Assistant/Associate Professor in Forest Hydrology

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Alberta in Edmonton invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in forest ecohydrology. The appointee will lead research on forest hydrology, climate change impacts, and adaptive management, with a substantial $3,000,000 endowment supporting field-based studies.

Responsibilities include developing an internationally recognized program, mentoring undergraduates and graduates, teaching within Forest Ecology and Management and

Qualifications

• PhD in forest hydrology or ecohydrology with integration of hydrologic processes and vegetation.
• Evidence of field-based hydrologic research and long-term monitoring experience.
• Ability to manage large-scale funding and secure external research support.
• Strong post-secondary teaching potential and curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand field and laboratory research on forest hydrology and watershed processes.
• Deliver undergraduate and graduate courses in Forest Ecology and Management programs.
• Develop an internationally recognized research program and secure external funding.

Skills

Field-based hydrology research

Mentoring students

Grant writing

Teaching graduate courses

Communication skills

Education

PhD in forest hydrology or ecohydrology

Job description

Job Description

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta (UofA) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of forest ecohydrology. We seek a candidate eager to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, shifting natural disturbance pressures (such as wildfire and flooding), and anthropogenic impacts (such as forest harvesting), including the evaluation of potential adaptive forest management practices in Alberta.

The successful applicant will be expected to conduct cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of forest hydrology and supports the development of strategies to enhance terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem resilience, as well as the sustainability of water and aquatic resources. Crucially, this position comes with a substantial $3,000,000 research endowment. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program, supervise undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, and secure external research funding in the field of forest hydrology. Crucially, they will play a pivotal role in sustaining the department’s strong legacy of field-based research, stepping in to oversee, maintain, and advance our extensive network of active, long-term field monitoring and instrumented research sites located across the Rocky Mountains and Eastern Slopes Foothills of Alberta.

Responsibilities

In addition to research, the successful candidate will play a key role in undergraduate and graduate teaching within the Forest Ecology and Management (graduate level), Forest Science, and Forest Business Management (undergraduate) programs at the UofA. This includes delivering core courses in:

• Physical Hydrology (REN R 350)
• Forest Watershed Management (REN R 452)

This position reports to the Director of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management (Chair, Department of Renewable Resources). The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the strategic goals and development of the Department, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES), and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Furthermore, the candidate will actively engage with stakeholders through extension activities, including forestry professionals, government agencies, and community groups, to communicate research findings and promote the practical application of watershed management, forest conservation, and aquatic ecosystem health. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as is a demonstrated commitment to mentoring, access, community and belonging.

Qualifications

• Candidates for this position must possess a PhD in forest hydrology, ecohydrology, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise integrating hydrologic processes with vegetation conditions (encompassing factors such as snowpack dynamics, interception/transpiration processes, stand/catchment water balances, runoff generation, and surface water/groundwater interactions).
• Field Research & Legacy Management: Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record in empirical, field-based hydrologic research (at the plot, hillslope, stream-reach, or catchment scale) over purely modeling-focused prior research. Applicants must demonstrate the technical and logistical acumen required to manage complex physical field sites, ensuring the continuity, operation, and growth of the department's existing long-term monitoring infrastructure in montane and foothill environments.
• Financial & Project Stewardship: Demonstrated ability or strong potential to strategically manage large-scale funding, including the position's accompanying $3,000,000 research endowment, to drive high-impact environmental research and maintain field infrastructure.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates must demonstrate strong potential for high-impact scientific publishing, securing competitive research grants, and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Teaching & Curriculum Development: Evidence of high-quality post-secondary teaching is highly desirable, as is direct experience with course design and curriculum development.
• Sector Engagement: Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to engaging with governmental, industrial, and producer sectors involved in natural resource management. Those to be considered at the Associate Professor level must demonstrate a proven track record of active collaboration with these stakeholders.
• The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program, supervise undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers and obtain external research funding in the field of forest hydrology.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.