Expression of Interest: Chair, Nursing in Indigenous Research in Action (NIRA)

Expression of Interest: Chair, Nursing in Indigenous Research in Action (NIRA)
School of Health, Education and Human Services 
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus 
Term: August 1, 2027 to July 30, 2032 (subject to funding) 
Employment Opportunity No.: 26.99 

Closing date: 

*Position open only to candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis.

About the Opportunity
YukonU invites expressions of interest from qualified nursing researchers and knowledge leaders for the role of Chair, Nursing in Indigenous Research in Action (NIRA) for Yukon. Applicants should be interested in advancing Indigenous-led, community-driven health research that responds to priorities identified by Yukon First Nations.

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the NIRA Chairs Program is designed to strengthen Indigenous health nursing research, develop future research and nursing leaders, and support meaningful improvements in health policy, practice, education, administration, regulation, and nursing standards. The program emphasizes Indigenous self-determination, relational accountability, mentorship, community partnerships, and the development of culturally safe, anti-racist, and gender-responsive health systems.

The Role of the NIRA Chair
The successful candidate will provide research leadership in Indigenous health nursing, working collaboratively with YukonU and interested Yukon First Nations communities, governments, health and wellness departments, health-sector organizations, and other research and education partners.

The Chair's program of work is expected to include:
• Indigenous-led, community-driven research
• Meaningful partnerships and accountability
• Research capacity and mentorship
• Knowledge mobilization and impact
• Nursing research leadership and collaboration.

Specific research projects and partnerships will be developed collaboratively with the selected candidate and partner organizations. The intention is to support work that reflects Yukon priorities rather than prescribe a research program in advance.

Candidate Profile
Applicants must meet CIHR's eligibility requirements:
• Be a nurse with a master's degree minimum
• Self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis
• Demonstrate meaningful, culturally safe, and community-accountable involvement with Indigenous Peoples, communities, organizations, or health systems
• By the anticipated funding start date, be an independent researcher or knowledge user affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution or eligible affiliated institution, OR be affiliated with an Indigenous Canadian non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with a research and/or knowledge translation mandate

The ideal candidate will also bring experience in any of the following: Indigenous health nursing research, community-engaged or participatory research, partnership development, mentorship, and knowledge mobilization. Experience working in northern, rural, remote, or Indigenous health contexts would be an asset, as would an established record of working in ways that respect Indigenous knowledge, self-determination, and community research priorities.

Program Duration
Subject to competition outcome, funding would begin August 1, 2027, for a period of up to five years.
The published competition deadline is February 2, 2027, so YukonU is hoping to have conversations with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Next Steps
Interested individuals are invited to submit:
1. A brief letter of interest outlining their background, research interests, relevant experience, and interest in establishing a collaborative research program with YukonU.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. A short statement describing their experience and approach to working with Yukon First Nation, other First Nation, Inuit, and/or Métis communities, organizations, or health systems in culturally safe, accountable, and respectful ways.

The EOI process is intended to identify potential candidates and support preliminary discussions about research priorities, community partnerships, institutional arrangements, and preparation of a CIHR application; it does not constitute an offer of employment or a guarantee of CIHR funding.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Andrew Richardson
Dean, Faculty of Applied Arts
Yukon University
(867) 668.8782
appliedartsdean@yukonu.ca

Learn more: CIHR Nursing in Indigenous Research in Action (NIRA) Chairs Program