health sciences

The Position 

The Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University seeks a scholar whose program of research and teaching is focused on the intersection of health services, health policy, and health equity. The preferred applicant will be appointed as a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor and will have a Ph.D. related to health services research, or comparable qualification, by the job desired start date of September 1st, 2026. The successful candidate will build an independent research program with extramural funding in their areas of expertise. This position involves teaching both a required, large, undergraduate course and a required, mid-sized graduate course in Canadian healthcare systems. This position will have a standard tenure-track workload distribution that includes research, teaching three courses annually, and contributing to service within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

 Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 to $143,322 (subject to experience and inclusive of Market Differential). PhD candidates with solid indication of imminent completion may be hired at the rank of Instructor and will be promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor upon completion of the PhD. A reasonable estimate of the salary range if the successful candidate starts as an instructor is $98,340 to $108,340 (inclusive of Market Differential). Note, these expected salary ranges do not include the value of pensions and benefits. A start-up package to support the successful candidate’s development of a research program will also be provided.

Candidate Requirements 

The search committee acknowledges that no single applicant is likely to meet all the following criteria in equal measure and interested candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:

• Health services research outputs that engage health policy and health equity 

• Ability to establish a feasible, independent program of research at the Faculty of Health Sciences, including obtaining extramural funding for research 

• Partnerships with knowledge users (e.g., policy makers, health professionals) and communities as integral to a research program 

• A track record of successful knowledge translation through health systems or health policy 

• Ability to communicate and explain health policy and healthcare systems in Canada in research and teaching 

• A commitment to, and enthusiasm for, teaching and mentoring  

• A record of teaching and mentoring, preferably with experience of teaching large undergraduate classes 

• A commitment to promoting equity and diversity, including accessibility, in teaching, mentoring, research, and other scholarly outputs 

• A commitment to decolonizing teaching, research, and post-secondary institutions 

How to Apply 

Applicants are asked to provide the following documents (Word or PDF): 

1.  A signed letter that addresses how the applicant meets the candidate requirements set out above (maximum 2 pages, singled spaced); 

2. An up-to-date, full curriculum vitae (at a minimum detailing education, research, awards, funding, publications, teaching, mentorship, and service);  

3. A proposed program of independent research to be undertaken at the Faculty of Health Science (maximum 2 pages, single spaced) that: 
   1. Defines how the proposed program connects the domains of health services, health policy, and health equity 
   2. Details plans for supporting research through extramural funding  
   3. Identifies partnerships central to the program of research 
   4. Details plans for scholarly outputs and other knowledge translation activities 
   5. Identifies how research program incorporates a commitment to promoting equity and diversity, including accessibility, and a commitment to decolonization
4.  One output that best demonstrates the applicant’s impact on health services delivery, equity, and/or policy with a 200-word maximum explanation as to why this output was chosen [if you are not submitting a published academic article or book chapter, then please limit the number of pages of the output to 20.]
5. A statement on teaching and mentoring (maximum 1 pages, single spaced) that includes: 
   1. Teaching and mentorship philosophy 
   2. How the philosophy translates into classroom strategies, assessment methods, and mentoring activities 
   3. Strategies to foster equity in the classroom and in mentoring, including accessibility, and creating inclusive learning environments 
   4. Examples of decolonizing approaches to teaching and mentoring 
6. One example of teaching materials (20 pages or less) that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to communicate and explain health policy and healthcare systems in Canada, which might include: 
   1. A sample syllabus 
   2. An example assignment with instructions and grading rubric  
   3. An example of classroom materials (e.g., lecture slide deck)  
   4. Any other existing materials supporting the candidate’s teaching record
7. The names and contact information for three references who will write support letters on behalf of the applicant. References will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates. 

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have had an impact on their career.  

All applications should be submitted to:  

Nicole S. Berry, Search Chair
Faculty of Health Sciences
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC, Canada, V5A 1S6
Email: fhs_recruit@sfu.ca  

Applications received by April 3rd, 2026 will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin April 9, 2026. Any general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to fhs_recruit@sfu.ca. 

Desired start date: Sept. 1, 2026 

The Faculty of Health Sciences 

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) was created in 2005 with a mission to improve the health of individuals and populations and reduce health inequitites through excellence in interdisciplinary research and education, in partnership with local national, and global communities. FHS is committed to social justice, respect for human dignity, and equity. The successful candidate will be supported by a collegial, interdisciplinary faculty who employ various approaches to understanding complex biological and societyal relationships contributing to health. The successful candidate will join a diverse and dynamic team of more than 50 multidisciplinary faculty members and will be able to engage with and teach undergraduate students in the BA/BSc programs and graduate students in MPH/MSc/PhD programs.

FHS is committed to creating an inclusive educational environment with supportive student-focused mentorship and learning. We maintain collaborative agreements and partnerships with BC government, regional health authorities, research centres, and provincial, national, and international health and research agencies. Our community-engaged research and teaching are exciting, inclusive, and at the forefront of interdisciplinary health and health equity work.

