Postdoctoral Fellow in Coastal Adaption Planning and Design

Posting Expiry

 

Global climate change is the greatest challenge to human and environmental health in the 21st century. Coastal areas, in particular, will face the multifaceted challenges of sea level rise, ongoing urbanization, land subsidence, salinization, coastal erosion, habitat loss, to name just a few. Due to the complexity, magnitude, and transdisciplinary nature of these issues, many of them are not addressed in a holistic manner. Conceived specifically for this reason, the recently launched UBC Coastal Adaptation Lab (CAL) provides a platform to develop integrated research, engineering, and design strategies to reduce risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies.

Position

The Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver campus, is offering a full-time Post-Doctoral Fellow opportunity to support the Coastal Adaptation Lab with research on coastal adaptation and resilience, both locally in British Columbia as well as globally. The successful candidate will work with the team to: (i) write grant applications to support collaborative research projects in British Columbia (BC) and the Fraser River Delta, (ii) coordinate meetings with key stakeholders, decision-makers, and funders to develop research partnerships, (iii) participate in trans-disciplinary research projects on coastal adaptation (planning, design and engineering) in BC, (iv) contribute substantially in knowledge mobilization and translation of the lab’s research projects via journal publications, conferences, the lab’s website and social media channels.

The position is available from March 1, 2020, through February 28, 2021 (12 months), with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is someone who:

  • Holds a Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., coastal engineering, planning, landscape architecture, geography, urban studies), obtained within the past 5 years.
  • Has a demonstrated trans-disciplinary approach to research on coastal adaptation of communities and ecosystems.
  • Is well-versed in the literature on coastal adaptation, adaptive planning, coastal engineering, and nature-based solutions in flood risk management.
  • Has knowledge of coastal communities in Canada and/or globally, including issues associated with coastal vulnerability, coastal engineering, and marine-related social and economic activities, particularly across Canada.
  • Has a successful publication and grant record
  • Has experience and interests in research collaborations with municipalities, First Nations, and professionals concerning the development of adaptation strategies;
  • Works across multiple spatial and jurisdictional scales, from parcels to neighbourhoods, to cities/regions, to entire coasts.
  • Works well both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
  • Has strong time management, organizational, and project management skills, and
  • Is able to communicate effectively with researchers in various disciplines and with non-academic members of governments, Indigenous communities, and the private sector

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Application

Candidates should submit the following materials electronically to Kees Lokman (klokman@sala.ubc.ca), director of the Coastal Adaptation Lab:

  1. Cover letter describing your interests in the position as well as relevant background and skills
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. The name and contact information for three research references (one reference should be your doctoral advisor)
  4. Two to three representative publications, work samples and/or research reports.

Applications will be considered from February 15, 2020, and will remain open until the position is filled. Please address any inquiries to Kees Lokman.