The Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver Campus invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow position as part of the Silva21 project. This position is ideal for a motivated and independent researcher with expertise in forest operations, silviculture, or forest management.
Project Overview
The postdoc will contribute to the Silva21 research program, which aims to develop innovative strategies to enhance the resilience of Canadian forests in the face of increasing disturbances, such as wildfire and climate change. By integrating field research, remote sensing, and operational forestry insights, this project will generate data-driven tools and practical solutions to support sustainable forest management while balancing ecological health and economic viability (www.silva21.com).
Specifically, the postdoc will collaborate with the project team to integrate forest and wildfire management approaches. The research will include:
- Reviewing international experiences and best practices in resilient silviculture and sustainable forest operations.
- Evaluating innovative forest management strategies that align with wildfire mitigation and forest management objectives.
- Developing and recommending cost-effective operational approaches tailored to diverse forest types and communities across British Columbia.
- Exploring silvicultural prescriptions that balance economic return (e.g., lumber, pulpwood, and bioenergy) with ecologically appropriate management approaches.
Collaboration and Research Environment
The postdoctoral researcher will join the research group of Associate Prof. Dominik Roeser at UBC and will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. The research group focuses on framing innovation, research and development initiatives to support sustainable forest management in different operational environments. The Silva21 project fosters strong engagement between academia, industry, and government agencies, providing an exciting opportunity for applied research with real-world impact.
This position offers the chance to work across a range of forest types and communities in British Columbia, applying research findings to develop region-specific recommendations that can shape the future of sustainable forestry in Canada.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD in forest operations, silviculture, forest management or a related field.
- Strong experience in forest operations, management or silviculture research.
- A background in quantitative analysis, spatial modeling, and/or remote sensing is desirable.
- Proficiency in GIS, R, and/or Python for data analysis, modeling, and spatial analysis is also desirable
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
Position Details
- Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Duration: Initially one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability
- Start Date: position available immediately
- Application Deadline: Open until filled
- Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000 CAD per year plus benefits
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing their research experience and interest in the position.
- A CV including a list of publications.
- Contact information for three academic references.
Applications should be sent to dominik.roeser@ubc.ca with the subject line “Postdoc Application – Silva21.”
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.