UNBC Jobs: Your Career Starts Here

Overview of Jobs at the University of Northern British Columbia

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), located in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, stands as a vital hub for higher education in northern regions. Established in 1990, UNBC has grown into a research-intensive institution with around 3,500 students and a strong emphasis on addressing the unique challenges of northern communities. Jobs at the University of Northern British Columbia span faculty, research, administrative, and support roles, offering professionals a chance to contribute to innovative programs in health sciences, environmental and sustainability studies, natural resources, and Indigenous governance.

Working at UNBC means engaging with a dynamic environment where small class sizes (average 30 students) foster close mentorship, and research receives significant support through centres like the Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi). The university's commitment to place-based learning leverages its stunning 37-hectare campus overlooking the Nechako River, providing opportunities for fieldwork in boreal forests and subarctic ecosystems. For those seeking jobs at University of Northern British Columbia, the focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact makes it particularly appealing for academics passionate about real-world applications.

UNBC's strategic plan, 'UNBC: Transforming Our World,' underscores priorities like equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, influencing hiring practices. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:17, positions here allow for meaningful teaching and research. Explore broader university jobs or research jobs to contextualize opportunities at this Canadian gem.

🎓 Types of Positions Available

Jobs at the University of Northern British Columbia are diverse, catering to various career stages. Tenure-track faculty positions in departments like Nursing and Health Sciences, Forestry, and Computer Science are common, requiring expertise in areas such as climate resilience or rural health delivery. Sessional lecturers fill teaching needs, while research associates and assistants support grants-funded projects.

Administrative roles in student services, facilities management, and the office of research services provide stability. Postdoctoral fellowships abound in health and environmental fields. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page. Recent postings highlight needs in biochemistry, psychology, and education, often with a northern BC lens.

• Faculty (assistant/associate/full professor)
• Postdocs and research staff
• Lecturers and instructors
• Administrative and professional staff
• Technical and support roles

These positions align with UNBC's eight faculties, including the new Faculty of Indigenous Health, Art and Wellbeing, launched to advance reconciliation.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, and Preferred Experience

For academic jobs at University of Northern British Columbia, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track roles. For example, a biology faculty position might demand a doctorate in ecology with specialization in boreal ecosystems. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer or research assistant jobs.

Research focus emphasizes northern issues: think wildfire management, Indigenous health disparities, or sustainable mining. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ for assistant professor), successful grant applications (e.g., from NSERC or CIHR), and teaching dossiers demonstrating innovative pedagogy.

Skills and competencies prized at UNBC encompass:

• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Grant writing and funding acquisition
• Field research in remote settings
• Cultural safety training for Indigenous contexts
• Data analysis using tools like R or GIS

Candidates with community-engaged research, such as partnerships with First Nations, stand out. Salaries are competitive, with assistant professors earning around CAD 100,000–120,000 annually, per Canadian averages adjusted for northern premiums.

Definitions

To clarify key terms for jobs at University of Northern British Columbia:

• Tenure-track: A probationary path to permanent faculty status, typically 5–7 years, involving evaluations on teaching, research, and service.
• Sessional instructor: Contract-based teaching role, often per semester, without research duties.
• NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada): Federal agency funding science research, crucial for UNBC grants.
• Tri-Council: Refers to NSERC, CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research), and SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), major funders.
• Place-based learning: Education rooted in local geography, culture, and environment, core to UNBC's approach.

📝 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at University of Northern British Columbia begins with monitoring the official careers site or platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit via UNBC's portal: cover letter (1–2 pages), CV, research statement (outlining 5-year plan), teaching philosophy, and contact info for three references.

Tips for success:

1. Tailor to UNBC's northern mandate—mention relevant experience in rural or Indigenous settings.
2. Quantify achievements: 'Secured $500K NSERC grant' beats vague claims.
3. Prepare for virtual interviews, including teaching demos.
4. Learn how to write a winning academic CV.
5. Follow up politely post-submission.

Equity statements are often required; highlight EDI commitments. Processing takes 4–6 weeks; shortlists advance to campus visits in Prince George.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

UNBC excels in diversity, with a Silver rating in the UK's EDI Charter adapted for Canada. The Indigenous Achievement portfolio supports hiring and retention of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit scholars. Programs like the Northern Boreal Initiative promote women and equity-deserving groups in STEM.

Specific examples: Targeted searches for Black and racialized faculty, accessibility accommodations, and the President's Equity Fund for research. Over 10% of students are Indigenous, influencing inclusive hiring. UNBC's Truth and Reconciliation strategy integrates calls to action into recruitment, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Life at UNBC balances rigorous academics with northern adventure. Employees enjoy 35-hour weeks, 22 vacation days, extended health benefits, and EFAP (Employee Family Assistance Program). Parental leave aligns with BC standards, up to 78 weeks shared.

Prince George's campus buzzes with community: gym, childcare, trails for hiking/skiing. Proximity to Jasper and Yukon offers weekend escapes. Staff events, wellness challenges, and flexible remote options (post-COVID) enhance satisfaction. UNBC ranks high in faculty morale surveys, with low burnout due to supportive culture and nature access. Housing is affordable (average rent CAD 1,500/month), ideal for families.

Cultural perks include the Northern University Art Gallery and proximity to Lheidli T'enneh culture.

Recent Highlights and Research Ties to Jobs

UNBC's research dynamism fuels job growth. Recent feats include studies on alcohol policies reducing cancer (linked to UVic but collaborative networks). Ties to research assistant excellence apply here too. Nearby UBC's dark traits study underscores psych roles. Positions often stem from grants in quantum tech or AI, mirroring global trends like RF-GPT at Khalifa but localized.

UNBC's 2023 research revenue topped CAD 20 million, creating postdoc and tech jobs.

Summary

Jobs at University of Northern British Columbia offer rewarding paths in a supportive, innovative setting. From faculty to research roles, UNBC values expertise in northern challenges. Prepare your application with our higher ed career advice, browse higher ed jobs, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Prince George awaits with opportunity and adventure.