Employment & Opportunities

SEEDS Sustainability Program Job Posting - University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) SEEDS Sustainability Program is hiring! Join our SEEDS team within Campus + Community Planning as a Project Developer. Lead and facilitate impactful applied student research, interdisciplinary partnerships and program activities that advance UBC’s ambitious sustainability and wellbeing commitments, policies and plans, and contribute to impactful student sustainability learning and research experiences through our long standing Campus as Living Laboratory (CLL) program. This is a 2-year full time contract, with opportunities for renewal. 

Learn more and apply by December 1st via UBC Careers (Job ID: JR10549).

About SEEDS:

SEEDS is a long standing Campus as Living Laboratory initiative with a mandate to advance UBC’s sustainability, climate and wellbeing commitments, UBC’s Strategic Plan, and help advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as they align with the University’s strategic priorities through interdisciplinary partnerships, applied student research and advisory guidance. SEEDS serves as the Research & Development (R&D) arm within UBC’s Campus + Community Planning Department to inform operational sustainability policy development and implementation through research and partnership development. SEEDS “Big 5” Research Priorities represent key interconnected societal issues that advance knowledge and action on UBC’s sustainability and wellbeing commitments, and are periodically adapted to ensure alignment with the UBC’s sustainability and strategic priorities. Current priorities include: 1) Accelerate Climate Action, 2) Maintain & Enhance Urban Biodiversity, 3) Enable the Great Food Transformation, 4) Create Circular & Regenerative Economies, and 5) Foster Community Wellbeing & Inclusion. Collaborative interdisciplinary initiatives spanning climate, biodiversity and food systems work in parallel to advance SEEDS Big 5 Research Priorities and UBC’s broader sustainability and wellbeing commitments. Every year, upwards of 100 applied student research projects with approximately 1000 SEEDS participants including UBC  undergraduate and graduate students,  operational staff and campus community partners and faculty. SEEDS research results in tangible impacts including informing the development, implementation and influencing decision making on campus policy commitments, spanning UBC’s Climate Action Plan, Climate Emergency Declaration, Green Building Action Plan, Zero Waste Action Plan, Transportation Action Plan, Wellbeing Strategic Framework, AMS Sustainability Action Plan among others. SEEDS collaborations provide opportunities with students to lead impactful applied research, learning and professional experiences, and faculty opportunities to connect their curriculum and expertise to advance UBC’s sustainability and wellbeing commitments, and address critical societal challenges by utilizing “Campus as a Living Laboratory”.

Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Opportunities in Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry - Trent University

The Ecosystems and Global Change Group at Trent University jointly led by Prof Andrew Tanentzap (Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems) and Dr Erik Emilson (Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service sector of Natural Resources Canada) is recruiting up to 5 funded positions for Autumn 2023 at the intersect of ecosystem ecology, microbiology, and geochemistry in northern waters and soils.

What we can offer: Our research training environment features some of the most advanced environmental research infrastructure in Canada, including access to a Fourier transform – ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, long-read (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing facility, radioisotope and stable isotope labs, and eddy covariance systems, with extensive support for field research (ATVs, snowmobiles, autonomous surface vessel). As our team partners with government scientists, you will have a unique opportunity to influence environmental policy and make connections outside of academic to bolster your career.

All postgraduate candidates are paid $22k/year, considerably more than minimum stipends at Trent, and we can offer competitive wages for postdocs (starting $55k/yr + benefits). Peterborough is one of the most affordable and desirable places to live in Ontario, offering the best of urban (70 mins to Toronto) and rural living all under 30 minutes to the heart of the Kawarthas that boasts endless lakes and forests to explore. Our group supports flexible working arrangements and supports applicants from diverse backgrounds as we strive to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.

1) Postdoctoral researcher – Leakiness of natural climate solutions (2 yrs of initial funding) Forest management is a pillar of mitigating climate change. But forests lose vast amounts of organic matter into receiving waters that risks offsetting their ability to sequester atmospheric carbon. You will quantify the amount of carbon lost from boreal forests into lakes by establishing two eddy flux covariance towers in northwestern Ontario, Canada. You will trace the flow of carbon seasonally and characterise the biogeochemical drivers and impacts to inform an eventual catchment-level experiment. You will have experience with geospatial modelling and gas exchange measurements.

