agenda for the next five years (2-3 pages); (3) two sample publications representing the candidate’s best work; (4) a concise statement of teaching and graduate supervision, including proposed courses to be offered in History and Political Science and courses that could possibly be cross-listed between the two Departments (1-2 pages); (5) the contact information (names, titles, contact numbers, business and email addresses) of three references who are prepared to write confidential letters of reference (at the search committee’s request) to Consuela Covrig at histao@uvic.ca. The committee will begin considering applications on 2 January 2025 and will accept applications until the position is filled. 

Please note that reference checks will be done, and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Read the full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement