Employment opportunities

Assistant Professor - Health Services Research  |  Posted March 6, 2026

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 1^st, 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):

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

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

C)  A proposed program of independent research to be undertaken at the Faculty of Health Science (maximum 2 pages, single spaced) that:

• Defines how the proposed program connects the domains of health services, health policy, and health equity
• Details plans for supporting research through extramural funding
• Identifies partnerships central to the program of research
• Details plans for scholarly outputs and other knowledge translation activities
• Identifies how research program incorporates a commitment to promoting equity and diversity, including accessibility, and a commitment to decolonization

D)  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.]

E)  A statement on teaching and mentoring (maximum 1 pages, single spaced) that includes:

• Teaching and mentorship philosophy
• How the philosophy translates into classroom strategies, assessment methods, and mentoring activities
• Strategies to foster equity in the classroom and in mentoring, including accessibility, and creating inclusive learning environments
• Examples of decolonizing approaches to teaching and mentoring

F)  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:

• A sample syllabus
• An example assignment with instructions and grading rubric
• An example of classroom materials (e.g., lecture slide deck)
• Any other existing materials supporting the candidate’s teaching record

G)  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 3^rd, 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

Download the complete job posting here

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 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 be supported by a collegial, interdisciplinary faculty who employ various approaches to understanding complex biological and societal 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 the 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.

Full Professor Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) - Indigenous Health and Well-Being  |  Posted Jan 31, 2025

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.

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 and the Faculty’s Tenure and Promotion Criteria. 

The Successful Applicant

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.

Read the full job description now for additional information about remuneration, candidate requirements, FHS, and SFU.

How 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 five (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 "[Last name]-[First name]-Tier1-IndigenousHealth" to:

Ms. Laurie Sterritt
Managing Partner,
Pathways Executive Search

Email: Applications@PathwaysExecutiveSearch.com

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.

Download the full job description now