2) MSc or PhD – Tracing pathogens released into a warming Arctic When perennially-frozen ground known as permafrost formed millennia ago, it locked away past microorganisms into a deep freeze. Yet many of these microbes can replicate once thawed, even after tens-of-thousands of years. As the Arctic warms nearly four-times faster than the rest of the globe, there is a large risk of novel bacteria and viruses being released into the environment. Working with Indigenous and Health Canada partners, this project will use eDNA approaches to identify novel microbial pathogens released from thawing permafrost and track their movement in the Canadian Arctic. Experience working with genomics data is an asset.

3) MSc or PhD – Salmon rivers under the cumulative effects of climate and forest change Salmonids depend on clean, productive forested headwaters that under threat from the cumulative effects of climate change, forest management pressures, and associated forest change. This project will investigate the interactive effects of climate change and forest management on basal food webs of forested headwaters of salmonid-bearing rivers. You will explore how microbial community composition, productivity, and function differ along space-for-time gradients of climate change and forest management histories (logging and post-harvest silviculture). You will have access to pre-existing datasets from sites across Canada and the chance to establish additional sites.

4) PhD – The ecological role of chemical diversity under a warming climate Organic matter consists of thousands of unique molecules of varying origin and composition, but we know little about how this chemical diversity influences biological processes. In this PhD, you will test how ecosystem function varies with the composition of organic matter in freshwaters and soils across a space-for-time gradient of future climate change. You will have experience with some of the following: greenhouse gas measurements, ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry, microbial ecology, statistical analyses. The outcomes of this research will help improve the predictions of Earth system models and guide management of interventions to protect ecosystem health.

5) PhD – The global pulse of dissolved organic matter Climate change is occurring unevenly throughout the year with unknown consequences for the large flux of carbon that moves annually through freshwater. This project will leverage existing FT-ICR MS datasets, including monthly measurements from 70 sites worldwide, to analyse seasonality in dissolved organic matter of lakes and identify drivers of their thermal responses. By building models to predict organic matter composition from remote sensing data, you will scale your findings globally. You will have enthusiasm for working with “big data” and statistical modelling.

6) MSc/PhD – Your own project! We are interested in working with applicants motivated to develop their own research project in the areas described above and on our websites. Reach out with your ideas!

How to apply: Please email Andrew Tanentzap ( ) with a CV and a description of what you hope to get out of working with us, how your research interests are a good fit to our group, and how your past experiences make you suitable for the independent and often challenging nature of research. Positions will remain open until they are filled.

Science Technician II, Geology - Saint Mary's University

Date Posted: November 22, 2022
Posting Deadline: December 13, 2022
Department: Department of Geology
Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-time
Group Affiliation: Bargaining Unit 79, Group 9 ($53,675 - $65,607 annually)

At Saint Mary’s University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University’s success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Science Technician II, Geology to join our Department of Geology team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary’s, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Department of Geology Chairperson, the Science Technician II, Geology will:

• Provide technical and support to the Geology Department, including procures, sets up or calibrates, operates, and maintains analytical instrumentation, equipment, supplies and sample collections for research and teaching.
• Instruct faculty and students in the proper use of department analytical instrumentation, and other equipment for research and teaching.
• Maintain and operate (data collection and quality control) mineralogical and geochemical analytical instrumentation utilized for research and teaching including, but not restricted to, mass spectrometers and gas chromatographs, heating-freezing microthermometry stages, confocal Raman microscope, cathodoluminescence, microscope, furnaces, ovens, portable and bench top X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, and various field equipment.
• Provide training for and allocates and checks work assignment of student assistants.
• Liaise with salespersons and views research and teaching equipment demonstrations. Advises Chairperson on teaching and research equipment purchases faculty on new or improved equipment available.
• Prepare technical purchase order requisitions and orders, receives, checks, and distributes incoming equipment and materials.
• Obtain licenses, permits, insurance and safety certifications, and customs clearance for teaching and research equipment, materials, and software.
• Assist chairperson, faculty, and other staff in implementing safety policy in laboratories and teaching classrooms in the Department.

