Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Indigenous Public Policy, School of Public Policy

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The School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University acknowledges the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw), Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), Tsleil-Waututh (səlilwətaɬ), Katzie (q̓ íc̓ əy̓ ), Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ ̓ əm), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University’s three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

The School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Indigenous Public Policy with a starting date of July 15, 2026. In accordance with approval from the British Columbia Human Rights Commissioner, and pursuant to Section 42(3) of the B.C. Human Rights Code, this opportunity is open to applicants who identify as Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) with connections to the land we now call Canada. Under Section 1 of the B.C. Human Rights Code, the definition of Indigenous Peoples has the same meaning as Aboriginal Peoples in section 35 of the Canadian constitution (https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-12.html#h-38).

Candidates are required to complete a self-identification survey as part of their application package by the deadline indicated in this job posting. By completing the survey, you will be supporting academic units’ ability to ensure potential job applicants for this position are Indigenous Peoples and thus are eligible for this position. This is in keeping with the University’s intention to: hire at least 15 Indigenous faculty by 2030, meet our obligations under SFU’s Employment Equity Policy (GP19), identify and remove systemic barriers to recruitment and hiring, and enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in hiring faculty. The information from the survey is solely for these purposes. It will be used in conjunction with your work experience, work ability, and qualifications to determine your appropriateness for this position. Please note that all information collected through this survey will be used solely for the purposes described and will remain securely stored on servers located in Canada.

Qualifications

Qualifications for Assistant Professor

Excellence in research and teaching are the primary criteria for this position. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (for example, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Gender and Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Population and Public Health, Global Health, Health Policy, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, etc.) by the employment start date; however, 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.  

The candidate must demonstrate:
• establishment of, or potential for, a successful and productive research program that benefits the Indigenous communities and/or nations;
• evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels;
• evidence of, or potential for, supervision of graduate students;
• evidence of, or potential for, contribution to the Department, Faculty, University and the academic community.

Qualifications for Associate Professor

Excellence in research and teaching are the primary criteria for this position. The successful candidate must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (for example, Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Gender and Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Population and Public Health, Global Health, Health Policy, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, etc.).

The candidate must demonstrate:
• a strong record of research productivity and continued growth as a scholar commensurate with their experience;
• establishment of a successful research program;
• sustained success in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level;
• potential for supervision of graduate students;
• demonstrated contribution to the academic community and potential contribution to the Department, Faculty and University’s academic community.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with government agencies, including Indigenous governance, decolonization, and / or mobilizing their research amongst public policy makers (for example, non-governmental organizations, advocacy organizations, cultural organizations, etc.). Experience within the province of British Columbia is an asset.

All qualifications are commensurate with experience, specifically time since completion of the PhD, as is the possibility of appointment at the Associate Professor level.
 
Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the University’s excellence through an independent research program yielding significant peer-reviewed publications (including Indigenous community equivalent), and to compete successfully for external funding to support this research program. Research that aligns with SFU’s Strategic Research Plan will be a strength. This may include community-based policy research, interdisciplinary projects, and rigorous data collection and analysis. The ideal candidate may also conduct research that aligns with SFU’s core research challenges to understand our origins and strengthen civil society by advancing justice, equality, and social responsibility.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate excellence in, or strong potential for, outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and an ongoing commitment to academic and pedagogical excellence in support of the School of Public Policy’s programs. The ideal candidate will be able to teach a range of courses, including in the core curriculum of the Master of Public Policy program (Indigenous and Canadian Public Policy), the Undergraduate Minor in Public Policy (Indigenous policy), and new programs under development. They also will need to supervise graduate student research in the Master of Public Policy program. Finally, it is expected that the successful candidate will contribute to the School’s supportive and collegial working environment, and make substantive contributions through service to the School, the Faculty, the University and the academic community.
 
How to Apply 

Applications will be treated in confidence. Candidates are required to complete the Applicant Demographic Survey (https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SJFP2SV) administered by the SFU Equity Office to be considered for this position.

Please also submit the following documents in a single PDF to Shannon Li, Director’s Assistant, at spp_admin@sfu.ca, indicating on their application for which rank they wish to be considered:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of research
• Research sample
• Statement of teaching, including their teaching philosophy, experiences with and/or understandings of inclusive teaching and how they have met, or would meet, the needs of equity-deserving students, as well as any evidence of teaching excellence
• Names and contacts for three references if the candidate is shortlisted

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional materials related to their research, teaching, and community-based activities, and/or additional references. 

Additional Details on the Application Process and Position

Applications will be reviewed starting on November 5, 2025 and will be accepted until the position has been filled. Preference will be given to applications received by that date. The Search Committee anticipates a two-step interview process, with Zoom interviews in the first stage followed by a second stage of in-person interviews.

Please contact Dr. Steven Weldon, chair of the search committee, at: sppchair@sfu.ca with any questions.
 
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 the Assistant Professor rank is $104,700 to $143,322. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for the Associate Professor rank is $130,142 to $165,584. If the successful candidate will be starting as an Instructor, a reasonable estimate of the salary range is $98,340 to $114,700. These estimates are dependent on experience and are inclusive of a market differential. The current salary range is based on the 2022-25 SFU/SFUFA Collective Agreement. The position is subject to the availability of funding. 
 
About Simon Fraser University
 
Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitment 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 that 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. 
 
SFU offers benefits and services aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible campus community for faculty. Please see the Faculty Relations (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations.html), Benefits and Services (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/benefits-services.html) page for more details. SFU is also committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require accommodations or have questions about SFU benefits, services, accommodations policies, or equity considerations, please contact the Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/contact.html) in the SFU Equity Office. 

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

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 (https://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/academic-careers.html). 

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