Endowed Research Chair in Watershed and/or Aquatic Sciences
Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure/Tenure Track
Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Faculty of Environment
Full time, regular
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for an Endowed Research Chair and a full-time, tenure/tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES).
The position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level and is expected to commence September 1st, 2026. The successful candidate must demonstrate the potential for research excellence leading to national and international recognition and is expected to engage in innovative programs of research that help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching and community outreach. Candidates will be assessed based on demonstrated evidence of existing and/or potential for outstanding research, recognition as an original researcher, and as a passionate teacher and mentor.
About the Position
The interface between land and water systems is a critical zone for studying the impacts of environmental change and the consequences of human—environment interaction. The research Chair position is part of a team and will, therefore, be expected to collaborate and complement the efforts of the other joint research chair, Dr. P. N. Owens. The research group is comprised of the two Chairs and their highly-qualified personnel (HQP: graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research associates and undergraduate students) who address riverine, lake, and land—water responses to disturbance (e.g., climate change, wildfire, natural resource extraction, land use change) at a diversity of spatial scales, from local to watershed and beyond. The team’s research addresses both natural and anthropogenic disturbances and their impacts on lands, water, and their interactions. Fluxes of material (water, sediment, organics, nutrients and/or contaminants) and/or energy in the system may be key components of the research program.
The research Chair will deliver courses into the Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, and will supervise graduate students (Masters and Doctoral) within the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) Graduate Program. Potential teaching areas include the Earth’s Critical Zone, Fluvial and Watershed Geomorphology, Aquatic Sciences, Eco-Hydrology, and Field Schools. The successful candidate will be expected to have or develop a field-based research program which will aid in the delivery of courses at both the main Prince George campus as well as undergraduate and graduate field courses based at the Quesnel River Research Centre. The successful candidate will be expected to have research and teaching expertise in areas of aquatic/freshwater science.
The position is supported by an endowment from Forest Renewal BC (FRBC) and by the facilities and equipment of the Quesnel River Research Centre (QRRC). The QRRC (https://www.unbc.ca/quesnel-river-research-centre) is a freshwater-focused field station based in Likely, British Columbia, supported by an annual endowed operating grant from the FRBC endowment. Research infrastructure at the QRRC includes boats, trucks, experimental flumes, equipment to collect biota, water and sediment samples from rivers and lakes, and analytical equipment such as a particle size analyzer. The Chair position includes the co-direction and co-management of the QRRC. As such, while the faculty position and some teaching is based in Prince George, a significant amount of research and site management time is expected at the QRRC facility.
Qualifications
Candidates for this tenured or tenure-track position at UNBC must have earned a PhD in the area of Physical Geography, Environmental Science, Aquatic Science or related field, at the time of appointment.
UNBC 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 proactively focus on removing barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination to create a University workforce that is meaningfully represented. We strongly 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.
We also note that research has shown that women and other members of marginalized groups are less likely to apply for positions even if they meet many requirements. If you think you are a good candidate for this position, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the criteria.
UNBC is committed to developing and maintaining a culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and work-life balance are valued along with (and indeed, contribute to) excellence in research and teaching. As such, it is recognized that life circumstances related to health (and/or disability), administrative, family, cultural or community responsibilities, socio-economic context, COVID-19, the introduction of research security measures or other factors are often part of life and are likely to have an impact on an applicant’s record of research achievement. We invite applicants to include a brief statement explaining career gaps or delays. This will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.
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 UNBC 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. Ranked second among Canada’s primarily undergraduate universities in the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings, UNBC is nationally recognized for research performance, especially in key areas of importance to the wellbeing of northern and rural communities. UNBC values and encourages research and scholarly activity that is locally motivated and relevant yet has global impact and recognition.
With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~86,000 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 postsecondary institution.
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. Consideration for appointment at Assistant or Associate Professor level will be determined in conformance with the UNBC Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The annual salary range for this position is expected to be from $ 85,473 to $151,930.
The Chair position comes with an additional Endowed Research Chair stipend of $20,000 and an annual research fund for the duration that the Chair is held.
Please refer to the link below to the Faculty Association Collective Agreement for more compensation information:
https://www.unbc.ca/human-resources/employee-agreements-and-handbooks
How to Apply
Applicants should create an applicant profile and apply to this position by uploading and submitting the following documents
- Cover letter indicating potential contributions to the GEES Department, including a brief statement of teaching, supervision and mentorship approaches;
- Two-page research proposal outlining your focus and approach to your research program;
- Two-page document indicating your vision for the future of the QRRC, its growth and development, and its future as a research platform;
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae;
- Names and addresses of three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation (including telephone and email information);
At the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of our community as accessibility is a key aspect of our commitment to equity and inclusion. Contact Aneta Douglass, Access Specialist, at [email protected] for information or assistance regarding accessibility or adaptive measures. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Inquiries:
Dr. Greg Halseth,
Acting Chair of the Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences;
[email protected] ;
250-960-5826
Applications received on or before March 2, 2026, will receive full consideration. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled
