2026 Wall Legacy Research Awards

The Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapies (MINT), University of British Columbia (UBC), is a leading interdisciplinary research institute globally dedicated to evidence-based nature therapy, human health restoration, and interdisciplinary health science research.

MINT focuses on exploring the mechanisms of nature intervention on human psychological and physiological health, conducting rigorous empirical research to validate the clinical and public health value of nature therapies. To advance our ongoing core research projects in nature-based human health intervention, we are now recruiting a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate with solid medical and health research backgrounds.

Position Description

We seek a PhD holder with a strong professional medical background to join the MINT research team at UBC. The successful candidate will independently conduct and support cutting-edge research focusing on human psychological and physiological health mechanisms under nature therapy intervention.

This position centers on biomedical and health science research for nature therapy, exploring the physical and mental health benefits, physiological indicators changes, psychological state improvement mechanisms of natural environment intervention on human bodies. The researcher will participate in full-cycle project design, data collection, empirical analysis, manuscript writing, and academic achievement output of MINT’s core nature therapy health research programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Nature Therapy & Human Health Mechanism Research
• Conduct in-depth interdisciplinary research on the effects of nature therapy on human physiological health (e.g., nervous system, cardiovascular indicators, endocrine changes, immune function) and psychological health (anxiety, depression, stress relief, emotional regulation, cognitive recovery). Explore the scientific pathological and physiological mechanisms of natural environmental intervention repairing human sub-health and chronic health problems.
• Research Project Implementation
• Independently design experimental protocols, clinical observation schemes and human health survey frameworks for nature therapy research. Responsible for participant health data collection, physiological index testing data sorting, psychological scale data analysis, and complete quantitative and qualitative empirical research.
• Academic Output & Publication
• Take charge of writing high-quality SCI/SSCI academic papers, research reports, and project research summaries related to nature therapy and human health. Assist the principal investigator in applying for provincial, national and international research grants, and sort out project research progress and achievement materials.
• Team Research Collaboration
• Cooperate with MINT’s interdisciplinary team (psychology, sociology, public health, forest ecology) to integrate medical health theories with nature therapy systems. Provide professional medical academic support for the institute’s public health research and industry transformation projects.
• Research Standard Management
• Ensure all human health-related research strictly complies with UBC ethical review standards and medical research specifications, standardize research data management, and guarantee the authenticity, accuracy and traceability of experimental and survey data.

Working Arrangement

• Employment Type: Full-Time Postdoctoral Position
• Affiliation: Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapies (MINT), Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, University of British Columbia
• Work Location: UBC Vancouver Campus, On-site
• Contract Term: Initial 1-year contract, renewable based on research performance and project progress
• Anticipated start date is October 1, 2026.

Qualifications

Required

• Educational Background (Mandatory)
• Must hold a completed PhD Degree in Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Physiology, Human Health Science, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, or related biomedical disciplines.
• Professional Background (Core Requirement)
• Possess a solid and systematic medical professional foundation, proficient in human physiological structure, neurobiology, psychosomatic medicine, and human health pathogenesis. Have a clear understanding of the interaction mechanism between human physical and mental health.
• Research Competency
• Proven research experience in human psychological & physiological health research. Candidates with prior research experience, published papers or research projects related to nature therapy, green environment intervention, natural healing, ecological health are highly preferred.
• Technical & Academic Skills
• Proficient in health data statistical analysis, physiological experimental data processing, and psychological health empirical research methods. Familiar with academic paper writing and international biomedical research standards.
• Language & Comprehensive Ability
• Fluent in academic English writing and oral communication, capable of independently conducting international academic research. Strong logical thinking, independent scientific research ability, and team collaboration awareness. Self-motivated, rigorous in academic research, and able to complete research tasks on schedule.

Preferred

• Published high-level academic papers in the fields of psychosomatic medicine, environmental health, or natural intervention therapy.
• Experience in human clinical observation, health intervention experiments, and human subject research ethics application.
• Cross-disciplinary research experience combining medicine, ecology and public health.
• Familiar with international frontier theories and research progress of global nature therapy and forest therapy.

How to Apply for this Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position

Interested applicants should compile all documents into one single PDF file and submit their application via the UBC Careers website.

Application Materials

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full education, research experience, publication list and project experience
• PhD degree certificate or graduation certification
• Representative academic publications (2–3 papers)
• Personal research statement (max 2 pages) focusing on medical health research experience and understanding of nature therapy
• At least two academic reference contacts

Open until the position is filled. UBC MINT will shortlist and interview qualified candidates on a rolling basis.

Expected salary range for this position is $60,000 to $80,000 CAD per year. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Additional Information

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process, we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates). Accessibility requests or other accommodations are available on request for all applicants. To confidentially request accommodations, please contact the Faculty of Forestry Associate Dean Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Janette Bulkan (janette.bulkan@ubc.ca).

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.