Research Associate in Earth and Environmental Sciences in University of British Columbia – Canada

Summary

The University of British Columbia Okanagan campus is seeking a full-time Research Associate in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will join the Fire Ecology and Remote Sensing Lab to support research in fire behaviour modelling, climate modelling, and remote sensing. The role involves designing and managing modelling analyses, interpreting remote sensing data, developing machine learning approaches, contributing to grant applications and publications, and providing mentorship. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possibility of extension, and an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026. The monthly salary is expected to be $6400. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate experience in fire behaviour modelling, climate modelling, and remote sensing. The application deadline is October 8, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Irving K Barber Faculty of Science
Position Type	Research Associate
Discipline	Wildfire science, forestry, atmospheric or climate science, geography
Research Area	Fire behaviour modelling, fire-relevant climate modelling, remote sensing, prescribed fire operations, IoT sensor networks, ecological restoration, climate downscaling
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Demonstrated experience with fire behaviour modelling systems, climate modelling or downscaling methods, and remote sensing methods. A research record including peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Operational wildfire experience, experience within the Canadian wildfire management context, advanced programming, and geospatial analysis skills are considered assets.
Salary	$6400.00 monthly
Contract Duration	Initial appointment for 2 years, with possibility of extension, until November 30, 2028
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-08
Required Documents	Curriculum vitae, Maximum 1-page letter of interest describing motivations and qualifications, including a statement about Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status, Names and contact information for three referees
Employer Address	UBC Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Employer Contact	Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais at [email protected]

About the Project

The research program focuses on fire behaviour modelling, fire-relevant climate modelling, and remote sensing. It encompasses prescribed fire operations, IoT sensor networks, ecological restoration, and climate downscaling. The successful candidate will contribute expertise in fire behaviour and climate modelling, remote sensing, and machine learning to this multidisciplinary program. The work involves active collaborations with fire management agencies, government, and Indigenous communities across Canada, with potential for international travel for fieldwork and meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage fire behaviour and fire-weather climate modelling analyses.
• Analyze and interpret remote sensing datasets (satellite, UAV, LiDAR-derived).
• Develop and/or adapt machine learning and deep learning approaches for fire behaviour prediction, climate downscaling, or remote sensing data analysis.
• Develop reproducible computational workflows and data products.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive grant applications and research funding proposals.
• Prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations for scientific publications and research meetings.
• Provide technical expertise, mentorship, and training to graduate students and other lab personnel.
• Collaborate with external partners and other multidisciplinary research teams.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Opportunity to teach undergraduate and graduate courses as a Sessional Lecturer.

Required Skills

• PhD in wildfire science, forestry, atmospheric or climate science, geography, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with fire behaviour modelling systems (e.g., Canadian FBP FWI system, FARSITE, Prometheus, FlamMap, QuicFire or comparable tools).
• Demonstrated experience with climate modelling or downscaling methods relevant to fire-weather or fire-danger prediction.
• Demonstrated experience applying remote sensing methods (satellite, UAV, and/or LiDAR-based) to fire, forest, or landscape-scale research questions.
• A research record including peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Operational wildfire experience (asset).
• Experience working within the Canadian wildfire management context (asset).
• Advanced programming and geospatial analysis skills (e.g., Python, R, GIS) (asset).

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for individuals holding a PhD in wildfire science, forestry, atmospheric or climate science, geography, or a related discipline. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in fire behaviour modelling, climate modelling/downscaling, and remote sensing methods. A strong research record with peer-reviewed publications and excellent communication skills are essential. Experience in operational wildfire management, particularly within the Canadian context, and advanced programming/geospatial analysis skills are considered assets. The role requires conducting fieldwork and collaborating with various partners across Canada and potentially internationally.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package

About the Employer

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is described as one of the world's leading universities, committed to fostering global citizenship, advancing a civil and sustainable society, and supporting outstanding research. It aims to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world. UBC hires based on merit and is dedicated to employment equity, encouraging applications from diverse groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated start date for this position?

The anticipated starting date is December 1, 2026, or a date to be mutually agreed upon.

What is the duration of the initial appointment?

The initial appointment is for 2 years, subject to work performance and funding, with the possibility of extension.

What is the expected monthly salary for this position?

The expected monthly salary for this position is $6400.00.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a maximum 1-page letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three referees. The letter of interest must include a statement about Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.

Who should inquiries about the position be directed to?

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais at [email protected].

Is international travel required for this role?

International travel to the United States, Australia, and Europe may be required depending on the project, in addition to fieldwork and meetings throughout Canada.