Medical Research Faculty (Tenure-Track #2)

Simon Fraser University

Who We Are

Help build B.C.’s new medical school from the ground up!

At Simon Fraser University's School of Medicine (SoM), we envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care and other community-level settings and with a curriculum that considers social, environmental and prevention contexts. As we establish the school in Surrey, B.C., our growing relationships with the local community and with our partners (the Fraser Health Authority, the First Nations Health Authority, and the Divisions of Family Practice) will help us to meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve and improve access to primary care throughout the province. We seek to advance Truth and Reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented towards measurable socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The School of Medicine at Simon Fraser University invites applications to fill tenure-track Medical Researcher positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor to drive the research mission of our new primary-care focused medical school. The mission of the School of Medicine is to advance community-based primary care through education, scholarship (including research), innovation and service. Candidates are expected to contribute to all aspects of the SoM mission, and in particular, to demonstrate how their research program is in alignment with and will contribute to the scholarship and innovation components of our mission.

In accordance with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous Persons who are First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Canada.
We recognize the deep knowledge, lived experiences, and cultural strengths that Indigenous scholars bring to our academic community. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing are valued and supported. We strive to create spaces where Indigenous scholars can thrive, lead, and shape the future of research, teaching, and community engagement. We welcome applications from Indigenous scholars who are interested in joining a collegial and collaborative environment that honors Indigenous sovereignty, supports community-engaged scholarship, and is committed to meaningful and sustained relationships with Indigenous nations and communities.

Short-listed candidates will be asked by the committee to submit a personal self-identification narrative and a letter of support from their Indigenous community to be considered for this position. We understand and acknowledge the deleterious effects of colonial and ongoing systems and structures such as residential schools, the 60s scoop and “status” cards on Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit or Métis) identity. This process is therefore intended to be interpreted in a broad understanding of Indigenous lived experiences and Indigenous community. Examples of support could include letters from urban-based organizations, respected community elders outside place-based family/Nations for those in the process of reclaiming place-based connections and/or similar expressions of support. We acknowledge the potential emotional labour and/or (re)traumatizing impacts of sharing personal narratives in this context and encourage applicants to consider this fully in their decision-making to apply. SFU recognizes and honours the title and rights of Indigenous people as stated in UNDRIP and we respect and partner with the host Indigenous Nations on which our campuses are located. We have the responsibility to illuminate the truth of Indigenous people in Canada and around the world and to begin to chart a path of Reconciliation.

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate is a scholar whose research program serves the vision of SFU’s innovative, primary care-focused School of Medicine, and whose work will contribute to and/or advance one or more of our foundational pillars:

• Primary Care: Person-centered, team-based and socially-accountable primary care.
• Diverse Communities: Meeting the preventative and primary care needs of diverse communities and populations.
• Indigenous Health and Knowledge Systems: Embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in medical education and practice and improving Indigenous health outcomes.
• Place-based learning and research: Utilizing community-based opportunities for research and learning.
• Emerging technologies: Harnessing the power of emerging technologies to enhance medical education and the delivery of care.
• Community Partnerships: Reciprocal community partnerships to advance the vision of the School of Medicine, inform its programs, and to provide value back to communities.

Applications are welcome from candidates who come from a broad range of research modes and traditions, and who demonstrate a commitment to high-quality research across a diverse range of outlets, including academic publications, community-based projects, policy outcomes, and/or participation in advisory boards and governmental bodies. The ideal applicant should have an established publication record appropriate to their rank, alongside a strong research pipeline that demonstrates a focus on high-quality projects targeted for publication in reputable journals. A proven track record of obtaining grants and a demonstrated history of successful research are essential for appointment at the Associate Professor rank. Additionally, we value candidates who have experience managing inclusive and interdisciplinary research groups that integrate diverse students and colleagues, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. The successful candidate should demonstrate evidence of instructional effectiveness through their submission of a pedagogical statement that provides a discussion of their experience with and/or understanding of how the candidate would meet the needs of equity-deserving students. Ideal candidates have experience with instruction and developing undergraduate and graduate medical or health sciences curricula and should be prepared to assist with the School’s development of innovative and inclusive course delivery options.

We additionally invite applications from those whose scholarship is grounded in Indigenous knowledge, methodologies and/or epistemologies and whose scholarship might be distinct from Western academic traditions and/or follow ethical principles of community direction and governance.

The successful applicant will be expected to engage in innovative research, work with individuals and communities with lived/living-experience, and build relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., in health authorities or government). Other expectations include involvement and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students in the candidate’s research projects/ program, undergraduate and graduate specialized instruction and service to the School and University.

