Vancouver Island University (VIU), located in the vibrant coastal city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, stands as a beacon of innovative higher education. Established as a comprehensive public university, VIU serves over 20,000 students across its main Nanaimo campus and regional centers like Powell River. Known for its commitment to experiential learning, sustainability, and community engagement, VIU offers a dynamic environment for academic professionals seeking meaningful careers. Jobs at Vancouver Island University span teaching, research, administration, and support roles, attracting those passionate about shaping future leaders in fields like health sciences, business, arts, and environmental studies.
The university's picturesque setting amid ocean views and forests enhances its appeal, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where faculty and staff contribute to real-world impact. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or higher ed jobs in administration, VIU emphasizes work that aligns with its strategic plan focusing on Indigenous reconciliation, equity, and global citizenship.
Tracing its roots to 1969 as Malaspina College, Vancouver Island University evolved into a full-fledged university in 2008, marking a pivotal moment in British Columbia's post-secondary landscape. This transition reflected its growth from a community college to an institution granting degrees up to doctoral level in select areas. Key milestones include the launch of its first master's programs in 2010 and recognition for sustainability leadership, earning designations like a Silver rating in STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System).
VIU's history underscores a dedication to accessible education, particularly for Indigenous and rural students, with initiatives rooted in the Snuneymuxw First Nation territory. Today, it hosts renowned research centers like the Deep Bay Marine Research Alliance, driving jobs at Vancouver Island University in cutting-edge marine science.
VIU's seven faculties—Science and Technology, Health and Human Services, Education, Business and Economics, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Humanities—offer diverse programs fueling demand for specialized roles. Popular undergraduate degrees in nursing, tourism management, and computer science pair with graduate offerings in sustainable aquaculture and educational leadership.
These programs create steady needs for faculty in lecturer jobs and professor jobs, especially in growing areas like climate action and digital innovation. Explore university job types for a breakdown of positions from adjunct professor jobs to executive higher ed jobs.
With a focus on interdisciplinary work, jobs at Vancouver Island University often blend teaching, research, and service, ideal for those pursuing balanced academic careers.
For faculty roles at Vancouver Island University, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track positions, ensuring candidates possess advanced expertise. Master's degrees suffice for sessional instructors or lecturers, particularly in professional programs like business or education. Credentials must come from accredited institutions, with equivalency assessments for international applicants.
Librarians and certain admin roles may require MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) or MBA (Master of Business Administration). VIU values practical qualifications, such as teaching certifications for education faculty.
🎓 VIU prioritizes research in sustainability, coastal ecology, Indigenous knowledge systems, and health equity. Expertise in marine biology, given the nearby Salish Sea, or community-based participatory research is highly sought. Funded projects often target UN Sustainable Development Goals, requiring skills in grant writing for agencies like NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council).
Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds, such as combining environmental science with data analytics, excel in VIU's collaborative research environment.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, successful grant applications, and demonstrated teaching excellence via student evaluations. For research assistant jobs, lab experience and statistical software proficiency (e.g., R, SPSS) are essential.
Soft skills like adaptability and community engagement align with VIU's ethos.
Tenure-track: A permanent academic position leading to tenure after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service evaluations.
Sessional instructor: Contract-based teaching role, often term-limited, without research obligations.
Experiential learning: Hands-on education integrating real-world projects, internships, and community partnerships, central to VIU's approach.
Applications for jobs at Vancouver Island University start on the VIU Careers portal. Submit a tailored cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, and research plan. References are requested post-interview.
Interviews may include campus visits; highlight BC experience for Nanaimo roles.
🌍 VIU's Indigenous Education Action Plan aims for 15% Indigenous student representation by 2025, extending to staff hiring via targeted recruitment. The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office supports affinity groups, anti-bias training, and accessible hiring. Recent efforts include gender equity in STEM and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ faculty, fostering an inclusive workplace reflective of Canada's diverse population.
🏞️ Nestled in Nanaimo's mild climate, VIU's campus features trails, sports facilities, and childcare. Employees benefit from 35-hour weeks, 7 weeks summer vacation for faculty, comprehensive health plans, and sabbaticals every 5 years. Wellness programs address burnout, with flexible work options post-pandemic. Community events like Mariners athletics games build camaraderie, while proximity to Vancouver offers urban access.
VIU combines academic rigor with coastal lifestyle, ideal for impactful careers. Current openings emphasize innovation; check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job via recruitment services. For Canada-specific roles, explore /canada or /canada/british-columbia. Relevant reads: employer branding secrets and winning academic CV.
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