Simon Fraser University 

At the intersection of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and community engagement lies Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive university. With three campuses located in British Columbia’s largest municipalities – Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey – our students, faculty and staff are privileged to live, work and play on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Peoples. 

Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top employers, SFU is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility and the pursuit of decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision. It pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” 

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details, refer to the Collection Notice. 

At the intersection of innovative education, cutting-edge research, and community outreach lies Simon Fraser University, Canada’s engaged university. With three campuses located in beautiful British Columbia’s largest municipalities—Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey—our students, faculty and staff are privileged to live, work, and play on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen Peoples.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff and our community.” SFU has a long history of engaging with Indigenous communities and Indigenous issues, and is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably.

Pursuant to Section 42 of the B.C. Human Rights Code, the selection for this position will be limited to candidates who self-identify as a Canadian Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) and will bring to their research and teaching a perspective that comes from the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Candidates must self-identify using the Applicant Demographic Survey in order to be considered for this position (https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/YM6VTY3)

Candidates who do not complete the Applicant Demographic Survey will not be considered for this position. The Faculty of Health Sciences will rely on the Tri-Agency Policy and Directive on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation in selecting qualified candidates: https://www.canada.ca/en/research-coordinating-committee/programs/policies-directives/tri-agency-policy-indigenous-citizenship-membership-affirmation.html

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) invites applications for full time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Professor and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Indigenous Health and Well-Being with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. This position is contingent upon the successful candidate receiving a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair prior to their appointment start date. This opportunity is open to applicants who do not hold a continuing faculty position at SFU. The applicant’s research area should primarily align with the mandate of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). However, applicants with research profiles aligned with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), or the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) as outlined in the Guidelines for Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency will also be considered if their research focus is on Indigenous health and well-being.

The Canada Research Chairs Program stands at the centre of a national strategy to foster research excellence in Canada and improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada's international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision.

This CRC appointment opportunity is intended for outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in Indigenous Health research. Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be full Professors. Associate Professors who are expected to be promoted to the full professor rank within one or two years of the nomination may be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor rank.

Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, applicants must possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed at these ranks. Since qualifications will vary, a conversation with Dr. John O’Neil, Search Committee Chair, is advised before applying (Please contact Pathways to set up an appointment: Applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com). For more information about eligibility and requirements for appointment at each rank, please see SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement Article 28 (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/collectiveagreement.html) and the Faculty’s Tenure and Promotion Criteria (https://www.sfu.ca/fhs/faculty-staff-resources/committees/standing-committees/tpc.html).”

Introduction to the Faculty of Health Sciences:

FHS is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations at the SFU Burnaby campus. Created in 2005 as a multidisciplinary, non-departmentalized Faculty, its mission is to improve the health of individuals and populations, and to reduce health inequities through excellence in interdisciplinary research and education, in partnership with local, national, and global communities. FHS is committed to social justice, respect for human dignity, and equity. The successful candidate will join a diverse and dynamic team of more than 50 multi-disciplinary faculty members, and will have the opportunity to engage with and teach outstanding students in the PhD, MSc, MPH, and BA/BSc programs.

This position will align with SFU's goal of supporting the health and wellness of individuals, populations, and communities, and to respect and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and knowledge(s) into research at SFU, as described in the SFU Strategic Research Plan. The FHS academic plan has as its first aim regarding faculty renewal to hire and mentor Indigenous health scholars.

FHS has built a strong foundation in Indigenous health and wellbeing research with three outstanding Indigenous scholars (Dr. Jeff Reading, Dr. Lyana Patrick and Dr. Krista Stelkia). Dr. Reading is appointed to the First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul's Hospital. Dr. Patrick (www.lyanapatrick.ca) is the holder of a prestigious Michael Smith Foundation Health Research BC Health Scholar award, and Dr. Stelkia is the Nominated Principal Investigator of the British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) and the Director of the Centre for Collaborative Action on Indigenous Health Governance (https://www.sfu.ca/ccaihg.html). FHS includes additional settler faculty working in Indigenous health and who have strong local networks in Indigenous communities, the First Nations Health Authority, and provincial, national, and international networks of Indigenous health researchers. (e.g., https://nuuchahnulth.org/ihelti/steering-committee).

The recipient of the proposed Tier 1 CRC position in Indigenous Health and Well-Being will have the opportunity to integrate themselves into this outstanding cluster of scholars and resources.

The Successful Candidate:

We seek a scholar whose program of research integrates Indigenous perspectives and methodologies to better understand the determinants of Indigenous peoples’ health and well-being. The successful applicant will have established partnership/partnerships with Indigenous Nations, communities, and/or organizations, ideally in British Columbia (BC), but also in Canada and globally.

