Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Transportation Networks and Climate Impacts Analysis

European Commission; Canada; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher for the Multimodal Mobility Systems Lab. This role involves analyzing transportation systems and their resilience to extreme events, requiring expertise in data analysis, network modelling, and strong leadership skills. The position is competitive and offers opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD and related experience in civil engineering or transportation.
• Strong dissemination record with a focus on publication quality.
• Experience with network models and large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute research projects independently.
• Communicate with government partners and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior researchers and students.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Data analysis

Network modelling

Coding (R and/or Python)

GIS software

Education

PhD in civil engineering, operations research, or computer science

Job description

The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Organisation/Company The University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Field Engineering » Civil engineering Engineering » Systems engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country Canada Application Deadline 31 Aug 2025 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number EU-58639 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Description

The Multimodal Mobility Systems Lab at UBC Civil Engineering Vancouver is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher. Our group investigates questions about how long-distance, multimodal transportation systems and their components operate, and how to plan systems that are responsive and resilient to extreme events and are adaptive to the growing impacts of climate change. The selected candidate will characterize the impacts, on community connectivity and accessibility, of transportation disruptions due to natural hazard and extreme events. The work will require expertise in transportation operations and network modelling, accessibility analysis, data analysis (statistics and/or machine learning methods), and spatial mapping. Because the work will involve multiple years of daily disruptions data and network analysis, the candidate should have a strong background in network modelling and coding.

The selected candidate will also have excellent leadership ability/potential and strong communication skills. Their primary responsibilities will be to 1) work both independently and with other researchers, including mentoring graduate student researchers, 2) disseminate high-quality outputs in the forms of journal publications, conference presentations, and reports, and 3) lead project administration, including communications with research partners and project stakeholders, and deliverables. The candidate should be independent and have the ability to develop and pursue new, creative research ideas. The position is funded through the NSERC Discovery Grants program.

Qualifications

• PhD and related experience in civil engineering, operations research, and/or computer science with a focus on transportation, completed within the last 3 years.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
• Strong dissemination record (emphasizing publication quality over quantity).
• Experience with network models and network analysis.
• Excellent data skills (dataset screening and cleaning, descriptive statistics, data management). Comfort handling large and diverse datasets.
• Strong coding skills (R and/or Python), with experience using a high-performance computing platform (e.g., Digital Research Alliance of Canada) a plus.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is desired.
• Ability and willingness to coordinate and manage projects, including leading team meetings, overseeing day-to-day tasks (both research and administrative), meeting deadlines, and working with government and community stakeholders.
• Ability to independently make day-to-day decisions in alignment with the purpose and objectives of the research project, and to know when to escalate issues to the supervisor.

Expected Responsibilities

• Data analysis and management, including within a geographic database format.
• Independent execution and management of research project(s).
• Communicate directly with government partners and stakeholders in gathering data and other information, and co-developing research directions.
• Coordinate and collaborate with researchers from other relevant disciplines.
• Write and publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
• Prepare written project communications including reports, memos, and presentations, and maintain clear records of all project activities.
• Define and deliver on deadlines.
• Ensure ethical research practices and standards are followed at all times.
• Mentorship of junior project participants, including graduate and undergraduate students.

Work Location and Terms

• The primary work location is UBC Vancouver Campus.
• The position is a 1-year appointment renewable to 2 years subject to performance. Review of applications will begin immediately.
• Salary will be determined based on experience; it will be competitive against the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship.

The Department and Faculty

The Department of Civil Engineering at UBC-Vancouver is a top-ranked academic unit, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching, and strong links to professional practice. As a Department, our strategic priorities are to ensure civil and environmental engineering education and research creates opportunities for the betterment of society, nature, and the built environment. In doing so, we are committed to the following: 1) fostering inclusive work, research and learning environments where respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion is embedded throughout; 2) building meaningful, sustainable, and supportive relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, 3) leading cutting-edge research that addresses increasingly complex global challenges, 4) transforming education to equip the next generation of civil engineers with innovative problem-solving and technical knowledge to thrive in a diversity of careers; and 5) delivering dynamic and integrated learning experiences that inspire students to become equitable and informed leaders who will advance the boundaries of engineering knowledge.

How to Apply

Please send the following to [e-mail] , with “PDFO-58639, ” in the subject line.

• Cover letter, describing your motivation in seeking this position, how you meet the position requirements, research interests, and your commitment to a respectful workplace (EDII).
• Current CV
• 3 references (names, position and affiliation, contact information)
• 2-3 sample journal publications, preferably those with first authorship

Applications will be reviewed until August 31 2025, or until position is filled.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-58639 during correspondence about this position. Please visit the researcher profile of the supervisor for this position to learn more about their research.

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.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Postdoctoral Fellows at UBC Vancouver
UBC is home to over 900 postdocs spanning all faculties and units across two campuses and a variety of affiliated hospitals, research centres, and sites, providing unparalleled opportunities to learn, discover and contribute in one's own way. UBC's Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) is committed to supporting the lives and career aspirations of our Postdocs, with the goal of enriching their experience at UBC and preparing them for the future. In addition to providing support and advocacy for all postdocs, the PDFO is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities that foster the development of soft skills needed in today's professional environments, helping them secure future careers in their chosen fields.

About UBC's Faculty of Applied Science
The Faculty of Applied Science comprises a unique constellation of disciplines – including the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional Planning and Nursing, as well as all engineering activities at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Our work and the professional disciplines we represent span the entire human-centred built environment and innovation at all scales – from nanoscale electronic devices that power communications to the design of entire cities.

There has never been a more urgent time for our professions – as planners, architects, nurses and engineers – to come together to build upon our existing strengths and ambitions to ensure a thriving society, to make real impact locally and globally.

With a community of over 300 full-time faculty members and more than 8,600 students across our undergraduate and graduate programs, we shape the leaders and professions that shape the world.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada's third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to your academic research.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute The University of British Columbia (UBC) Country Canada State/Province British Columbia City Vancouver Postal Code V6T 1Z4 Street 2329 West Mall Geofield