Dr. Tom Boyce's epigenetics research is providing policy-makers with compelling reasons to reduce childhood vulnerability

 

Job Postings

UBC and the College for Interdisciplinary Studies have earned an international reputation due to the efforts and accomplishments of its people -- faculty, staff and students. The university recognizes that people are its most important resource, and places the highest value on all its members.

The College is a steward for interdisciplinary research at UBC which is home to more than 70 tenure-stream faculty members in twelve interdisciplinary schools, institutes, and centres, and twelve graduate degree programs. As a provider of academic and administrative support for UBC's emerging generation of scholars and scientists, CFIS serves graduate students and a large complement of faculty associate members across the University

Academic Faculty & Research Positions

The Liu Institute for Global Issues

Liu Institute Energy Security Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Liu Institute for Global Issues, at the University of British Columbia, invites applications from outstanding researchers for the Simons Postdoctoral Fellowship in Science, Technology and Global Nuclear Security.  The position is open to scholars who have recently completed a Ph.D. to hold a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute, beginning as early as June 1, 2012 and no later than September 1, 2012. Application review will begin as early as March 1, 2012 and continue until the position is filled.

The Institute regards global energy security as a multi-dimensional problem, incorporating science and technology on the one hand and the social sciences on the other. We are particularly interested in scholars that are researching energy aspects of nuclear security. Possible areas of research could include: proliferation risks of current and proposed nuclear fuel cycles, nuclear power and other alternate low-carbon technology solutions to deal with climate change (including application of energy models), and risk assessment as applied to nuclear fuel cycles and nuclear power plant operations.

We invite applications from promising scholars with doctorates in either the social or natural sciences whose work fits within the Institute’s three broad themes of Social Justice, Sustainability and Security and especially encourage applications from scholars in developing countries.

The Institute

Named after Dr. Jieh Jow Liou, the Liu Institute conducts and facilitates research on global issues, mobilizing knowledge into solutions and policy. With a campus-wide mandate, the Institute takes an interdisciplinary problem-solving approach to explore new ideas and ways of learning to catalyze innovative thinking and positive societal change. Its current focus is on advancing sustainability, security, and social justice: understood as moving toward economic, social, and environmental interactions that promote the well-being of people in ways that are just, equitable, and sustainable.

Founded in 1998 by Professor Ivan Head and opened in 2000, the Institute acts as a hub for global research and emerging issues at the University of British Columbia (UBC). A hallmark of the Institute is to provide innovative learning and research opportunities for UBC graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and community members that help to bridge the gap between academics and practitioners.

Research

The Institute’s current areas of research are in sustainability, security, and social justice. The Institute is particularly interested in emerging issues that affect large groups of people in different places and need concerted action and new knowledge to find solutions.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to enhance the Institute’s interdisciplinary research and learning environment by supporting the Liu Scholar Program, and through involvement with Liu Postdoctoral Fellows, Faculty and Faculty Associates. The Postdoctoral Fellow should expect to participate in Liu events during their Fellowship and present their research in public talks at the Institute.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to:

• Organize retreats, conferences, and coauthoring workshops;
• Profile and publish their research on the Institute’s website;
• Participate in Liu events, including meeting in small invited groups with world-renowned experts;
• Engage policymakers, community and business leaders and activists; and,
• Develop and enhance their research and career goals through interaction with Liu faculty members, associates and distinguished fellows.

Teaching

Postdoctoral Fellows may teach an undergraduate course in global issues (these should be innovative, interdisciplinary, and issue-based courses not offered elsewhere at UBC). Teaching is not mandatory, and depends on the interest and initiative of the fellow. Fellows who desire to teach should include a course proposal as part of their application.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent (or expect to receive a Ph.D. before the start of the fellowship) obtained within the three-year period prior to the start of the fellowship (e.g., received their Ph.D. on or after September 1, 2009 if the start date is September 1, 2012). Outstanding candidates from across Canada and around the world are encouraged to apply. International applicants are expected to have a good working knowledge of English.

Duration and Tenure of Fellowship

The Fellowship will be awarded for one year with the possibility of renewal for another year contingent upon performance and availability of funding. The award must be taken up before September 1, 2012. International recipients will be provided with support documentation but will be responsible for obtaining appropriate visas and permits.

Value of the Fellowship

The Energy Security Postdoctoral Fellowship is valued at $45,000 per year, plus benefits.

