Assistant Professor of the Social Dimensions of Wildfire in University of British Columbia – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Summary

The University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship seeks a tenure‑track Assistant Professor to advance research and teaching on the social dimensions of wildfire. The role involves investigating wildfire impacts on communities, especially Indigenous and rural populations, developing mitigation strategies, and contributing to undergraduate and graduate programs. Candidates must hold a PhD related to wildfire’s social aspects, demonstrate expertise in social‑science methods, and have experience working with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders. The position offers a salary of $130,000‑$150,000 CAD, a comprehensive benefits package, and a start date of 1 July 2027. Applications close on 12 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Forest Resources Management
Position Type	Assistant Professor (tenure-track)
Discipline	Forestry
Research Area	Social dimensions of wildfire
Degree Required	PhD
Salary	$130,000 to $150,000 CAD
Funding	Salary
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-12
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The position will develop interdisciplinary research on how wildfire affects societies, particularly rural and Indigenous communities in Canada, and will explore effective mitigation, risk reduction, and policy approaches to improve community resilience and ecosystem services.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on social impacts of wildfire in Canada
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Faculty of Forestry
• Contribute to curriculum development and student mentorship
• Engage with Indigenous peoples, communities, NGOs, and decision‑makers
• Participate in knowledge mobilization and outreach activities

Required Skills

• Expertise assessing multi‑faceted wildfire impacts on society
• Familiarity with social‑science research methods
• Experience working with Indigenous peoples and community partners
• Knowledge of wildfire mitigation strategies
• Scientific publishing and grant‑writing ability
• Effective verbal and written communication in English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a PhD focused on the social aspects of wildfire, strong expertise in social‑science research methods, experience collaborating with Indigenous peoples and community stakeholders, a record of scientific publishing and grant acquisition, and the ability to teach and mentor students at undergraduate and graduate levels should apply.

Benefits

• Salary range $130,000‑$150,000 CAD
• Comprehensive benefits package (see UBC HR benefits)

About the Employer

UBC’s Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship is a globally recognized institution conducting national and international research and offering undergraduate education in forest resources, operations, urban forestry, natural resources conservation, bioeconomy, and wood products processing. The Faculty is situated on the traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People and is committed to reconciliation and inclusive excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

12 November 2026

What salary range is offered?

$130,000 to $150,000 CAD

Who can be contacted for accommodation requests?

Dr. Janette Bulkan at [email protected]