Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Vancouver seeks candidates for two 2-year postdoctoral fellowships in the Biodiversity Research Centre, starting May 1, 2026. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in ecology or a related field, and must conduct original research, fostering interactions within the centre. Preferred skills include data science and programming in R. The fellowship offers $77,000 per year plus benefits, with additional research funds of $7,000 annually.

Benefits

Extended health coverage

Dental coverage

Research funds

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree must be obtained or expected before starting.
• Solid scientific background with a publication record.
• Completion within five years post-Ph.D.
• Preferred skills in data science, management, and programming.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on core biodiversity problems.
• Foster interactions and take leadership roles in Centre activities.
• Assist in teaching bioinformatics workshop if compatible.

Skills

Data science methods

High-performance computing

Data management

Programming in R

Education

Doctoral degree in ecology or related field

Job description

Job Title

Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

Department

Research Support | Biodiversity Research Centre | Faculty of Science (Katie Beall)

Posting End Date

January 15, 2026

Job End Date

April 30, 2028

Salary

$77,000 per year plus benefits (including extended health and dental coverage)

Research Funds

$7,000 per year

Position Details

Two 2‑year postdoctoral fellowships in the UBC Biodiversity Research Centre (2026–28) at UBC. One position will be filled with an applicant with expertise in bioinformatics; the other can be more general.

Starting date: May 1, 2026 (negotiable).

Applicants will be expected to conduct original research on core problems in biodiversity, foster interactions within the Centre, take a leadership role in Centre activities (annual retreat committee, weekly internal seminar, discussion groups), and potentially assist in teaching an annual bioinformatics workshop (if compatible). Postdocs will interact with several lab groups and serve as a resource for graduate students with similar interests.

Necessary Qualifications

• Obtained, or expect to complete, a doctoral degree in ecology, evolution or a related field before commencing the position.
• Demonstrated solid scientific background evidenced by publication record and research statement.
• Within five years following Ph.D. completion (allowances for career interruptions).
• Preferred skills: data science methods (high‑performance computing), data management, programming in R.

Selection Criteria

• Quality of research accomplishments to date.
• Novelty and potential impact of proposed research.
• Potential to play a leadership role in the community, maintaining high ethical standards.

Application Requirements

1. Brief cover letter (max 1 page).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of research goals and overall scientific interests (max 2 pages).
4. Statement on academic service/community building experiences (max 500 words).
5. Names and contact information for three referees.

Submit application online at the UBC Careers webpage.

Additional Notes

Posting will be removed on Friday January 16, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 PM on Thursday January 15, 2026 to ensure full consideration.