Research Associate

AcademicJob CategoryFaculty Non BargainingJob TitleResearch AssociateDepartmentEllis,Naoko | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science (Naoko Ellis)Posting End DateFebruary 27, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End DateMarch 4, 2027

The anticipated salary range is from $68,932 to $77,000 per year.

Research Associate, Clean Energy Transformation

About UBC 

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver invites applications for a full time Research Associate.

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for research and instruction, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. We are recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia (BC) and Canada, and consistently chosen as one of BC's best places to work and top employers. We prioritize and intentionally focus on building a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is why UBC is recognized as one of Canada's best diversity employers. Professional growth and career development are promoted and encouraged at UBC, and opportunities to achieve career aspirations are included in our strategic plan. 

About ACET  

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner international initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations.  

Established at the University of Victoria in 2023, ACET is a partnership between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Yukon University, supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. More information on:  

About Systems Beings Lab (SBL) 

The Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) team at UBC (Applied Science and Education) is seeking one full-time postdoctoral researcher funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. In our team, the Systems Beings Lab, we investigate questions around transdisciplinary research, collaborative education, and energy transition.

Reporting to the co-principal investigators Profs. Naoko Ellis and Derek Gladwin, you will support the successful delivery of projects by providing specialized knowledge related to energy (open to diverse possibilities of discipline such as in technical, humanities, education, policy, etc.) with a strong background in sustainability, regenerative design, transdisciplinary research, and collaborative learning.  

Position Summary: 

 This position will help to build an evidence base for improved energy planning across BC by mapping energy demand and renewable energy resources in high spatial detail, as well as examining gaps in current datasets such as the exclusion of remote communities. The person will be expected to work with diverse groups to examine how well existing energy planning tools: reflect community needs, support energy literacy, enable more collaborative processes, and account for wellbeing or vulnerability impacts. The position will also support the development of postgraduate training in transdisciplinary research approaches through involvement with the transdisciplinary collaborative PhD cohort. 

Primary Position Outcomes: 

• Lead the community energy mapping working group, organize researchers working in energy mapping within ACET, and coordinate with project partners such as the Climate Action Secretariat office in BC government. 

• Contribute to research through collaborating with researchers on ACET on energy planning in remote communities in BC, and explore how best to support communities' energy transition. 

• Develop and evaluate energy communication tools working with ACET researchers working on energy literacy. 

• Explore wellbeing impacts associated with energy transition and current vulnerabilities through community engagement and mapping exercises. 

• Train and guide transdisciplinary collaborative PhD students around research approaches while developing training modules. 

• Engage with a network of international researchers to further transdisciplinary education practices. 

Qualifications: 

 

Required Qualifications: 

• A doctorate in energy engineering. 

• Minimum 3 years of relevant postdoctoral research fellow experience. 

• Research focus in energy planning, energy system modelling, energy transition, energy literacy, and transdisciplinary education. 

• Experience with transdisciplinary approaches to research. 

• Ability and willingness to coordinate and manage projects, including leading team meetings, overseeing day-to-day tasks (both research and administrative), meeting deadlines, and working with government and community external partners. 

• Knowledge and interest in energy literacy, especially around communication, education and discourse on energy and its transition in current times. 

• Knowledge of energy systems, collaborative education, and social change. 

• Established publication and output record (emphasizing publication quality over quantity) and efforts to develop non-academic formats (policy briefs, infographics, etc.). 

• Ability to independently make day-to-day decisions in alignment with the purpose and objectives of the research project, and to know when to escalate issues to supervisors. 

• Openness and adaptability in working with others. 

• Experience preparing research funding proposals with diverse teams. 

• Experience supervising postgraduate students. 

Functional Competencies: 

• People skills in leadership 

• Organizational awareness including self-awareness and group dynamics 

• Self-motivated and ability to motivate others 

• Data organization and analysis 

• Project management  

• Financial forecasting and budgeting 

• Mixed method research analysis – statistical, qualitative, etc. 

• Technical and written communication skills for a variety of audiences 

• Public outreach and communication 

Work Location and Terms  

The primary work location is UBC Vancouver Campus. The position is a 1-year appointment renewable to 2 years subject to work performance and funding availability.   

Anticipated salary range is from $68,932 to $77,000 per year.

Expected start date is March 5, 2026, or as soon as possible later in March 2026.

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026 with interviews for shortlisted candidates shortly thereafter.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, please submit the following via

• Cover letter expressing your long-term research vision, career goals and fit for the position

• Curriculum vitae

• Copies of your most impactful papers (max 3, submitted or preprint OK)

• Contact information for 3 references

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 of Canada will be given priority.

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