Volume 26 No. 21

May 24, 2022

Employment & Opportunities

SCIE 300 TAships 2022W - UBC

SCIE 300 is a required course in the Combined Major in Science program within the Faculty of Science. The course introduces students to a variety of methods for communicating scientific information. It is divided broadly into two main sections: communicating science within the scientific community (e.g. writing a scientific paper and giving presentations), and communicating science to a broader, non-expert audience (e.g. writing in journalistic style, blogging, and producing podcasts and videos).

SCIE 300 is a multi-section course. In 2022W, three sections are scheduled in Term 1 and three in Term 2. The sections have a MWF timeslot: 9:00 am, 11:00 am, and 12:00 pm in Term 1 and 11am, 12pm and 1pm in Term 2). In addition, on Tuesdays all sections (in both terms) meet together at 12:30pm. The TA will need to be available for at least one of the MWF timeslots and the Tuesday timeslot.

Given the goals of SCIE 300 and the multifaceted nature of the course, the TA must have:

  • strong written and oral communication skills
  • demonstrable experience writing in scientific style (e.g. research papers) and writing for non-expert audiences (e.g. in journalistic style)
  • the ability to give useful feedback on written assignments
  • experience interpreting scientific data for the purpose of writing a report
  • strong time management and organizational skills
  • familiarity using a reference management tool, preferably RefWorks

Additional desirable expertise include:

  • experience with blogging using the WordPress platform
  • experience creating audio podcasts (using the software Audacity) and short videos (using either iMovie or Windows Movie Maker)
  • familiarity with UBC’s learning management system, Canvas

Number of positions available: two-full time positions (or an equivalent combination of full- and half-time positions) in Term 1 and two-full time positions (or an equivalent combination of full- and half-time positions) in Term 2.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and samples of their writing or other relevant artefacts to Vishakha Monga ( ) by June 10th.

Geography Sessional Lecturer Posting Winter 2022 - UBC

List of Sessional Lecturer positions available in Geography for the 2022 Winter Session can be found here. There are 32 courses listed for this coming year. If you are interested, application should be submitted using this link.

Tenure-Track Position in Geomicrobiology - The University of Western Ontario

The Department of Earth Sciences in the Faculty of Science at the University of Western Ontario (Western) invites applications for a probationary (tenure-track) position in Geomicrobiology at the Assistant Professor level. The applicant must demonstrate a record of excellent research and strong commitment to teaching, appropriate to the applicants career stage, within the broad area of geomicrobiology and related fields. A strong background and a compelling interest in the processes coupling the geosphere and the biosphere (past and present) are essential in the applicant. These processes might include, but are not limited to, microbiological applications in environmental science (biological remediation of environmental contaminants, biomineralization processes in the remediation and reprocessing of mine tailings), economic geology (microbial-catalyzed processes in mineral deposit geology and microbially enhanced oil recovery), astrobiology (extremophile behaviour, origin and evolution of life on Earth, and the search for life in the Universe), and/or biogeophysics (biogeobatteries and changes to near-subsurface properties due to microbial interactions with geological materials, e.g. biofilm clogging of porosity).

A strong track record of scientific achievements, as demonstrated by publications in leading journals and a proven aptitude for interdisciplinary research, is essential. Interest in field-oriented research would also be an asset. The successful candidate is expected to pursue and establish an externally funded research program that is recognized and competitive at the national and international levels. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary environment and build upon research strengths and capacity that align with the strategic plans of the Department, the Faculty of Science, and the University. A strong commitment to effective teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels will be apparent from the successful candidates teaching statement and letters of reference. The candidate must demonstrate an aptitude for interdisciplinary teaching, as the successful candidate will teach in Western’s Integrated Science (WISc) program.

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in an Earth Sciences field (Geology/Geophysics), Biology/Microbiology, or a related field, with research and publications encompassing the interface between Earth Sciences and Biology. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About Western: Western University strives to deliver an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. The Western Integrated Science (WISc) undergraduate program was initiated almost a decade ago and boasts career-ready graduates. Click here for more information.

