Job Opportunities

The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) seeks candidates for an Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) full-time, Chemical Oceanography / Marine Biogeochemistry with an expected start date of July 2024.

We seek a scholar who will conduct innovative research and contribute strongly to teaching programs with a focus on open ocean and/or coastal water chemistry. The candidate will have a strong interest in developing and applying geochemical tools to investigate the processes that control the distribution, sources, sinks, and biogeochemical cycling of marine elements, molecules, and/or their isotopic compositions, and using this information to resolve the interplay between chemical, biological, geological, and physical processes that control the chemical composition of seawater, its spatiotemporal variability, and its response to changing marine conditions.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Earth or marine sciences, environmental chemistry, oceanography, or a related discipline at the time of appointment, and will have made, or show promise of making, impactful contributions to knowledge of ocean chemistry. Candidates should possess a strong record of research productivity commensurate with their experience, or if limited in opportunities to demonstrate this, be able to communicate a strong vision for research in the field of chemical oceanography. The candidate will be expected to develop a robust, externally funded, and internationally-recognized research program, successfully supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, effectively teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Chemical Oceanography and related fields, and participate in departmental activities. Evidence of teaching excellence and interest in innovative teaching methods is welcomed. An interest in contributing to field-based learning experiences is also desirable, but not required.

They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systemically margin-alized.

EOAS is a dynamic, inter-disciplinary Earth Sciences department, with research and teaching interests spanning the history of Earth and its functioning from the core to the stratosphere (http://www.eoas.ubc.ca/). This position will build on EOAS's internationally recognized strength in oceanographic research, with the potential to bridge to other disciplines investigating broader interactions of the ocean with the Earth system. EOAS houses state-of-the-art chemical clean laboratories and analytical instrumentation at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) and at the Microbeam and X-ray Diffraction Facility. UBC is also home to numerous shared research facilities, and provides access to a wide range of field sampling opportunities in coastal and offshore marine environments in the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.

UBC and EOAS strive to be leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a commitment to representation. UBC's strategic plan identifies inclusion as one of our key priorities. We welcome colleagues with the experiences and competencies to contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity and diversity throughout campus life, and all candidates with experience and interest in supporting historically and currently marginalized groups in their teaching or research, building on existing efforts across the UBC Faculty of Science (https://science.ubc.ca/faculty/diversity).

The Vancouver campus of UBC is situated on traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam).

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

How to apply: Candidates can submit their applications through the following link: https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/chemocean-eoas-1

They should upload a single PDF file that includes:

• a cover letter,
• a detailed curriculum vitae,
• a one-page summary of research interests and accomplishments,
• a one-page outline of a potential five-year research program, including potential funding sources,
• a one-page statement of teaching philosophy,
• up to three recent publications (or other research contributions), and
• the names and contact information for three referees.
• Diversity statement (1 page) describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion.

The closing date for applications is October 1, 2023, at which point referees will be contacted for those applicants selected for further consideration to provide letters within a three-week timeframe. We aim to conduct in-person interviews before the end of 2023. The successful applicant will be expected to start as soon as July 2024, or at a date of mutual agreement. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.

Questions should be directed to the Search Committee at jobs@eoas.ubc.ca

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. 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, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate's record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration. 

Also, within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed by contacting eliu@eoas.ubc.ca

The Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS; www.eoas.ubc.ca) in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) seeks a global research leader in isotope geochemistry and geochronology for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC).

Reporting to the Head of EOAS, the successful candidate will hold a PhD in geosciences or a related discipline. They will be an established researcher and have received wide recognition for their sustained accomplishments in high-temperature geo/thermochronology or isotope geochemistry. The successful candidate will have extensive analytical experience, a publication record demonstrating impactful scientific contributions, demonstrated excellence in teaching and supervision at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and a strong track record of attracting research funding. In addition to research and teaching, the successful candidate will contribute to ongoing academic leadership of geochemical and geochronologic research for the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR; https://pcigr.ubc.ca). They will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systematically marginalized. The successful candidate will be eligible to be hired as a tenured Professor or Associate Professor in the Department of EOAS at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Salary will be commensurate with experience and scholarly record. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

EOAS is the most academically-diverse and productive Earth science department in Canada, consistently rated in the top 10-15 programs globally. The department encompasses a wide range of disciplines from geology and mineral exploration to oceanography and atmospheric sciences, each of which applies the tools of geochemistry to address fundamental research problems. The diversity of research and analytical capabilities in EOAS offers a broad intellectual context and cutting-edge tools to explore inter-disciplinary research questions. PCIGR is one of the most advanced analytical facilities in the world for geochemical research, with state-of-the-art instrumentation for ultra-sensitive and precise analysis of trace elements and isotopes in a wide range of Earth system materials (from mantle plumes and ocean sediments to bivalves and honey). Over the past two decades, academic, industry, and government researchers from across UBC and around the world have used PCIGR to advance fundamental understanding of the Earth system, while also applying this knowledge to better understand the formation of economically-significant ore deposits. Isotope geochemistry and geochronology are central to EOAS' strength and to UBC’s strong industry partnerships: the EOAS-based Mineral Deposit Research Unit (https://mdru.ubc.ca) is one of the world’s strongest academic-industry mineral exploration partnerships, working to drive innovation in mineral exploration, a key sector of the BC and Canadian economy.

The Vancouver campus of UBC is situated on traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəyə̓m (Musqueam).

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for a Tier 1 CRC position. Tier 1 CRC nominees must be Professors or Associate Professors who are expected to be promoted to the Professor rank within one or two years of the nomination. The Canada Research Chairs Program supports outstanding researchers in areas that will further UBC's strategic research plan. All Chair nominations are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat. Please consult the Canada Research Chairs website (https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca) for full program information and further details on eligibility criteria.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. 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, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

In accordance with UBC's CRC Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan, and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, the selection will be restricted to members of the following designated groups: Indigenous Peoples, women and gender minorities (transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary and Two-Spirit people), persons with disabilities and racialized minorities.

Also, within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed by contacting Jennifer Barker ( ).

How to apply:

(1) All applicants are required to self-identify as a member of one or more of the four designated groups using the equity survey [https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6WJHol7SfPxRMu9]. Self-identification is necessary for the University to achieve equity targets set by the CRC Program. This information will be stored in a secure database and made available only to members of the adjudication committee.

Personal information is collected under the authority of sections 26(a) and 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information provided by applicants will only be used to determine whether they qualify for participation in this hiring process. Data will be collected by the Equity & Inclusion Office and only the names of those who identify as Indigenous Peoples, women and gender minorities (transgender, gender-fluid, non-binary and Two-Spirit people), persons with disabilities and racialized minorities will be shared with the search committee.

(2) A complete application submitted here (https://www.eoas.ubc.ca/crc-geochron-eoas-1) package includes:

• Cover letter outlining your qualifications (up to 4 pages),
• Detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications,
• Research statement describing accomplishments, and analytical experience (up to 3 pages)
• Outline of a potential five-year research program, including potential funding sources (up to 5 pages),
• Teaching statement and supervision philosophy (up to 3 pages),
• Diversity statement (one page) describing your lived background experience (if comfortable), and your past experience and future plans regarding working with a diverse student body, and contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion,
• Three recent publications, and 
• Names and contact information of at least four referees.

Deadline for applications is December 1, 2023 with the goal of nominating candidates for the April 2024 national CRC competition. Questions should be directed to the Search Committee at