- Posting # FAORI01-26 Full Professor/Associate Professor, Office of Research & Innovation, Full-Time, Term About the Job The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is inviting expressions of interest from top-tier, internationally-based researchers as the first step in applying to join the thriving research community at UNBC through the Government of Canada’s new Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program. These chairs have maximum award values of either $1 million per year or $500,000 per year for eight years. The program provides for the possibility of a four-year renewal, funded at 50% of the original value. Chairs will be appointed as full-time full professors or associate professors who are expected to be promoted to full professor within two years of starting their chairholder appointment. UNBC has Chair positions available and it is expected that UNBC will appoint chairs to align with each of the Tri-Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). This program will support new chairs to advance transformative research projects that build upon their demonstrated strengths and that have strong potential to support the growth of the Canadian economy in the strategic priority areas identified by the Government of Canada. Applicants must have a recent track record of research accomplishments and significant interest in making new contributions to Canada. Only candidates who are internationally-based (both working and residing outside of Canada) are eligible to apply. Expatriate Canadian citizens wishing to relocate to Canada are welcome to apply. Impact+ Chairs must demonstrate established strengths aligned with the Government of Canada’s strategic priority areas, which address urgent global and domestic challenges, strengthen Canada’s leadership in research and innovation, and deliver lasting social and economic benefits. These priority areas are:
- Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum, and cybersecurity);
- Health, including biotechnology;
- Clean technology and resource value chains;
- Environment, climate resilience and the arctic;
- Food and water security;
- Democratic and community resilience;
- Manufacturing and advanced materials; and/or
- Defense and dual-use technologies. Chairs are expected to establish and sustain strong national and international partnerships across industry, government, health, not-for-profit, and Indigenous communities, as appropriate, and to actively translate research into practice, policy, and commercialization with demonstrable impact. Successful nominees should have a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline as part of the UNBC requirement. For Chair awardees, infrastructure funds are available through the new Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund. Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today. Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. About the University and its Community Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world. Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia. UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert. UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~74,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution. Salary The salary for this position will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience as per the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The annual salary range for this position is expected to be from $ 102,961 to $186,907. Please refer to the link below to the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement (Appendix 48C) for more compensation information: https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/salary-grid-increases-july-1-2024-updated-cola.pdf To Apply An expression of interest (EOI) must be submitted as a first step in applying for a Canada Impact+ Research Chair at UNBC. Universities will submit nominations to the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs Program through two intakes. We strongly encourage applicants to submit an EOI in time for the first intake. First Intake UNBC's EOI Submission Deadline: February 1, 2026. Government of Canada’s deadline for UNBC to register nominees: March 10, 2026 Government of Canada’s deadline for UNBC to submit full applications : March 24, 2026 Second Intake UNBC will consider all EOI submissions received by April 15, 2026 for the second intake. Government of Canada’s deadline for UNBC to register nominees: June 15, 2026 Government of Canada’s deadline for UNBC to submit full applications: June 29, 2026 How to Submit Your Expression of Interest To submit your EOI, please provide the following information along with a copy of your up to date CV as a single PDF or Word document (PDF preferred) to research@unbc.ca.ca with the subject line: [Last Name] IMPACT Expression of Interest. Personal information: Include your name, current professorial rank, the name and location of your current institution, and email address.
Reviewers
- Provide the names, institutional affiliations and email contact information for five (5) international experts who could serve as reviewers for your application.
- Key words: Provide a list of up to ten (10) key words that best describe your field of research.
- UNBC academic unit of interest (optional): If known, provide the name(s) of the UNBC Department/Institute/School and/or Faculty.
- Strategic priority areas: Indicate one or more of the Canada Impact+ Research Chair strategic priority area(s) with which your research aligns.
- Research description: Provide a brief description of your area of research and how it advances the relevant strategic priority area(s) [1 page maximum]. For more information on this program please visit; https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-plus-chairs.html UNBC 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, slowdowns due to chronic illness or disability, or COVID-19 impacts) are often an expected part of life and are likely to have an impact on a nominee’s record of research achievement, and that these impacts will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Margaret Ann Fuller, Manager of Employee Wellbeing & Benefits, UNBC Health & Wellbeing at employeewellbeing@unbc.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Inquiries
Nicole Balliet Nicole.Balliet@unbc.ca 2509605815 The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC; however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2026
Date Posted
January 9, 2026.
