Tenure-Track, Associate or Assistant in the School of Physical and Health Education at Nipissing University

The School of Physical and Health Education in the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies at Nipissing University invite applications from Indigenous Persons for a Tenure Track, Assistant or Associate Professor in Indigenous Physical Activity, Health and Wellness. This position is located in North Bay, Ontario and will commence July 1, 2026.

The ideal candidate will have completed or be near completion of their PhD in an area of study within Indigenous Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness or a related field. Related fields include Indigenous-focused Human Development, Growth, and Aging, Indigenous Child and Youth Health; Indigenous approaches to Nutrition, Metabolic Health, Cardiovascular Health, and Musculoskeletal Health; and Land-based Physical and Health Education. Through the Scholar’s doctoral or postdoctoral research, the Scholar will have worked with Indigenous communities or organizations to assess and promote Physical Activity, Health, and Wellness. The Scholar will have demonstrated potential for external research funding through CIHR, SSHRC or other established granting agencies at the federal, provincial, or local level. The successful candidate is expected to develop a strong, externally funded research program. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to in person undergraduate teaching and supervision within the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (BPHE) program. The candidate will contribute to graduate supervision and in person teaching within the Master of Science in Kinesiology (MSc Kin) program.

The Scholar is expected to develop an active research program within the School of Physical and Health Education (SPHE) at Nipissing University that will preferably include:

• Community-based, participatory research involving Indigenous communities;
• The intersections between physical activity, physical and mental health and wellness, and Indigenous health and knowledge systems;
• Understanding and improving Indigenous health inequalities, taking into consideration community priorities, social, and environmental factors; and,
• Mentorship and collaboration with existing researchers in the SPHE at Nipissing University and their research partners.

The Scholar will contribute to delivery of courses in the BPHE and MSc Kinesiology programs, based upon their expertise. The proposed Scholar will be involved in supervision of students in the MSc Kinesiology and possibly other graduate programs (e.g. MEd, PhD Education). Ultimately, the Scholar will strengthen the ability of the BPHE and MSc Kinesiology programs to focus on rural, remote, and Indigenous populations (as stated in the Nipissing University Strategic Plan and the MSc Kinesiology founding rationale) and would to further differentiate these BPHE and MSc Kinesiology programs at Nipissing University from other programs within the province.

Within the Fulfilling our Responsibility to Truth and Reconciliation, Nipissing University has

committed to:

• Ensure that all students, staff, and faculty understand the history of the traditional lands and the historic and contemporary roles and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including the people of Nipissing First Nation, on whose lands and waters our university is situated,
• Develop a regular forum for ongoing conversations with Indigenous students and communities; implement mechanisms that reciprocally connect Indigenous communities and the University, and
• Support the development of curricula and pedagogy that incorporate Indigenous knowledges, cosmologies, and ways of knowing.

Our campus is located at 100 College Dr, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7. The annual salary for this role will range from $85,372 to $130,606 (Assistant) or $110,307 to $162,102 (Associate), depending on level of experience, plus employee benefits and pension plan as per the Nipissing University Faculty Association (NUFA) collective agreement.

Nipissing University is in the City of North Bay, Ontario (population 55,000), in the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Nipissing First Nation Traditional Territory and the traditional territory of the Anishinabek. Situated between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, and surrounded by pristine Canadian Shield Forest, our campus is a comfortable three-and-a-half hour drive from either Toronto or Ottawa. North Bay is a growing city with a vibrant arts community, ample amenities, and countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Learn more about North Bay, Ontario by visiting the @cityofnorthbay YouTube channel here: The City of North Bay.

Nipissing University is known for its excellence in teacher education, arts, science, and a range of professional programs. In “Pathways: Our Commitments to Water, Land, and People”, Nipissing University has committed to fulfilling our responsibility to truth and reconciliation; nurturing our relationship with water, land, and place; embodying harmony and care; inspiring growth and development; building sustainable futures; and, celebrating who we are. Nipissing’s renowned focus on student success and experience has translated into top rankings nationally in the areas of student support, student experience, faculty, and residences as a primarily undergraduate institution. An academic environment that provides close student faculty interaction, innovative approaches to learning, and a strong research culture is an enduring strength of Nipissing.

Access and equity continue to be longstanding priorities, providing interventions and support for students who might not otherwise participate in postsecondary education. Nipissing welcomes several first-generation students, as well as students with disabilities with focused supports.

Nipissing’s faculty and staff are committed to decolonization and reconciliation and provide a supportive environment for Indigenous students enrolled at the University. Our campus is in a region home to 7,000 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit residents, many of whom choose to study at Nipissing University. As a public university located on the traditional territory of Nipissing First Nation and on the lands within the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, Nipissing University is bound to advance knowledge and be a good guest on this land.

Nipissing University has recently launched a new Careers landing page where prospective applicants can discover exciting career opportunities, learn more about the vibrant City of North Bay, and explore what makes our institution a unique and rewarding place to work.

Interested candidates should submit: 1) a cover letter outlining their teaching and research interests; 2) a description of their collaboration with Indigenous communities or organizations; 3) evidence of teaching effectiveness; and 4) a curriculum vitae, by 4:00pm on Friday January 9, 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to include the names of three referees and a letter of reference that speaks to their lived experience and work with Indigenous communities or organizations, focusing on community involvement and relationship-building efforts. We are particularly interested in learning about contributions and commitment to fostering respectful and collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities.|

Review of applications will commence Monday January 12, 2026, and will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. All application materials should be combined into a single PDF and sent to [email protected].

Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a cover letter from Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities.

Nipissing University must gather information from applicants to determine eligibility to work in Canada. Please include a statement in your application to identify whether you are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or are otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada.

Nipissing University will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

The search committee would like to thank all applicants for their interest in Nipissing University. Please note that only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,372.00-$162,102.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2026-07-01