The Structural Islamophobia Research Lab (SIRL) Fellowship: Islamophobia and Anti-Palestine Racism

Call for Applications
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS), University of Toronto, ON, Canada
Application Deadline: December 2, 2024

The Structural Islamophobia Research Lab (SIRL) at the Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS), University of Toronto, supports leading scholars committed to examining institutionally entrenched modes of Islamophobia that defy simplistic analyses and require innovative research methods.

This call for applications seeks candidates to investigate the potential existence of Islamophobia within Canada’s immigration regime. Within this broad scope, inquiries are invited into whether racial and Orientalist notions are embedded in laws, policies, and institutional practices across various aspects of the immigration system. The research should explore how these notions may influence regime findings and actions, such as inadmissibility rulings, CBSA stops and detentions, and visa programs for individuals from Muslim-majority countries.

Over the years, particularly under the War on Terror, several aspects of Canadian immigration have faced scrutiny, including security certificates and unconstitutional detentions. However, a holistic analysis of Islamophobia within Canada’s immigration system remains lacking. This call for applications aims to address this gap. The successful research project will ideally demonstrate expertise in critical race and decolonial theoretical approaches, which will inform the analysis, as well as proficiency in relevant social science methodologies to undertake this complex research endeavor.

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to candidates with a completed PhD no earlier than December 2021.
• PhD candidates may apply if they complete their dissertation defence successfully no later than July 1, 2025.
• All nationalities may apply.
• Preference will be given to those with:
  o A proven record of research on immigration laws and policies in Canada
  o Experience obtaining and analyzing government data/records incl. using ATIPs
  o Knowledge of diverse social science methodological approaches
  o A theoretical commitment to critical race and decolonial approaches
  o Experience working with Muslim communities and organizational partners

Details on the Fellowship

• Remuneration: $60,000 CAD per year
• Duration: One to three years
• Location: Required to be in residence at the University of Toronto
• Start Date: No earlier than February 3, 2025 and no later than September 1, 2025
• Only one fellowship on this topic is available at this time

Application Process

• Application materials include CV, statement of interest, and a writing sample.
• Please submit all application materials via email to islamicstudies@utoronto.ca.
• In the subject heading of the email, please use the following: “SIRL Application”
• The application deadline is December 2, 2024.
• Decisions will be announced by January 20, 2025.

For any questions, please direct inquiries to islamicstudies@utoronto.ca

More information on: Institute of Islamic Studies