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role at the Assistant Professor rank is $112,490 – 141,115.

A candidate for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor (Medical Research) will meet the following:

• Strong academic record and completion of academic or professional training as described in the position requirements.
• Clear indicators that the individual has the potential to grow in national and international stature as a scholar.
• Clear alignment between the individual’s research program and the mission of the SFU School of Medicine.
• Willingness to play an active role in service including making contributions to the School, to the broader University, or to the profession; and/or demonstrate aptitude in providing specialized instruction.
• Appointments must be supported by strong letters of reference.

Candidates with experience commensurate with higher rank may also be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role at the Associate Professor rank is $142,855 - $168,295.

A candidate for appointment to the rank of Associate Professor (Medical Research) will meet the following:

• Strong and sustained record of research and scholarly achievement.
• Proven track record of obtaining grants.
• Demonstrated active role in service and leadership including making contributions to their School/ Research Institution, to their broader University, or to the profession; and/or Satisfactory contributions to specialized instruction.
• Demonstration of continued professional growth of the individual in their field(s), including recognition as an established scholar.
• Clear alignment between the individual’s research program and the mission of the SFU School of Medicine.
• Assessment of individual research and scholarly contributions must be supported by reports from external referees of strong academic stature.

This position reports to the Dean (or delegate) and is expected to work in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Research in establishing and maintaining a research agenda.

Qualifications & Experience:
Required

• PhD in Medicine, Health, Social, or Biological Sciences, Education, or relevant discipline.*
• Demonstrated program of research in an area relevant to the School’s primary care and health equity focused research mission.
• Knowledge of and respect for Indigenous cultural identities and values.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups and teams including academic and community partners
• Familiarity with health care environments (with a preference for primary care environments).

Additional Assets
• Eligibility to hold a license to practice medicine in British Columbia.

*Credentials verification will be required.

How to Apply

To apply, applicants should provide:

• A concise cover letter (maximum two pages) that addresses the following items: 1) reasons for applying to the position, and 2) a narrative description highlighting the relevance of the candidate’s research program to advancing the School of Medicine’s primary care and health equity focused research mission.
• A complete up-to-date curriculum vitae that lists the candidate’s education and employment history, publications and conference presentations, funding and awards, student supervision, collaborations/partnerships, and service activities.
• A research statement (maximum two pages) that describes the candidate’s research experience, goals, and a five-year plan for their research program.
• One example of peer-reviewed published scholarly work that best represents the candidate’s research program.
• A social accountability statement (maximum one page) describing past or potential contributions to enhancing equity and social accountability within research, service, and/or instruction/pedagogy. With regards to the latter component, candidates should discuss their experience with, and/or understanding of, how the candidate would meet the needs of equity-deserving students.
• The names, titles, and email addresses of 3 referees who are qualified to assess the candidate’s research, service, and, if possible, supervision capabilities. Referees will be contacted by SFU for candidates advancing to the later stages of the selection process.
• Complete the Applicant Demographic Survey (https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SJFP2SV) administered by the Equity Office. While participation is voluntary, your participation aids the Search Committee in ensuring equitable employment practices as specified in the job posting. administered by the Equity Office. While participation is voluntary, your participation aids the Search Committee in ensuring equitable employment practices as specified in the job posting.
• Short-listed candidates will be asked by the committee to submit a personal self-identification narrative and a letter of support from their Indigenous community to be considered for this position.

SFU recognizes that alternative career paths and/or career interruptions (e.g. parental leave, leave due to illness) can impact research achievements and commits to ensuring that leaves are taken into careful consideration. Candidates are encouraged to highlight in their application how alternative paths and/or interruptions have had an impact on their career. SFU also recognizes the value of mentoring and research training, outreach, professional service, and nontraditional areas of research and/or research outputs; demonstrated experience in increasing diversity in the previous institutional environment, and in curriculum, is also an asset.

Please submit applications through the following link: https://apply.interfolio.com/170027
Questions about the application may be e-mailed to: ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca with the subject line “Application: Medical Research Faculty”

SFU encourages applications from all qualified candidates; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications received by August 6, 2025 end of day will be given full consideration. Screening of applications will commence on August 7, 2025 but will remain open until the position is filled.

About SFU

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff and our community. SFU is committed to ensuring no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably. Candidates that belong to underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact ms_academic_affairs@sfu.ca.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details, refer to the Collection Notice.