Research Chair, Northern Social Work

Research Chair, Northern Social Work

Yukon University

Situated in twelve communities on the traditional territories of Yukon First Nations, Yukon University is guided by the indomitable spirit of the Yukon wilderness and millennia of resilience and resourcefulness. Eleven of the fourteen First Nations in Yukon are self- governing, and all Yukon First Nations are shaping Yukon’s social, economic, and political landscape. Since its origins six decades ago, YukonU has been providing educational experiences rooted in visionary opportunities and unique challenges borne of the North.

YukonU delivers what the North needs through trades training, certificates, diplomas, and degrees, as well as adult basic education and continuing education. Their community campuses play a vital role in creating access to education for Yukoners and providing opportunities for students from across Canada and internationally to learn about Canada’s North. YukonU also affirm their commitment to Yukon First Nations to support Indigenous self-governance and self-determination, now and for generations to come.

The Opportunity

This Research Chair is being established to deepen research capacity in northern social work at YukonU. The Research Chair will help YukonU achieve its academic plan goals by growing the university’s capacity to contribute to high-impact teaching and research, and by strengthening the university’s impact on northern challenges. This is an exciting time for social work at the university, as YukonU transitions its partnered Bachelor of Social Work degree to a made-in-Yukon degree. The Research Chair will play an important role in the development of YukonU’s new social work degree, particularly in ensuring curriculum is informed by and aligned with emerging, relevant research and, through the introduction of new research activities. The Research Chair will contribute to mapping and implementing a degree experience for students that prepares them to practice social work in the North.

The Research Chair will develop a research program that informs the practice of social work in the North, especially as this relates to the dynamic context of Yukon First Nation self-governance. Specifically, the Research Chair will increase research productivity, help develop curriculum informed by northern research outcomes, create opportunities for student engagement in research, mentor colleagues in research, and help grow the knowledge base that social work practitioners in Yukon rely on to deliver high-quality practice in the field.

The program will strive to identify and implement trauma-informed, decolonized practices that honor the important contributions, knowledge, and lived experiences of Yukon First Nations and Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

The Qualifications

• Completed PhD in relevant field, or Indigenous knowledge keeper of equivalent level as recognized by their community.
• Knowledge of multi-disciplinary research methodologies and their application in a northern context.
• Experience partnering with Indigenous communities and governments on research activities.
• Knowledge of federal and territorial research funding programs and corresponding departments.
• Knowledge of current discipline-specific research and knowledge.
• Experience in developing research programs and designing and carrying out complex research projects in an academic environment.
• Experience with project management and demonstrated organizational skills.
• Experience developing and sustaining research partnerships, including partnerships with Indigenous communities and governments, as well as the private sector.
• Experience developing and writing successful funding proposals.
• Experience creating student research projects and, supervising and mentoring students.
• Excellent supervisory skills.
• Academic writing experience.
• Community engagement, communications and public outreach experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of government, non-government and academic organizations.
• Discipline-specific computing skills.
• Experience creating budgets and managing finances.
• Demonstrated ability in building teams, strategic planning and setting and achieving goals.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this opportunity, contact Mark Gillis, Partner at mgillis@kbrs.ca or Natalie Lagace, Recruitment Specialist at nlagace@kbrs.ca, or submit your application online at: http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/18247. Please include the following in your application:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Professional dossier, which may include narratives about:
  • Your teaching philosophy
  • Your research interests as they relate to this opportunity
  • Your record of service to the academy or your community.
• Any other documents you feel will help us get to know you better.

Yukon University is a place of learning that is accessible and open to all. We respect all cultures, and the expression of all ideas and opinions, because diversity enriches our learning environment. We honour the cultures and heritage of Yukon First Nations, and we value the contributions of traditional knowledge and Indigenous world views.

KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact  accommodate@kbrs.ca.