Research and fieldwork funds of up to $5,000 are available to Liu Postdoctoral Fellows upon request; these requests should support the Institute’s interdisciplinary research and learning environment, as well as the planned research of the Fellow.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will also receive office space and full access to meeting rooms, conference facilities, and staff support at the Institute. Among other things, the Institute can assist with:

• Organizing interdisciplinary research groups;
• Grant applications, retreats, conferences, and coauthoring workshops;
• Connecting with policymakers and activists.

The offices of the Institute are fully equipped including a computer, standard software, connection to a network printer and the Internet, an email account, if needed, and a phone with voice-mail. Office space in the Institute is limited and the Postdoctoral Fellow must use the Institute office as their primary office.

Application

To apply, please email or mail the following to Sally Reay (sally.reay@ubc.ca):

• Letter of application, including an explanation of why you would like to join the Liu Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

(e.g., How do you see the Liu Postdoctoral Fellowship Program contributing to your learning/career goals? How will it build upon your prior interests and accomplishments? How do you envision contributing to the mission and activities at the Liu Institute?).

Please also propose a Liu faculty member to work with you during your time as Postdoctoral Fellow.

• Current academic CV;
• A 1-page abstract of your PhD dissertation;
• Statement of your proposed research (max. 3 pages);
• Two letters of reference
• A proposal for teaching an undergraduate course in global issues (if desired).

Applications are accepted immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2012. The position may be taken up as early as June 1, 2012, and no later than September 1, 2012.

Mailing Address:

Liu Institute for Global Issues
University of British Columbia
6476 Marine Drive NW
Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2
Canada

Requirements for Fellowship Holders

Liu Postdoctoral Fellowship holders will be required to submit a progress report annually as well as a final report at the end of their fellowship term. Fellowship holders will be expected to acknowledge Liu Institute support at presentations or seminars and in published material that result from their Liu Institute supported research.

Questions?

Please contact Sally Reay (sally.reay@ubc.ca).

School of Community and Regional Planning
Director

The University of British Columbia is seeking applications for the position of Director of the School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP).  SCARP (www.scarp.ubc.ca) is a fully accredited (Canada and USA) graduate planning program and a widely recognized leader in sustainability planning. 

We seek a dynamic individual with an excellent international research profile, a strong commitment to educational programs at the graduate level, a compelling vision for the future of SCARP at UBC, and demonstrated leadership abilities, including management, organizational, communication, and consensus-building skills.  The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall academic and non-academic leadership of the School, and will be a strong advocate for the School within the University and in the national and international arenas.Research and teaching expertise in planning and/or policy analysis related to ecological, natural resources, environmental planning and global change is required. 

The position is for a five-year term and will be available beginning July 1, 2012.  The successful candidate must be eligible to hold a tenured professorial position at the University of British Columbia, with strong preference being given to a faculty member currently at the rank of Professor.  The University of British Columbia hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.  All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Nominations are strongly encouraged and should be sent to cfis.principal@ubc.ca 

The deadline for applications is November 15, 2011; applications will be processed as soon as they are received.  Applications, including curriculum vitae, publication list and the names and addresses (including e-mail addresses when possible) of at least three references, should be sent to:

Dr. Hugh Brock, Principal
College for Interdisciplinary Studies
University of British Columbia
1855 West Mall, Vancouver, B. C.
Canada  V6T 1Z2Tel

604-827-3498, Fax 604-827-4439
E-mail: cfis.principal@ubc.ca

 

Assistant Professor (Grant-Tenure Track)
International Child Development
Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP)

The Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), a research institute in the College for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor (Grant-tenure track).

The position is for initially a term of three years and if renewal is granted, for two additional years. Renewal is dependent on funding and performance. The position is expected to begin on July 1, 2012.

Job Summary
The position is grant-funded. This position will provide leadership to HELP’s international child development and child rights monitoring program. The individual in this position will be responsible for managing project teams to implement and monitor the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in countries around the world. The work will enhance HELP’s existing work in partnership with the World Health Organization, the United Nations and UNICEF. The child rights monitoring pilot project has been completed in Tanzania and is now underway in Chile and in Canada. The proposed HELP faculty will research and publish on the learnings from this project and its implication for all countries. More broadly, the faculty will focus on deepening the understanding of the influences international on children’s development. This work was initiated through HELP’s designation as the early child development knowledge hub for the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health.

The successful candidate for this position will also be central to introducing the Early Development Instrument (EDI) internationally to countries such as China. The individual will oversee all aspects of the implementation of the EDI including establishing the scope of the initiative, as well as forging a productive working relationship with schools, community and government leaders in each country where the EDI will be implemented.