The Collective Agreement can be viewed here.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Science Technician II, Geology you will have:

• Undergraduate Degree.
• Graduate-level degree in Geology, Earth Sciences or Chemistry (inorganic chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry) would be an asset.
• Minimum of two years’ related experience.
• Direct experience using geoscience-related analytical instruments, that may include mass spectrometers, gas chromatographs, XRF, SEM, etc.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to function independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Proficiency in ArcView, CorelDraw, Excel and RockWorks would be an asset.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on “Apply Now” and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary’s University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at .

Tenure-Track position in Mineral Systems - University of Toronto

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto is seeking applications for a tenure-track position in Mineral Systems.  Details can be found via below links.  

Due date is Jan 31st, 2023.  

To Apply:

Assistant Professor - Mineral Systems

Associate Professor/Professor - Mineral Systems

Post-doctoral Fellowship in Environment and Water Policy - Toronto Metropolitan University

We are pleased to announce the new Geoffrey F. Bruce Post-doctoral Fellowship in Environment and Freshwater Policy at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

This is an exciting opportunity for a leading-edge researcher to advance their career and policy-relevant research through a post-doctoral fellowship position focused on research partnerships, applied research, high impact publications, and knowledge mobilization activities.

The Geoffrey F. Bruce Post-doctoral Fellowship in Environment and Freshwater Policy has been generously funded by Dr. Erika v.C. Bruce in honour of her late husband's life-long commitment to the environment and freshwater policy. It is also supported by the Faculty of Arts at TMU.

The new post-doctoral fellowship position builds on Erika Bruce's previous donation to establish the Geoffrey F. Bruce Fellowship in Canadian Freshwater Policy - a significant investment in the next generation of water policy leaders in Canada. 

If you have any questions about TMU or the position, please contact Professor Carolyn Johns at  .

Review of applications will begin in early January 2023. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

News & Events

PhD Thesis Defense: Florian Lueskow

Title: Hidden diversity in gelatinous zooplankton assemblages from selected Pacific Ocean ecosystems

Date & Time: Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 12:30 PM

Location: Zoom

PhD Thesis Defense: Nicole Williamson

Title: Geochemistry of shield basalts from Kaua'i, Hawai'i: exploring the emergence of the Hawaiian geochemical trends

Date & Time: Monday, December 5, 2022 at 4:00 PM

Location: Room 200 - Graduate Student Centre

Announcing: FISH 506I (Term 2) - Co-Creating Aquatic Science - UBC

This course, co-created with members of the Haida Nation, will train and empower the next generation of researchers seeking to co-create science for the betterment of aquatic systems.

Co-Creating Aquatic Science is an interdisciplinary, multi-generational, and profoundly relational course. Offered virtually for the first time in January 2023 as a special topics course, we encourage applications by December 1 from prospective students and learners of all levels.

The curriculum and assignments centre community research needs, interests, and priorities. The course will be taught by Dr. Andrea Reid (Nisga’a Nation) and a community-based instructor, and will feature guests and knowledge-holders (leaders, scientists, and community members), with emphasis on knowledge-holders from the Haida Nation. Students will work together to complete a “priority project” benefiting the Haida community. The course will end with an in-person capstone gathering (contingent on public and local health orders).

IOF SEMINAR, “Conservation and Livelihoods: A case study from coastal Mozambique” - December 2, 2022

Historically there have always been tensions between rural livelihoods and environmental protection and conservation. Unfortunately, after decades of trialling sustainable livelihood approaches, the above quote from Ireland et al. (2004), still remains true. This presentation delves into the tensions between biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods using examples from projects TLLG (The Landscapes and Livelihoods Group) have worked on. It provides a brief historical background on how livelihoods came to be a key consideration in conservation work, how livelihoods are conceptualised in the literature and practice, and summarises some key challenges faced in developing conservation initiatives that account for and build on sustainable rural livelihoods. In the second half of the presentation, Dr. Wosu will present on how she and her colleagues from TLLG are approaching the challenge of conservation and livelihoods using project examples and some of the changes we are working to make in the conservation sector in order to put rural livelihoods at the centre of achieving environmental outcomes.

Speaker: Dr. Adaoma Wosu. The Landscapes and Livelihoods Group

Time & Location: Friday, December 2, 2022 - 11:00am  - 12 noon. Over Zoom

UBC members, alumni, and all others, please RSVP at here.