The ideal applicant will be expected to engage in research on Indigenous health and well-being in collaboration with local, national, and global partners. In BC there will be an opportunity to partner with the BC First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). FNHA is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities and citizens across BC, and has a Research Affiliation Agreement with SFU. The candidate will help FHS support and enforce reciprocal recognition and respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities. A reduced teaching load (50%) will be provided during the term of the Tier 1 Chair, and the successful applicant will be expected to actively contribute to teaching in Indigenous health, as well as mentoring junior faculty, and supervising graduate students.

CRC appointments use a two-step application process where candidates must first apply for the open faculty position at the university. SFU’s Institutional Strategic Awards Office will then work with the successful candidate to develop a complete nomination package to the CRC Secretariat.

Candidate Requirements:

The search committee acknowledges that no single applicant is likely to meet all of the following criteria in equal measure and interested candidates of all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be expected to demonstrate:

Experience:

• Strong, respectful, reciprocal relationships, and engagement with Indigenous peoples and communities;
• A network of colleagues and organizations engaged in collaborative efforts related to Indigenous knowledges and health;
• Capacity to build sustainable partnerships and secure external research grant funding;
• Success in working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and staff in academic, research, professional, and community contexts;
• Commitment to supporting research interests driven by Indigenous communities, in addition to their own individual professional achievements;
• Use of Indigenous methodologies;
• Contributions to knowledge exchange, integration, and mobilization with Indigenous communities related to Indigenous people’s right to self-determine their own health and wellness journeys; and

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster respectful and reciprocal relationships across disciplinary, cultural, and community differences, within academia, with external partners and in the province;
• Ability to cultivate a sense of respect, trust, and leadership among elders, knowledge keepers, research collaborators, community partners, faculty, staff, students, and trainees;
• Ability to communicate Indigenous and academic approaches to complex and sensitive issues in ways that promote dialogue, understanding, and the building of consensus within the academy, with Indigenous communities, and among wider audiences; and
• Ability to foster collaborative work environments that promote equity and diversity, including accessibility, in process, procedures and outputs.

Research & Collaborative Values:

• The highest standards of ethics and integrity, according to both academic and Indigenous traditions of right action and ethical relationality;
• A respectful and open approach informed by Indigenous values and traditions, and a commitment to the building and sharing of advanced knowledge in academic and public institutions honouring relational accountability;
• A willingness to think creatively and ability to innovate, including ongoing engagement with a diversity of approaches to knowledge creation; and
• Values diverse perspectives and continuous learning.

Teaching and mentorship:

• Knowledge and experience with Indigenous pedagogies;
• Incorporation of Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and learning into instructional and mentorship practice; and
• Commitment to decolonizing approaches to education and creating inclusive learning environments.

How To Apply

To apply, applicants should provide:

• A cover letter that addresses the full scope of the job requirements, including how you would contribute positively to SFU’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to which rank you are applying for;
• An up-to-date, full curriculum vitae (include details of research and teaching, scholarly record, funding, and list of collaborations/partnerships);
• Two examples of scholarly work (i.e., refereed published or alternative forms of knowledge mobilization);
• A teaching portfolio including a two-page statement of teaching philosophy and experience, including experience with and understanding of inclusive teaching and diverse student needs, as well as other evidence of teaching strengths;
• The names and email addresses of 5 referees, two of whom should be able to discuss research and teaching capabilities. While academic references are preferred, we also encourage 1-2 references from Indigenous community partners, and
• Complete the Applicant Demographic Survey administered by the Equity Office. Candidates who do not complete the Applicant Demographic Survey will not be considered for this position.

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have had an impact on their career. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs; demonstrated experience in increasing diversity in the previous institutional environment, and in curriculum, is also an asset.

All applications should be submitted in a single pdf named Lastname-Firstname-Tier1-IndigenousHealth to:

Ms. Laurie Sterritt
Managing Partner,
Pathways Executive Search
 Applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com
Phone: 1-778-838-4569

Applications received by March 31, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible. If you require accommodations, please contact edi@sfu.ca. Any general inquiries regarding this posting may be directed to Ms. Laurie Sterritt as above.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Professor is $149,225 - $196,027 and Associate Professor is $130,142 - $170,584 (dependent on experience), plus a CRC salary stipend to be negotiated, available only for the term of the CRC appointment.

The position is subject to the availability of funding and to final approval by the University Board of Governors and the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS). The Canada Research Chair is tenable for seven years and may be renewed once, subject to the Chairholder demonstrating that they have achieved their objectives from their first term. Interested applicants are invited to review the initial appointment and chair renewal details of the CRC Program (Canada Research Chairs Program).

SFU offers several benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty; please see the Faculty Relations, Benefits and Services page for more details. SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, please contact a Faculty Relations Advisor. For equity considerations, please contact the Director Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the SFU Equity Office for Faculty.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice