Research Chair on Caribou Populations in Ontario

Research Chair on Caribou Populations in Ontario

Application Deadline: April 12, 2024

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Reference #  NRM-2024-25-01

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for a Research Chair on Caribou Populations in Ontario to support the Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program, part of a conservation agreement between the governments of Ontario and Canada to protect and recover boreal caribou. The chair will hold a three-year Limited Term Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. A Steering Committee of representatives from Indigenous communities and organizations, the forestry sector, mining sector, local municipalities, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and environmental groups will provide advice on research direction. The preferred candidate will hold a Ph.D. degree in forestry or wildlife science or a related discipline and must have a record of peer-reviewed publications. Review of applications will begin April 8, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Description of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Lakehead University, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, is globally recognized for its research and education in the area of natural resource management and forestry-based studies, Lakehead’s program offerings are diverse: focusing on conserving and sustaining our forests for a full range of uses - from timber harvesting, bio-products, inventory and recreation to wildlife management to the conservation of biodiversity. The scope is not limited to Canadian forestry practices; Lakehead has a rich history of successful international collaborations with universities, NGOs and government agencies that have focused on community-based forestry practices, land-use planning, and advancing natural resources professions through the training of highly qualified personnel domestically and internationally.

Description of the Position

The Research Chair will have a main goal of providing expert advice on designing novel approaches to management plans to protect and restore the habitat of the boreal population of caribou in Northern Ontario. The Chair will build scientific, local, and Indigenous knowledge into recommendations for habitat management and restoration. The Research Chair will assist in building a network of Canadian and international researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to supervise or co-supervise Ph.D. and master’s students with support from Lakehead University assistantships, research stipends, and exchange programs such as North2North and TRANSFOR-M. An ideal candidate will be able to create a framework that enables evidence-based evaluation of practical trade-offs that consider the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous people, best management practices of the forest and mining industries, and the needs of municipalities for sustainable futures. Teaching responsibilities at the graduate and undergraduate level will be a reduced load of two courses related to forest management planning.  This position comes with an annual internal research grant.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning, independent critical thinking, and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

For further information about this position, please contact Dr. Brigitte Leblon, Dean, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University. Phone 807-343-8507; email: bleblon@lakeheadu.ca .

The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference # NRM-2024-25-01 should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously taught courses), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada. form must accompany your package. 

Applicants should submit their electronic application to:

Dr. Brian McLaren, Chair of the Search Committee
Faculty of Natural Resources Management
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Email: bmclaren@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.