This position will be a joint appointment in the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), College for Interdisciplinary Studies and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (Food, Nutrition & Health Program). Depending on the individual’s background and expertise, there will be teaching opportunities in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (Food, Nutrition & Health Program) and the School of Population and Public Health related to the theme of international child health and development.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications
Applicants must have completed a PhD in a relevant field and have experience in working in an international setting, related to child development. The candidate will be well versed with working with and leading international organizations on a variety of projects. As well, the successful candidate will have completed a post-doctoral fellowship related to early child development and be eligible for a joint appointment with another faulty.

Applicants must be and have a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students; a proven record of excellence in teaching. Applicants must be a successful teacher capable of providing instruction at the various levels in his or her discipline.

How to Apply
Applications must include curriculum vitae, at least three reference letters, evidence of teaching effectiveness, evidence of completion of academic qualifications and a statement of research and teaching interest. Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2011.

Please send the requested materials by email to:

ATTN: Assistant Professor – International Child Development Search (HELP)
Cheryl Rubuliak, Human Resources & Administration Manager
Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia
Suite 440 – 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3
Canada

Inquiries may be addressed to cheryl.rubuliak@ubc.ca

Information about HELP is available at http://www.earlylearning.ubc.ca/

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. 

 

Assistant Professor (Grant-Tenure Track) – Developmental Trajectories
Human Early Learning Partnership

The Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP), a research institute in the College for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of British Columbia, invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor (Grant-tenure track).

The position is for initially a term of three years and if renewal is granted, for two additional years.  Renewal is dependent on funding and performance. The position is expected to begin on July 1, 2012.

Job Summary
The position is grant-funded. This position will be focused in one of HELP’s core research areas: developmental trajectories.  The successful candidate will take the lead in realizing the research potential of HELP’s immense population level data holdings that include ten years of school readiness data that is now linkable to data from the Kindergarten to Grade 12 system. The candidate will also incorporate data from the Middle Years Development Instrument a new tool (created at UBC) which monitors the social and emotional development of children in Grade 4.  The potential for deepening the understanding of the trajectories of children’s development and the relationships to school and future success with this data is great.

The candidate will also:
- Analyze statistically significant differences in the Early Development Instrument over time;
- Develop  population profiles using EDI results to understand children’s development across the subscales;
- Jointly lead the development of both the Aboriginal and the multi-cultural research agendas at HELP.

The candidate will also be the lead researcher for the Pan-Canadian Early Child Development Monitoring Forum, a national network working towards building a comprehensive system of monitoring children’s development across the country.  The researcher will access existing monitoring platforms and will collaborate on the creation of an 18 month old child development indicator.  The individual will work closely with physicians, scholars and community representatives to both inform his/her research as well as ensure there is knowledge mobilization to clinicians, policy makers, teachers, schools and community organizations with a mandate for early child development.

The candidate will be required to teach two courses per year at a graduate level.  Depending on the individual’s background and expertise, there will be teaching opportunities in the other UBC Faculties related to the theme of developmental trajectories.  
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications
Applicants must have completed a PhD in psychometrics with a specialization in child development and have recent and proven work experience in researching developmental trajectories, integrating theoretical, empirical and conceptual work on validation and methodological questions and have worked extensively with the Early Development Instrument.  As well the successful candidate will have completed a post-doctoral fellowship in early child development and be eligible for a joint appointment with another faculty.
Applicants must be and have a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students; a proven record of excellence in teaching.  Applicants must be a successful teacher capable of providing instruction at the various levels in his or her discipline.

How to Apply
Applications must include curriculum vitae, at least three reference letters, evidence of teaching effectiveness, evidence of completion of academic qualifications and a statement of research and teaching interest.  Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2011.

Please send the requested materials by email to:
ATTN: Assistant Professor - Developmental Trajectories Search (HELP)
Cheryl Rubuliak, Human Resources & Administration Manager
Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia
Suite 440 – 2206 East Mall,  Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3
Canada

Inquiries may be addressed to cheryl.rubuliak@ubc.ca
Information about HELP is available at http://www.earlylearning.ubc.ca/

 UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

 

Instructor (part-time term appointment)

Indigenous Community Planning, School of Community Planning

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Point Grey Campus

The School of Community Planning (SCARP) is seeking to recruit a part-time Instructor (term) who will teach an Indigenous Community Planning Practicum within our Masters degree in Planning. The School is introducing an Indigenous Community Planning stream in Fall 2012. Second year students in this stream will spend half of their course time in the program working under the guidance of this Instructor. The practicum will be in an Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) community, and is intended to assist students in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to work with/in indigenous communities in BC and beyond.

The successful applicant should have a Masters degree in Planning and significant documented community development and/or planning experience working with Aboriginal communities in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, and in both self-governing and non-self-governing contexts. Reference letters will be expected from at least three such communities.

 This position involves supervising a Practicum (Final Project) as a piece of community-based research and community-based action learning. Specifically, the Instructor will be experienced in Comprehensive Community Planning processes, or equivalent social planning, economic development, land use planning, governance and infrastructure planning with/in indigenous communities. They will be familiar with the relevant legislation (provincial and federal) as well as having demonstrated interpersonal and intercultural skills. They will be comfortable in a mentoring role in introducing students into an indigenous community and helping students build and navigate relationships and protocols. They must be able to spend blocks of time during each year with the students in the specific community or communities in which the practice project is located, and co-facilitate mutual student-community learning agreements. They will also be expected to work with indigenous communities in identifying and developing relevant projects for SCARP students over a 12-month period. The Instructor will be responsible for organizing collaborative review processes, and for reviewing and evaluating completed projects.

The anticipated start date is July 1, 2012. The Instructor will be appointed one year at a time for an anticipated 5-year appointment. 

For more information on our Indigenous Community Planning curriculum initiative, see www.scarp.ubc.ca or contact Leonie Sandercock  (leonies@exchange.ubc.ca) 

Nominations are strongly encouraged and should be sent to: gurstein@exchange.ubc.ca 

 The closing date for applications is 15 December 2011; applications will be processed as soon as they are received. Applicants should submit a CV and three reference letters from Aboriginal communities with whom they have worked.

Applications should be sent to: 

Dr. Penny Gurstein,
Director School of Community & Regional Planning/ Centre for Human Settlements
University of British Columbia
433 - 6333 Memorial Road
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Ph: 604-822-6065; FAX: 604-822-3787
e-mail: gurstein@exchange.ubc.ca
SCARP: www.scarp.ubc.ca / CHS: www.chs.ubc.ca 

 UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

 

Postdoctoral Fellow – Nippon Foundation Senior Fellow
Fisheries Centre

 

A two-year Postdoctoral fellowship is available with the Nereus – Predicting the Future Ocean Program at the Fisheries Centre of the University of British Columbia, Point Grey Campus, Vancouver BC, Canada. The Nereus Program is a new, long-term multi-institutional marine science program, established in cooperation between The Nippon Foundation and The University of British Columbia. Nereus is focused on evaluating alternative future scenarios for the global ocean, with a focus on future seafood supply and on the ecological integrity of life in the ocean.

The position will focus on assessment and analysis of global fisheries economics and on forecasting future trends with a focus on seafood supply and food security. Successful applicants to this position will need a strong publication record, academic and/or professional experience in the expansion of marine fisheries and seafood markets, and marine science and fisheries management at global and regional scales. The successful applicant will have a PhD in a related discipline, proven track record conducting interdisciplinary research combining physical ocean science, ecological processes, and geospatial analysis methods with a focus on fisheries management issues. Because of the multi-disciplinarity and international scope of the Nereus Program, prospective candidates with direct experience in international ocean management and policy, and economic analysis will be given preference.

Please send applications with CV and names and contact information for three references to: Mr David Le, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada, by e-mail to: d.le@fisheries.ubc.ca (subject: “Nereus Fellowship application”). The closing date for all applications is October 5, 2011. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2012 or as soon as possible. Postdoctoral Fellow appointments are made one year at a time, and are normally renewable up to 3 years.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

 

Post-Doctoral Position in Computational Sustainability

 Institute for Resources, Environment and  Sustainability and Department of Computer Science, (AI Lab)

 

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding postdoctoral researcher with a solid background in Artificial Intelligence AI (decision-support systems, ontology development, and preference elicitation) and possibly working knowledge in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). The ideal candidate will also be familiar with basic sustainability concepts. Knowledge about sustainability frameworks and indices as well as wastewater management would also be an advantage. The post holder will contribute to the Water Energy Nexus project, with the core aim of developing and testing a prototype decision-making tool to assist different stake-holders in the selection of context-specific solutions for sustainable waste water management.  The candidate will also help supervise and coordinate graduate students involved in the research effort, and may also contribute to several ongoing sustainability related courses being offered at UBC. The project involves an interdisciplinary team from the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence, wastewater engineering, ecosystem services, economy and well-being, eco-hydrology, analytical chemistry, risk perception, water governance and equity issues.

Download pdf of job description here.