Lakehead University, located primarily in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, is a public research university founded in 1965. It gained full university status that same year and has grown into a respected institution known for its commitment to student-centered learning, innovative research, and community engagement. With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, Lakehead serves over 8,500 students, offering more than 57 undergraduate programs and 30 graduate programs across faculties like Business Administration, Engineering, Health and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, and the Bora Laskin Law School.
Jobs at Lakehead University attract academics, researchers, and professionals who thrive in a smaller university environment where class sizes are intimate, and undergraduate students often participate in research projects. The university's location in Northern Ontario provides unique opportunities for studies in boreal ecosystems, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable resource management. Lakehead ranks highly for student satisfaction and research impact, particularly in areas like forestry and environmental science.
The institution emphasizes experiential learning, with initiatives like the Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) program, making it an ideal place for early-career researchers seeking to build their portfolios. Careers here blend teaching, research, and service, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion reflective of Canada's multicultural fabric.
Lakehead University offers diverse academic and support roles tailored to higher education. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, sessional lecturers, and clinical instructors. Research roles encompass postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and assistants. Administrative jobs cover student services, HR, and executive leadership. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Tenure-track positions are competitive, requiring a balance of teaching, research output, and service. Sessional lecturers provide flexible entry points, often leading to full-time opportunities. In Thunder Bay, engineering and natural sciences dominate faculty hires, while Orillia focuses more on business and education.
To understand jobs at Lakehead University, key terms include:
These roles form the backbone of academic careers, defined by Canada's tri-council funding model emphasizing research excellence.
Jobs at Lakehead University demand rigorous credentials. Faculty positions generally require a PhD in the relevant discipline from an accredited institution. For lecturer roles, a master's degree with significant teaching experience suffices. Law faculty need a JD or LLB plus bar admission. Research assistants typically hold a BSc or MSc, while postdocs mandate a PhD completed within 5 years.
In professional programs like nursing or social work, licensure (e.g., from the College of Nurses of Ontario) is essential. Lakehead values interdisciplinary qualifications, such as combining engineering with environmental science for sustainability roles.
🔬 Lakehead University's research strengths align with regional needs. Priority areas include:
Candidates with expertise in climate change adaptation, given Thunder Bay's northern location, or AI applications in resource management stand out. Funded chairs in areas like water resources highlight institutional priorities.
📊 Hiring committees at Lakehead prefer candidates with peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), grant capture (e.g., NSERC Discovery Grants averaging CAD 30,000/year), and teaching portfolios. Postdoc applicants should show supervisory experience. For senior roles, evidence of graduate student mentoring and industry collaborations is key. Experience in experiential learning or community-engaged research boosts applications, reflecting Lakehead's mandate.
Success in Lakehead jobs requires:
Soft skills like collaboration thrive in Lakehead's supportive culture.
To apply for jobs at Lakehead University, visit the official careers site or platforms like university jobs. Submit a tailored CV (Canadian format: education first), cover letter addressing EDI statement, research dossier, and three references.
Actionable tips:
Search committees review holistically, valuing fit with Lakehead's strategic plan.
🌍 Lakehead champions EDI through the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Key efforts include the Indigenous Strategic Plan (2021-2026), aiming for 12% Indigenous faculty/staff. The NSERC PromoScience program supports underrepresented groups in STEM. Women hold 45% of faculty positions, bolstered by equity hires. Accessibility services and anti-bias training ensure inclusive hiring. Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus features Orillia satellite supports for remote work.
🏞️ Lakehead promotes balance with 35-hour workweeks, generous vacation (22 days/year), and parental leave per Ontario standards. Thunder Bay campus boasts hiking trails, Lake Superior access, and subsidized fitness. Employee wellness includes EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counseling. Orillia offers urban proximity. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years. Community events foster belonging in this tight-knit setting.
Recent studies link exercise to longevity, aligning with Lakehead's kinesiology focus—see related insights on becoming a university lecturer.
Jobs at Lakehead University offer rewarding careers in a vibrant Canadian setting. From faculty research to admin support, opportunities abound. Explore more at higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job to connect talent. With its focus on innovation and community, Lakehead is a top choice for academic professionals in Ontario.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
