Professor in research with the Indigenous Peoples in marine sciences

The Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER) of the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), one of Canada’s leading academic marine science research institutes, is seeking a new non-tenure track professor. This position is linked to the Canada First Research Excellence Fund funding obtained by UQAR for the research program « Transforming climate action: an ocean-focused approach » (TCA). The successful candidate will hold the position until the end of the grant period for a total of five years, during which time the candidate will hold a chair on research with the Indigenous Peoples in marine sciences. With research funding attached to this position, the successful candidate will have to define an original and innovative research program and actively carry it out.

The scientific strategy of the TCA program is structured around three main themes (https://www.uqar.ca/recherche/unites-de-recherche/transforming-climate-action-an-ocean-focused-approach-tca-program/). The first aims to reduce uncertainties about the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle and climate change. The second focuses on developing measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the marine environment and the maritime sector. Finally, the third theme aims to equip society for a fair and equitable adaptation to climate change of coastal communities, taking into account the dynamics of socio-economic systems, using transformative education, developing partnerships, and considering territories, cultures, and histories. The TCA program is also committed to establishing respectful and reciprocal research relationships with Indigenous Peoples. For UQAR and ISMER, the chair provides an opportunity to deepen and develop, through collaborative research in marine sciences, a space for dialogue and collaboration between Indigenous communities and the University, thus leading to sustainable transformations of the relationship between nations and the creation of authentic and respectful partnerships.

The selected candidate must be specialized in marine sciences and have proven experience in research with Indigenous Peoples. The areas of expertise sought are action research, adaptation and transformation to climate change effects in coastal areas, adaptive capacities of communities and territories, socio-ecological systems, environmental justice, food security, environmental governance, cumulative effects, or co-construction based on scientific and local knowledge. The selected candidate is expected to collaborate with researchers at ISMER, other departments within UQAR, and the other universities of the TCA program. The selected candidate will participate in the MSc, PhD and DESS (Specialized Graduate Diploma) programs in oceanography through the supervision of graduate students and teaching. The working language is French.

• Place of employment : Institut des sciences de la mer, Rimouski campus
• Start date : To be agreed

• Diploma : PhD.
• Discipline of diploma : Oceanography, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, or another environmental science discipline.
• Specialization domain : Marine sciences with proven collaboration in research with the Indigenous Peoples.
• Preferred areas of research : Action research, adaptation and transformation to climate change effects in coastal areas, adaptive capacity of communities and territories, socio-ecological systems, environmental justice, food security, environmental governance, cumulative effects, or co-construction based on scientific and local knowledge.
• Others : A solid research record; at least one year of postdoctoral experience is expected.

As per the terms of the collective agreement in effect.

Application documents must include a motivation letter including the description of a research program and a training program of graduated students for the next five years (max. 5 pages), a CV including research and student training achievements, and the name and contact details of three referees. Evaluation of applications will begin on April 2, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

To :

Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER)
Président de l’Assemblée institutionnelle
Université du Québec à Rimouski
310, allée des Ursulines
Rimouski (Québec) G5L 3A1
CANADA

or by email : presid-assemblee_ismer@uqar.ca

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We subscribe to an equal access program and our community advocates the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we put in place accommodation measures as needed. We strongly encourage women, people with disabilities, members of visible and ethnic minorities, Aboriginal peoples, and members of LGBTQ2S+ communities to apply. UQAR recognizes the effects that career interruptions can have on the assessment of the candidate’s research achievements. If applicable, the candidates are invited to explain the situation in their application.

All applications will be treated confidentially.