Brandon University (BU), located in the welcoming city of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, is a small liberal arts institution renowned for its personalized education and strong community ties. Nestled in the heart of the prairies, BU provides a unique setting for academic professionals seeking meaningful careers. Jobs at Brandon University span faculty positions, research roles, administrative opportunities, and support staff positions, all contributing to its mission of fostering undergraduate excellence and innovative research.
The university employs around 300 faculty and staff to serve its approximately 3,000 students. With a focus on teaching-intensive roles complemented by research, BU appeals to those who value small class sizes (often under 30 students) and close collaboration with students. Whether you're interested in music, where BU's Conservatory of Music is a provincial leader, or sciences with emphases on environmental studies and rural health, opportunities abound for dedicated professionals.
Academic jobs here emphasize work-life integration, with a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. Brandon's affordable living costs, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to natural wonders like Spruce Woods Provincial Park make it an attractive destination for long-term careers in higher education.
Established in 1899 as Brandon College under the Baptist Convention of Manitoba and North-West Territories, the institution evolved significantly over the decades. It became nondenominational in 1911 and affiliated with McMaster University before gaining independence as Brandon University in 1967 through an act of the Manitoba Legislature. This history of resilience and adaptation shapes its current culture, where jobs at Brandon University often involve contributing to a legacy of accessible, high-quality education.
Key milestones include the opening of the Faculty of Health Studies in 1985 and expansions in music and education programs. Today, BU maintains a commitment to undergraduate teaching while pursuing research excellence, particularly in areas relevant to Manitoba's rural context. Faculty positions have historically attracted scholars passionate about community-engaged scholarship, reflecting the university's roots in serving western Manitoba.
BU's five faculties—Arts, Science, Education, Health Studies, and the Schulich School of Music—drive its hiring needs. The Faculty of Arts hires in English, history, and Indigenous studies; Science seeks experts in biology, chemistry, and physics; Education focuses on teacher training; Health Studies on nursing and psychiatric nursing; and Music on performance and theory.
Recent hires have included positions in environmental science, reflecting Manitoba's natural resources focus, and music education, leveraging the Conservatory's reputation. Explore university job types to understand roles like assistant professor or sessional instructor common here.
Jobs at Brandon University include:
Faculty jobs emphasize a balanced load: 60% teaching, 25% research, 15% service. For instance, a biology professor might teach introductory courses while researching prairie ecology. Link to higher ed faculty jobs for similar opportunities.
To help understand jobs at Brandon University, here are key terms:
For faculty jobs at Brandon University, a PhD in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track roles, while master's degrees suffice for lecturers. Research focus aligns with departmental strengths: environmental science for climate adaptation, music for performance pedagogy, health studies for rural mental health.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (3-5 for assistant professors), teaching portfolios, and grant success. Skills encompass strong communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital literacy for online/hybrid courses. Competencies like cultural sensitivity are vital given BU's Indigenous focus.
Research assistants need bachelor's or master's degrees, lab skills, and data analysis proficiency (e.g., R or Python). Administrative roles prioritize organizational skills and higher ed experience.
The application process for jobs at Brandon University starts with monitoring their recruitment page and AcademicJobs.com postings. Submit via the online portal: cover letter (1-2 pages), CV, teaching dossier, research statement, and three references.
Tips:
For success, review how to write a winning academic CV.
BU champions equity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policy, aiming for gender balance, Indigenous representation (20% of students identify as Indigenous), and support for visible minorities. The Rupertsland Centre offers culturally safe spaces, while EDI training is mandatory for hires. Recent initiatives include targeted hiring for women in STEM and accessibility accommodations, fostering an inclusive workplace.
Brandon University's compact 72-acre campus promotes balance with flexible hours, generous vacation (25+ days), and family-friendly policies. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every seven years. Campus life features the Annual Bobcats Athletics, music recitals, and community events. Brandon, with 50,000 residents, offers low housing costs (average home $250,000 CAD), trails, and a short drive to Winnipeg. Employees appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and mental health supports.
Competitive salaries (assistant prof $95,000+ CAD), extended health/dental, RRSP matching, and tuition remission. Professional development includes conference funding ($2,000/year) and teaching workshops. See university salaries for benchmarks.
Jobs at Brandon University offer a blend of teaching passion, research impact, and community connection in Manitoba. Whether faculty, research, or admin, BU provides growth opportunities. Explore more at higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For Canadian prospects, check Canada jobs and Manitoba listings. Ready to apply? Visit Brandon for local insights.
