Engagement Specialist for Circular Bioeconomy

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking an Engagement Specialist for Circular Bioeconomy. This role involves supporting research on plant-derived materials through effective communication and outreach efforts. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sustainability and experience communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences. Join a dynamic team at the forefront of bioeconomy innovation and make a meaningful impact.

Qualifications

• High school graduation plus two years of relevant experience required.
• Ability to translate technical content into accessible messaging.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Develop communication assets that make technical findings accessible.
• Support outreach activities and organize stakeholder engagement events.
• Track engagement metrics and prepare performance summaries.

Skills

Communication

Project Coordination

Collaboration

Data Analysis

Education

University degree in Science or Engineering

Tools

Canva

WordPress

Mailchimp

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job ProfileNon Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Engagement Specialist for Circular Bioeconomy Department Pulp and Paper Centre | Faculty of Applied Science Compensation Range $4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly Posting End Date June 12, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Dec 31, 2025

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The UBC BioProducts Institute's (BPI) vision is to develop research capacity and educational

programs related to the formation of plant-derived materials and pathways for their sustainable

transformation into new low-carbon products - forecasted to be a $1 trillion market globally by

2030. The UBC BPI is an internationally recognized, multi- disciplinary research cluster of

researchers, scientists, engineers, and policy experts from across multiple UBC faculties.

Are you passionate about sustainability, science, and translating technical ideas into meaningful impact? Join the BPI at UBC as our Engagement Specialist for Circular Bioeconomy, where you’ll support cutting-edge research in bio-based materials and circular bioeconomy innovation through strategic communications, data-informed storytelling, and collaborative project support.

This position is ideal for a science-educated communicator who enjoys working closely with researchers and operations staff to advance interdisciplinary projects. You’ll play an important role in enhancing research visibility, supporting outreach activities, and fostering collaboration across teams and external partners. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support research that advances climate solutions, while building experience at the intersection of science, communication, and community engagement.

Organizational Status
The Engagement Specialist for Circular Bioeconomy reports to the Director of Operations, BioProducts Institute. This position may take direction from other research team members or senior staff within BPI.

Work Performed

• Collaborate with researchers to develop communication assets that translate technical findings into accessible content for diverse audiences

• Support research project documentation, including data gathering, reporting, and basic analysis to assist with project tracking and knowledge mobilization

• Assist in organizing scientific seminars, workshops, and stakeholder engagement events (both hybrid and in-person)

• Coordinate digital outreach (social media, newsletters, websites) to share research milestones and promote events

• Develop and edit communication materials such as briefs, posters, reports, and visuals in alignment with scientific accuracy and audience relevance

• Track research engagement metrics and prepare performance summaries

• Contribute to EDII efforts by supporting inclusive events, Indigenous community engagement, and outreach to underrepresented groups in STEM

• Liaise between technical teams, faculty members, and administrative units to streamline project logistics and communication needs

• Support research administration tasks such as data entry, formatting technical documents, and preparing content for reports and grant applications

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position initiates action or makes recommendations on actions based on analysis of data and reports prepared from controlled data. Incorrect advice will result in reduced awards in successful applications, or ineligible expenses in post award audits. Incorrect advice on setting budget could result in significant over-expenditures.

Supervision Received
Works under general managerial direction in assigned areas of responsibility. Work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness within established policies and guidelines.

Supervision Given
Does not supervise staff at this time.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• University degree in Science or Engineering

• Are skilled in translating technical or research content into accessible messaging

• Are comfortable working with scientists, research data, and interdisciplinary teams

• Are familiar with or quick to learn tools such as Canva, WordPress, Drupal, Mailchimp, Envoke, and social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook)

• Have strong writing, organizational, and project coordination skills

• Enjoy collaborative, fast-paced environments where curiosity and innovation thrive

• Are savvy with social media platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook