Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Scholarship: Fully Funded
Degree: PhD
Subjects: biomass emissions modeling, atmospheric modeling, chemistry, chemical engineering, carbon modeling or relevant related disciplines
Nationality: International Students
Location: Canada
Closing date: until the position is filled
Start date:  March 1st 2021

Scholarship Description:

The Forest Action Lab at UBC is recruiting for a post-doc position for the “Slash-pile burning emissions in BC” project, funded by the BC Forest Carbon Initiative. Currently, BC reports 3 to 9 million t CO2e emissions from slash burning per year. Therefore, we have identified it as a mitigation opportunity, yet the current estimate has high uncertainty. The aim of this project is to address and minimize the uncertainties in BC’s current slash-pile burning emissions estimate and identify future mitigation opportunities. Hence, we are seeking a candidate with experience in biomass emissions modelling, chemistry, chemical engineering or atmospheric science from a completed PhD program to work at a postdoctoral level in a term position with benefits for two years. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team led by Dominik Roeser (UBC), Werner Kurz (NRCan[1]), Caren Dymond (FLNORD[2]) and Brian Watson (FLNORD). The postdoc will be based in Dominik Roeser’s Forest Action lab at UBC. The scientist will assist in reviewing and expanding existing research on emissions released from harvest residue piles during combustion, and the potential negative health effects that these emissions have on communities. The research will also investigate changes to operational procedures to limit negative impacts of harvest residue pile burning. The development of this new research will investigate pathways to minimize harvest residue pile burning in the field, as well as exploring other available mitigation strategies and learnings from related fields that may limit negative effects associated with harvest residue pile burning. The incumbent will also calibrate, refine, and evaluate any sensitivities of the initial findings. This position is well suited to those who have experience and strong interest in emission modeling/monitoring and operational problems. The position offers a flexible work location with teleworking options, but travel within BC will be required, as needed, in manner that is safe and consistent with the circumstances of the ongoing pandemic.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Primary knowledge areas in the fields of biomass emission or atmospheric modelling
  • Knowledge of forest management in the BC forest sector is an asset
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as a subject matter expert and in a team setting
  • Experience with project management, team collaborations and meeting grant-funded deadlines and deliverables.
  • Expertise with R and Python is required

Application Procedure:

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line FCI postdoc application. In your cover letter, briefly address how you meet each of the requirements of the position. If you have questions about the position, please contact Carly Phillips ([email protected]).