About the Department: The Department of Earth Sciences (the Department) is one of seven departments in the Faculty of Science at Western. The Departments research and teaching programs encompass a broad range of complementary and interrelated geoscience disciplines that fall within four themes: Earth and Planetary Systems, Resource Geoscience, Tectonic Processes and Crustal Dynamics, and Earth Evolution: Life, Climate and Environment. Further information can be found here. In July 2021, Westerns undergraduate Environmental Science program officially moved within the purview of the Department. The Department currently offers programs for professional registration in Geology, Geophysics, and in Environmental Geoscience. The multi-disciplinarity of the Departments expertise has resulted in teaching and research collaborations across Westerns campus, such as with Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Law, Physics & Astronomy, Statistics & Actuarial Sciences, and Visual Arts. We also have strong ties to the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (Western Space), and our collaborative graduate program in planetary science is unique in Canada. The Department of Earth Sciences is committed to improving Equity and Diversity in our university community in line with policies such as the strategic planning by our Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

Applications must include the following:
1) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position
2) a detailed curriculum vitae*
3) a maximum two-page document describing the candidates proposed research program
4) a maximum two-page statement describing teaching philosophy and teaching interests
5) the names and email addresses of 3 references
6) Applicants must also complete and submit the Faculty Relations application form

*Western recognizes the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement, and potential candidates are encouraged to list career disruptions. If feasible, candidates are encouraged to explain within their application the impact these career interruptions have had and to submit a full career or extended CV. The application should be submitted as a single PDF file to , Department of Earth Sciences. Applications will be reviewed starting June 19, 2022 and will continue to be considered until the position is filled. The preferred starting date is January 2023, but is negotiable.

Environmental Assessment / Referrals Coordinator - METLAKATLA STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY

The Metlakatla Stewardship Society (MSS) has an exciting and immediate opening for a full-time Environmental Assessment / Referrals Coordinator. This position will be responsible to support the process of managing and responding to incoming referral and project development applications. The successful candidate will ensure the monitoring and protection of key values and resources in Metlakatla Territory.

Responsibilities:
General

  • Receive, track, assess and respond to incoming project development applications according to agreed-upon timelines.
  • Participate in and represent Metlakatla interests throughout provincially and federally regulated environmental review processes. Duties may include reviewing project applications for technical and scientific rigour, participating in working group meetings, conducting field visits, and interacting with project proponents and regulators to ensure Metlakatla’s interests are adequately addressed and protected throughout the environmental assessment process.
  • Contribute to ongoing development and implementation of Stewardship and Land and Marine Use Plans.
  • Work towards the continued implementation of land use protocols such as those outlined in the BC-CFN Reconciliation Protocol, Collaborative Management Agreements, etc.
  • Liaise and coordinate with other departments and Metlakatla organizations to ensure consistency in response to regulators.
  • Cross-reference Traditional Use data with project applications and environmental assessments to ensure Metlakatla’s Indigenous rights and interests are protected.
  • Carry out basic GIS functions to understand project impacts on Metlakatla’s Indigenous Rights.
  • Track time spent on each project to ensure budgets are charged appropriately.
  • Participate in and help coordinate/organize community meetings related to project developments.
  • Draft community newsletter articles related to referrals and/or Environmental Assessments.
  • Work with MSS field staff and Guardian Program to coordinate fieldwork/monitoring opportunities related to Environmental Assessments and referrals.
  • Maintain MSS’ referrals-tracking software and ensure it is functioning as intended.
  • Perform other duties within the scope of the position, as required

Competencies and Qualifications:

  • Degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.
  • Experience conducting technical reviews of scientific studies.
  • Understanding of Metlakatla values with respect to natural resource management or willingness to learn.
  • Basic understanding of GIS, Google Earth and Microsoft Office Applications.
  • Awareness of data and communication security and confidentiality.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, colleagues, and government officials.
  • Ability to synthesize, translate and present complex information to various audiences.
  • Hard working with the ability to prioritize and deliver multiple projects within tight time constraints.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • The successful candidate must be fully COVID vaccinated (at least 2 vaccines) and remain in full compliance with all Public Health Orders (PHOs) and MSS policies throughout their employment.

Submission Deadline:

  • Open until filled.
  • To further explore this opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter about yourself and why you think this could be the right opportunity at this point in your career in the strictest confidence to the Director of Human Resources:

News & Events

MSc Thesis Defense: Polina Orlov    

Title: The fate of salp blooms: decomposition and sinking of salp carcasses

Date & Time: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 10:30 am

Location: ESB 5104 & Zoom

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