Assistant Professor, Plant Biology

Native American and Indigenous Studies Association; Prince George; On-site; CAD 84,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Northern British Columbia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Plant Biology. Candidates will develop a research program, teach courses, and engage with diverse ecosystems, particularly in collaboration with Indigenous communities. This role emphasizes fostering an inclusive environment while contributing to the university's commitment to diversity and equity.

Qualifications

• Strong background in plant biology research.
• Post-doctoral and/or professional experience preferred.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level.

Responsibilities

• Develop a vigorous research program in botany.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities and faculty.

Skills

Botany

Plant physiology

Plant biochemistry

Plant ecology

Education

Ph.D. in Botany or related discipline

Job description

Assistant Professor

Plant Biology

Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

Faculty of Environment Tenure-Track

Posting #FAESM01-24 NA

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for a tenure-track position in Plant Biology within the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the rank of Assistant Professor, with a proposed starting date of July 1, 2024. As an institution committed to the fostering of an inclusive and transformative learning environment, UNBC values high quality and growth in both teaching and scholarship.

UNBC’s Dept of Ecosystem Science & Management oversees BSc. undergraduate degrees in: Biology; Conservation Science & Practice; Forest Ecology & Management; and Wildlife & Fisheries, and a BA. degree in Nature and Resource-based Management. Faculty supervise graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) within the Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (NRES) Graduate Program. The program resides within the Faculty of Environment, alongside the Department of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the School of Planning & Sustainability. UNBC is well equipped with modern research facilities, three field research stations, including two research forests.

We seek candidates who will develop a vigorous, externally funded, long-term research program in botany. Relevant research interests could include plant physiology; plant biochemistry; plant taxonomy; and/or plant ecology. We are particularly interested in individuals with background and/or interest in boreal and temperate forests; intimate knowledge of Canada’s or, especially, British Columbia’s native flora would be considered a great asset.

UNBC campuses sit at the junction of diverse ecosystems, from temperate- and boreal-rainforests to grassland and alpine environments, providing a natural laboratory for field-oriented plant biologists seeking to explore and understand complex ecosystems in collaboration with indigenous communities. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with UNBC faculty with expertise in chemistry, microbial ecology, forest health, meteorology, hydrology, vertebrate and invertebrate biology, natural resource management, and soil science. The new faculty member will also have opportunities to work with Indigenous communities as well as scientists and managers in government, industry, and conservation organizations.

Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in Botany or a closely related discipline. Ideally, applicants will have post-doctoral and/or professional experience and have demonstrated teaching experience at the University level. Candidates should be prepared to teach several courses a year, which could include Plant Biology (UNBC BIOL 204); Forest Plant Systems (UNBC FSTY 201); or Plants, Society and the Environment (UNBC BIOL 304). Students from multiple degree programs within the Ecosystems Science and Management department may participate in these courses. After graduation students have diverse knowledge and experience in ecology, set in a context of current natural resources issues and challenges. As a result, students often pursue professional careers in forestry and applied biology. As such, candidates with relevant professional designations (e.g. RPF, RPBIO, PAg) and/or with professional experience would be considered an asset.

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 the 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 $ 84,637 to $122,736. Please refer to the link below to the Collective Agreement (Article 48) for more compensation information:

https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/facultyassociationcollectiveagreementjuly12023-june302025-revised.pdf

To Apply

Applicants should forward the following documents to [e-mail] or mail to Office of the Provost quoting the posting number (#FAESM01-24 NA):

• cover letter indicating potential contributions to the Program;
• curriculum vitae;
• a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
• the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
• the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf.

Voluntary Form:

• the Self-Identification from, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idrevisedmay2022-fillable.pdf

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at [e-mail]. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Mail Submissions:

Office of the Provost, University of Northern British Columbia

3333 University Way, Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9

Email Submissions: [e-mail]

Inquiries: Dr. Ken Otter, Chair of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management

[e-mail]

250-960-5019

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications received on or before March 15, 2024, will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.