Application Deadline: July 15th, 2026

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Assistant Professor in Wildlife Biodiversity Conservation

Reference # NRM-2026-27-04 

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for one tenure-track appointment in Wildlife Biodiversity Conservation at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. The academic rank of the appointment will be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate. The position will commence on August 15th, 2026.

Description of Faculty

The Faculty of Natural Resources Management (NRM) at Lakehead University offers innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate ecological science with the sustainable management of natural resources. The Faculty is internationally recognized for research and education in forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental management. Our programs emphasize experiential learning, field-based education, and applied research that informs resource management and conservation decision-making.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program addressing landscape-scale ecological processes and the spatial modelling of biodiversity in managed or changing environments. Research areas may include, but are not limited to:

• biodiversity conservation 
• habitat modelling or species distribution modelling 
• habitat connectivity and fragmentation 
• conservation planning 
• cumulative effects assessment 
• landscape ecology 
• spatial ecological modelling 
• ecological responses to land-use or climate change

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a collaborative and externally funded research program, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and supervise graduate students within the Faculty’s graduate programs.

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. Teaching responsibilities may include courses such as Habitat Planning, Biodiversity Conservation, and Environmental and Wildlife Management I and II, and Field School, representing up to 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) annually. Additional teaching assignments will be determined in consultation with the Dean and based on program needs and the candidate’s expertise.

The successful candidate will also contribute to service activities within the Faculty, University, and broader professional community, and to the continued development and growth of environmental management programs and course offerings within the Faculty.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD in biology, forest science, environmental science, ecology, landscape ecology, or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• a strong record of scholarly research and peer-reviewed publications 
• potential to develop a competitive externally funded research program 
• the ability to supervise graduate students 
• a commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentorship 
• experience with experiential learning and online or alternative modes of delivery 

Experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, or integrating Indigenous knowledge into research or teaching, is considered an asset.

Compensation:

The expected compensation range for this position is: $88,094 - $133,223. 

Salary will be determined in accordance with the collective agreement and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. Our campuses are located in Thunder Bay on the traditional lands of the Fort William First Nation, Signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 and in Orillia on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, and Rama First Nation. Lakehead University acknowledges the history that many nations hold in the areas around our campuses and is committed to a relationship with Métis and Inuit and First Nations peoples. Lakehead has approximately 10,000 students and 2,160 faculty and staff. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and independent critical thinking and a multidisciplinary teaching approach, Lakehead offers a variety of degree and diploma programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through its nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate Studies, and Faculty of Law. For further information, please visit: www.lakeheadu.ca.

For further information, please contact Dr. Ashley Thomson (athomson@lakeheadu.ca). Detailed information on the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and our programs is available at: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/nrm

Review of applications will begin on July 15th, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The electronic application (in the form of one PDF document) quoting Reference # NRM-2026-27-04  should include: a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (including a statement of teaching philosophy, course outlines and teaching evaluations for previously-taught courses), a statement of a research plan (current and future interests), copies of the three most significant publications, and the names and contact information of three references. A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada.pdf form must accompany your package. 

Applicants should submit their electronic application to:

Dr. Ashley Thomson

Chair of the Hiring Committee for the tenure-track position in Wildlife Biodiversity Conservation 

Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Email: athomson@lakeheadu.ca

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. 

Lakehead University has an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2019-2024 with a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of under-represented groups among applicants, candidates and hires. We encourage candidates to self-identify, if you are from an under-represented group, and prefer candidates with the knowledge, competencies and relationships derived from lived experience. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

This position is subject to budgetary approval.