Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Research)

Memorial University invites nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Research) (AVPIR).

We respectfully acknowledge the territory in which we gather as the ancestral homelands of the Beothuk, and the island of Newfoundland as the ancestral homelands of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk. We recognize the Inuit of Nunatsiavut and NunatuKavut and the Innu of Nitassinan, and their ancestors, as the original people of Labrador. We strive for respectful relationships with all the peoples of this province as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation and honour this beautiful land together.

Memorial is committed to strengthening Indigenous research, including the establishment of methods to ensure appropriate consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, and government leaders prior to and during the initial stages of research, and also upon completion, of both community-identified and outside researcher-led initiatives. Memorial approved the ground-breaking policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups in July 2020.

Indigenous research is a focal point for expression, concern, attention and most importantly, action, for truth and reconciliation. Memorial recognizes the critical role of educators, researchers, and university administrators in the work of truth, reconciliation, and a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous faculty, staff and students. We recognize that research processes and results bear significantly on the lives of Indigenous Peoples, students, families, communities, and governments. The leadership provided by the new AVPIR will guide Memorial University researchers to do research with Indigenous partners in a good way.

In consultation with Indigenous communities/leaders, the AVPIR will work with the Vice-President (Research), senior leaders, and Indigenous governments and communities to achieve the strategic objectives of the Research portfolio to increase the impact and integrity of research at Memorial. The AVP (Indigenous Research) will also have shared responsibility for all parts of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) portfolio.

The AVPIR will build relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders in Canada, especially within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, on both community and researcher identified and led research. The AVPIR will provide leadership of Memorial’s new policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups, the Committee on Ethics Impacting Indigenous Groups, Peer Advisory Group on Indigenous Research Relationships (PAIRR), and the Indigenous Research Agreement. A key role will be building new partnerships within strategic sectors with a multidisciplinary focus on research with Indigenous communities. The AVPIR will be focused continually on connections with global Indigenous communities and research institutions, to share ideas, network, and stimulate creative discussion about Indigenous research. 

The competition is open to individuals who identify with an Indigenous community, as per approval granted by the Human Rights commission pursuant to Section 8 of the Human Rights Act. Applicants will exhibit a strong understanding of Indigenous ways of thinking, doing, and knowing, and have connections to Indigenous community/ies. Applicants will demonstrate their connections to Indigenous community/ies. This could include a copy of a registration, a letter of support from a governance organization, a letter of nomination from an Indigenous community organization, group, or leader, and/or other relevant evidence of connection. An Elders Council will be part of the selection process in consultation with the search committee.

The ideal candidate has an exceptional record of research working with Indigenous communities and governments. The role is open to individuals who either hold a PhD or equivalent degree or have the lived experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of this role within Indigenous communities and the university environment. Ideally, the candidate has a working knowledge of the diverse landscape of Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador. The candidate has strong communication and negotiation skills, and experience strengthening the integrity and impact of Indigenous research. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The successful candidate will be appointed to a tenure-track or tenured academic professorship in an appropriate department or departments. The AVPIR position will be for a five-year term with the possibility of renewal.

Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or Two-Spirit; Indigenous Peoples; visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities.  As part of Memorial University's commitment to employment equity, all applicants are invited to identify themselves as a member of a target group(s) as appropriate.  Applicants cannot be considered as a member of a target group(s) unless they complete an employment equity survey.  If you do not receive a survey or have any questions, please contact equity@mun.ca.

The closing date for applications is February 15, 2021. The search committee will be assisted by the executive search firm, Boyden. For further information, please contact Jessa Chupik and Kathy Rahme at jchupik@boyden.com and krahme@boyden.com.

Prospective candidates should contact the Boyden team as soon as possible, to indicate their intent and to ensure candidates have enough time to consider carefully the role. In the current COVID-19 crisis, every effort will be made to accommodate candidates’ professional, community, and personal responsibilities

Accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting Jessa Chupik at jchupik@boyden.com. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.