Aurora
Aurora is our weekly newsletter aimed at faculty, staff, and students of the department.
Aurora is our weekly newsletter aimed at faculty, staff, and students of the department.
The Faculty of Science invites applications for part-time Sessional Lecturer positions to teach SCIE 113, the First Year Seminar Course in Science in 2025 Winter Term. We are seeking multiple individuals to teach 1, 2 or maximum 3 sections in Term 1 and/or Term 2.
Course Description: UBC's First-Year Seminar in Science is a 3-credit course which offers a small-class experience where students learn about what science is and how it is done. In this course, students learn to develop and analyze arguments, read scientific literature, and interpret data; these skills are then used to write argumentative essays. We also explore how society influences science, and how science influences society, including issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Job Description: Primary duties include teaching interactive classes three times per week to first-year undergraduate science students and providing feedback and grades on assignments. The course curriculum is well defined, and sessional lecturers will be provided with a detailed lesson plan and pre-prepared course site on the UBC learning management system. Additional duties include collaborating with graduate teaching assistants and attending teaching team meetings. Term 1 is expected to run from September 2nd to December 20th, 2025, and Term 2 from January 5th to April 25th, 2026.
Candidates should have a PhD in any field of science, and relevant teaching experience at the post-secondary level, ideally with experience teaching writing or communication. Experience with the Canvas learning management system is an asset.
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.
Application Instructions: Applications should include an up-to-date curriculum vitae and cover letter. Names of references will be requested from short-listed candidates. The application deadline is two weeks from the date of this job posting. Applications should be emailed to the course coordinator Ryan Liew at ryan.liew@ubc.ca .
UNBC invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow (PDF) or research associate (RA) with extensive experience with climate data and statistical analyses. Candidates must have strong technical, programming, computational and communication skills. Applicants with significant experience in programming for large‑scale data analysis and visualization — using platforms such as R, Python, Matlab, and/or GIS (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) — are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the environmental, atmospheric or hydrological sciences, or equivalent experience, and preference will be given to those with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Applicants must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment and have the ability to disseminate their findings in peer-reviewed publications and through presentations at conferences.
The successful candidate will be based at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in Prince George, BC, and will work closely with a provincial government partner and other collaborators. UNBC is fully committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications from women, aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and the LGBTQ2S+ community. The full-time position (35 hours/week) will span at least one year with possibility of a renewal depending on funding availability and satisfactory progress.
Project Description: Atmospheric Rivers (ARs), extended but narrow corridors of tropospheric moisture, play a dual role in replenishing critical freshwater supplies while also causing extreme precipitation events across British Columbia (BC), Canada. Thus, ARs represent both an opportunity for freshwater recharge and a challenge for managing flood risks to our forests, waterways, infrastructure, and communities. As the climate continues to change, it is anticipated that ARs will increase in intensity. However, the way in which AR precipitation and precipitation extremes may evolve is not yet fully understood. In this context, this Research Project explores the changing characteristics of ARs making landfall in BC and their effects on water resources. Specifically, this Research Project will: (i) quantify the changing contribution of ARs to precipitation and extreme precipitation in BC in recent years and the near to long-term future under different climate change scenarios; (ii) examine the role of ARs in moderating drought in BC; (iii) analyze the potential impacts of ARs on snowpacks through rain-on-snow (ROS) events; and (iv) assess the implications of these changes for BC’s water management strategies.
To Apply: Interested applicants should contact Dr. Stephen Déry at sdery@unbc.ca with a cover letter highlighting research and computational experience relevant to this position, an up-to-date curriculum vitae or résumé, unofficial university transcripts, and the names of at least two potential references. Salary will be commensurate with past experience and expertise, will be within the range of $55,000-$60,000 annually and will include a highly competitive benefits package. The application deadline is Thursday 31 July 2025 or until the position is filled. The position will start in summer or fall of 2025.
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30) summit is taking place in Belém, Brazil, from Nov. 10 -21, 2025.
Current UBC students, faculty, and staff are now invited to apply to join UBC's virtual delegation to observe the international climate negotiation process, do primary research, and build global climate connections and partnerships.
Applications are open until July 8.
Learn more
The UBC Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning: Foundations, Finance and Implementation is a 10-week program that helps policymakers, planners, and industry players gain the knowledge, skills and tools to put climate action planning into practice within organizations and communities. Developed by a team of faculty and experts associated with UBC’s Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Sustainability Hub and Campus and Community Planning, this program is designed to empower the climate champions that Canada and the world need.
*Early bird discount of $390 (20%) available until June 30.*