Job Details
Research Associate (Limited Term)
Date Posted: 10/21/2026
Req ID: 50613
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Department: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Description:
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is looking to hire an experience, independent and motivated research associate to conduct a critical, comparative analysis between FIFA 2026 (World Cup of football) and LA28 (Olympic Summer Games) to assess questions and issues of migration, mobility, border control, legitimacy and international politics.The project will combine a mix of policy and document analysis and investigate the roles of international sports organizations (such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee) in navigating international participation and national immigration and border policies.
Education: PhD in Social Sciences or relevant field
Experience: 3-5 years of post-PhD research experience. Experience conducting research in post-secondary environments, particularly within Canada. Strong understanding of the global sports and political landscape. Demonstrated experience researching sports mega-events and their social and political implications.
Other: Experience with qualitative research methodologies, including data collection and analysis. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and apply social and political theory to the study of global football and sports mega-events.
Position Start Date: Expected start date is December 1, 2026; however, the start date is negotiable
Position End Date: December 1, 2027with possibility of renewal
Method of Application: Resume and cover letter to be emailed to: Dr. Simon Darnell (simon.darnell@utoronto.ca)
Closing Date: 10/30/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 - Research Associate (Limited Term): $55,661 - $104,364
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.
Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.
The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.
If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.
Indigenous Substantiation Process
The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information about this process, please refer to the Indigenous Substantiation Website.
