Since time immemorial, the Mi'kmaq People have walked gently on the traditional territories of Epekwitk, which is where the University of Prince Edward Island is located. We acknowledge that Mi'kma'ki is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people, who, in 1725, first signed Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We recognize Elders past and present who have cared for, and continue to care for, the land. In offering this acknowledgement, we affirm the history, experiences, and resiliency of Indigenous people who are still here today. We are grateful to live, work, and learn here, and we are committed to building relationships based in honour and respect.
NIRA Chair Program:
UPEI is inviting researchers to apply for the Nursing in Indigenous Research in Action (NIRA) Chair. We are seeking a scholar whose research program broadly relates to the NIRA objectives. The NIRA program is designed to advance Indigenous-led, community-driven nursing research that supports culturally safe, anti-racist, and gender-responsive health systems for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across the lifespan. With an emphasis on mentorship, capacity building, and meaningful impact, the NIRA Chairs Program will support researchers in undertaking research that reflects community-identified health priorities, strengthens knowledge of nursing and health systems, and contributes to the development of future nursing and health research leaders. This funding opportunity builds on the first phase of the NIRA Chairs program by renewing three (3) existing Chairs and establishing ten (10) new Chairs in provinces and territories across the country.
The NIRA funding opportunity will support Chair awards that:
• advance nursing research, knowledge, standards, and practice in response to Indigenous health priorities;
• strengthen mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities for students, trainees, and emerging scholars;
• support partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, organizations, and health systems;
• support activities that contribute to the uptake, relevance, and impact of research undertaken through the Chair;
• contribute to national capacity in Indigenous health research, nursing leadership, and knowledge mobilization;
• work collectively as a network of NIRA Chairs in Canada to advance shared priorities, foster collaboration and mentorship across jurisdictions. Chairs are encouraged to connect with national research networks, health organizations, community-based organizations, and collectives, such as the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHRs) and the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR); and
• support the development and mobilization of knowledge products, and strengthen broader efforts related to Indigenous health research, community research capacity, culturally safe, and anti-racist health systems, and nursing leadership.
The successful candidate would be a faculty member in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island with salary, benefits, and all other rights and privileges afforded by the relevant Collective Agreement . The role of faculty Member also includes teaching responsibilities with the undergraduate and graduate programs within the Faculty of Nursing.
Qualifications:
UPEI seeks, and NIRA requires, a candidate who:
• Has a minimum of a Master's degree in Nursing. A doctoral degree in Nursing would be considered an asset.
• Self-identifies as First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis
• Demonstrates the potential to develop a program of research and conduct research and scholarly activities to align with the NIRA Chair funding opportunity. The NIRA program recognizes and rewards the scholarship of teaching, professional service, community service, outreach, mentoring and research training and the importance and relevance of non-traditional areas of research and/or research outputs.
• Be eligible for registration with the Prince Edward Island College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Application Instructions:
Please note that this is a two-stage process. The successful candidate for this job posting will be nominated for funding through the NIRA Chair program. Nominations will be reviewed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The appointment is conditional upon CIHR approval and final approval by the University of Prince Edward Island. Interested applicants are invited to review the program details: https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/54780.html
Application packages should include:
• A cover letter, including self-identification
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching dossier, including philosophy of teaching
• A statement of scholarly endeavours outlining their plan for establishing a program of research at UPEI over the next five years in alignment with the NIRA Chair funding opportunity
• Three references are required to complete the application - please instruct each reference to send their reference to Emily Walsh, Administrative Assistant to the Faculty of Nursing Dean ([redacted] )
Applications can be sent to:
Emily Walsh
Administrative Assistant to the Dean
Review of applications will begin November 19th 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
