Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Agriculture Policy in University of British Columbia – Canada

Summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Sustainable Agriculture Policy and Future Scenarios to join the Perennial Ecosystem Restoration for Carbon Sequestration (PERCS) project. This full-time position, based at the UBC Vancouver Campus, involves investigating patterns and drivers of perennial restoration in British Columbia, evaluating existing policies, and assessing opportunities for improving the policy landscape. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations. A PhD in a related social science field is required, along with a strong research record and knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector. The initial contract is for one year, with a possibility of renewal. The expected salary is $70,000 per year plus benefits. Applications are accepted until November 29, 2026, with full consideration for those received by September 30, 2026. The preferred start date is January 1, 2027.

Key Facts

Department	Research Juliet Lu Lab Department of Forest Resources Management
Position Type	Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Discipline	Social Science
Research Area	Sustainable Agriculture Policy, Future Scenarios, Perennial Ecosystem Restoration, Carbon Sequestration
Degree Required	PhD in a related social science field
Experience	Record of independent research design, execution, and publication of results; knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector and policy landscape; work experience in collaborative interdisciplinary research
Salary	$70000 per year plus benefits
Contract Duration	Initial 1 year with possibility for renewal for an additional year
Deadline	2026-11-29
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, Names and contact information for 3 references
Employer Address	UBC Vancouver Campus, Vancouver BC, Canada

About the Project

The PERCS (Perennial Ecosystem Restoration for Carbon Sequestration) project is a partnership grant linking four Canadian universities, seven partner organizations, and a multidisciplinary team. It aims to examine carbon sequestration co-benefits and the adoption potential of perennial plantings (e.g., hedgerows, windbreaks, riparian restoration) in Canadian agricultural landscapes. The Postdoctoral Fellow will investigate patterns and drivers of perennial restoration establishment in British Columbia using various datasets, evaluate existing programs and policies, identify barriers and enabling conditions, and assess opportunities for improving the policy landscape and scaling perennial restoration in Canadian agricultural systems. Potential research themes include evaluating incentive programs, analyzing policy frameworks, stakeholder mapping, and examining socio-economic factors affecting farmer decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate patterns and drivers of perennial restoration establishment across British Columbia using policy, program, spatial, and farmer-generated datasets
• Evaluate existing programs and policies supporting perennial adoption in close collaboration with project partners, government agencies, and agricultural organizations
• Identify barriers and enabling conditions for perennial adoption
• Assess opportunities for improving the policy landscape and scaling perennial restoration in Canadian agricultural systems
• Contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and practical strategies for accelerating perennial restoration across Canada and beyond
• Work closely with other Fellows in a PDF cluster to support broad synthesis goals, integrate data across projects and disciplines, and coordinate with partner organizations to develop policy recommendations

Required Skills

• PhD in a related social science field
• Record of independent research design, execution, and publication of results
• Knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector
• Knowledge of the Canadian policy landscape
• Strong commitment to conducting collaborative interdisciplinary research
• Work experience in conducting collaborative interdisciplinary research (ideally)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for individuals with a PhD in a social science field who have a strong background in independent research, publication, and knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector and policy landscape. Candidates should be committed to collaborative, interdisciplinary research and interested in sustainable agriculture policy, perennial ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration. Those with experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research are encouraged to apply. The role is part of a cluster hire, so candidates should be prepared for collaborative work.

Benefits

• Benefits package
• Considerable flexibility to shape research agenda within broader project goals
• Opportunities to contribute to shared synthesis work and obligations to larger project deliverables

About the Employer

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is involved in the Perennial Ecosystem Restoration for Carbon Sequestration (PERCS) project, a partnership grant linking four Canadian universities and seven partner organizations. The university is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment, actively encouraging applications from members of groups that have been marginalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position?

The main focus is on Sustainable Agriculture Policy and Future Scenarios within the Perennial Ecosystem Restoration for Carbon Sequestration (PERCS) project, investigating patterns and drivers of perennial restoration and evaluating related policies.

What is the expected salary for this position?

The expected salary is $70,000 per year plus benefits.

What is the duration of the contract?

The initial position duration is for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year upon satisfactory performance.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A PhD in a related social science field, a record of independent research design, execution, and publication of results, and knowledge of the Canadian agricultural sector and policy landscape are required.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references.

When is the preferred start date for the position?

The preferred start date is January 1, 2027, but applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.