Competition: #26-05
The Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management (ForEM) at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) welcomes applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis scholars whose work contributes to Wabanaki or other Indigenous stewardship, community well-being, and relationships with lands, waters, territories, and knowledge systems. We seek to fill a tenure-track Assistant Professor position through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program. As such, only candidates who both work and reside outside of Canada as of August 1, 2026 are eligible to apply to this position. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2027 and is subject to final funding approval.
The University of New Brunswick respectfully acknowledges that its Fredericton campus sits on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional territory of the Wolastoqey people. The lands of the Wabanaki peoples were recognized in a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties that continue to guide relationships based on mutual respect and shared responsibilities. UNB is committed to advancing Indigenous scholarship, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and supporting Indigenous leadership in teaching, research, and community engagement.
About the Opportunity
The Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program supports outstanding early career researchers whose work addresses complex societal challenges through collaborative, impactful, and community-engaged research. Through this initiative, ForEM seeks to recruit an Indigenous scholar whose research advances Wabanaki or other Indigenous stewardship and contributes to thriving relationships among Indigenous Peoples, communities, territories, waters, knowledge systems, and environments.
We recognize that Indigenous Peoples have long stewarded lands, waters, resources, and communities through diverse knowledge systems, governance approaches, and relationships grounded in reciprocity and responsibility. We seek a colleague whose work will contribute to Indigenous leadership, learning, and research within the Faculty, the University, and beyond.
The position provides a unique opportunity for an emerging Indigenous scholar to advance research, partnerships, and knowledge mobilization that contribute to community well-being and positive societal impact.
Areas of Research Interest
We recognize that Wabanaki and other Indigenous stewardship is understood and practiced in diverse ways across Nations, communities, disciplines, and knowledge systems. The examples below are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive.
We welcome applications from scholars whose work engages Wabanaki or other Indigenous stewardship through areas such as:
- Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of knowing;
- Stewardship of lands, waters, ecosystems, and natural resources;
- Indigenous governance and self-determination;
- Community-based and participatory research;
- Indigenous-led conservation and biodiversity initiatives;
- Climate adaptation, resilience, and environmental change;
- Indigenous data sovereignty and knowledge mobilization;
- Relationships among Indigenous Peoples, communities, territories, and environments; and
- Other areas that contribute to Indigenous-led stewardship and community well-being
We welcome scholars whose work is grounded in Wabanaki or other Indigenous knowledge systems, community priorities, and lived experience, as well as those who bring respectful approaches to working across multiple knowledge systems.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Establish and maintain an innovative and impactful research program;
- Seek external funding opportunities to support research, partnerships, and community engagement;
- Build respectful, reciprocal, and community-informed relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, and organizations;
- Contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, supervision, mentorship, and student success within the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management;
- Participate in faculty, university, and professional service activities; and
- Engage in knowledge mobilization and outreach activities that contribute to positive outcomes for Indigenous communities and society.
Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis;
- Hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification recognized by UNB for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor;
- Be eligible to be considered an Early Career Researcher (ECR) under the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program requirements;
- Demonstrate scholarly excellence and the potential to establish an impactful, independent research program;
- Demonstrate a commitment to respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities and community partners;
- Demonstrate evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching, mentorship, and collaboration across disciplines; and
- Knowledge of Wabanaki histories, cultures, governance systems, languages, and traditions would be considered a strong asset.
Research Environment and Support
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment within ForEM and the broader UNB research community. Through the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program, the position receives salary support valued at $100,000 per year for six years, with the possibility of a six-year funded extension at the same annual value. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an independent research program and pursue external funding opportunities.
UNB is committed to strengthening Indigenous research leadership and supporting respectful, reciprocal, and community-engaged approaches to research. The successful candidate will have opportunities to engage with Wabanaki communities, organizations, and partners in New Brunswick, the Wabanaki region, and beyond.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter describing their interest in the position;
- A curriculum vitae;
- A statement of research accomplishments and future research plans (maximum three pages);
- A statement of teaching philosophy and experience (maximum two pages);
- A statement describing their approach to Indigenous stewardship, community engagement, and relationship-building (maximum two pages); and
- The names and contact information of three
Applicants can apply by clicking here: https://jobs.careerbeacon.com/apply/2239574. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For inquiries regarding this position, please contact the Dean, Dr. Michelle Gray at [contact details available in the full listing]. Please note that applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
The salary for the position depends on the rank at which the successful candidate is hired. Faculty salary grids by rank are available here: https://www.unb.ca/hr/_assets/documents/salary-grids.pdf. Salary and fringe benefits are governed by Sections 35 and 36B of the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers (AUNBT) [contact details available in the full listing] Collective Agreement.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
This position is designated for Indigenous candidates as part of the University's commitment to increasing Indigenous representation and leadership within the academy and is undertaken in accordance with applicable employment equity provisions. UNB values Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and is committed to creating an environment in which Indigenous faculty, staff, students, and communities can thrive.
The University of New Brunswick is committed to fostering an inclusive learning and working environment that values diversity and promotes respect, equity, and belonging for all members of the community. We encourage applications from Indigenous candidates who also identify within rights-seeking populations including racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
UNB recognizes that life circumstances such as illness, disability, family, and community responsibilities (e.g., maternity leave, parental leave, leaves due to illness, leaves due to caring for family members, or slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability) are often an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a candidate's record of research achievement. These impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants should indicate current citizenship status.
UNB ensures that employment opportunities are accessible to all applicants. To request accessibility or adaptive measures at any stage in the recruitment and hiring process, please contact UNB's Recruitment & Employee Experience Specialist at [contact details available in the full listing] or [contact details available in the full listing].
Short-listed candidates will be required to provide satisfactory proof of credentials including appropriately certified translations of credentials into English, as applicable.
