Research Assistants / Postdoctoral Fellows in Indigenous Science Education Project

Egesta Lab - University of British Columbia; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A research laboratory at a major university is looking to fill 2-5 full-time positions focusing on chemical risk management with Indigenous expertise. Applicants with backgrounds in environmental science, Indigenous studies, and qualitative research are welcome. The roles offer a hybrid work model with salaries ranging from $54,000 to $70,000 CAD, depending on the position and experience. This initiative aims to create impactful educational materials and promote Indigenous stewardship in chemical management.

Benefits

Benefits included

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental science, toxicology, chemistry, or Indigenous studies.
• Background in public policy or related areas is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engaging with Elders and Knowledge Holders for curriculum development.
• Using Indigenous research methodologies to support project goals.
• Building educational materials for chemical management professionals.

Skills

Indigenous research methodologies

Qualitative research

Thematic analysis

Curriculum development

Education

PhD in a relevant field for postdoctoral position

Undergraduate degree for research assistant position

Job description

Are you concerned about the negative impacts of chemicals on the environment? Are you passionate about Indigenous rights, stewardship, and self-determination? Do you want to transform the current regulatory system to a safer place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people? The Egesta Lab may be the next step in your academic or professional journey!

The Egesta Lab, at the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES), is looking to fill 2-5 full-time positions in our new six-year-long project, based at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada). We welcome applicants with backgrounds in education, environmental science, toxicology, chemistry, Indigenous studies, public policy, qualitative research, and other related areas of expertise. The postdoctoral position requires a PhD in a relevant field, while the research assistant position requires an undergraduate degree. We are open to a wide range of experience levels and backgrounds, including non-academic experiences.

Application priority will be given to Indigenous people from North America.

About the Research

With our team, you will be working on developing educational materials for present and future chemicals management professionals, to support their understanding of the colonial histories underlying this field, contribute to the decolonization of the field (e.g. widening the types of expertise and data used in risk assessment), and facilitate co- learning between professionals and Indigenous Nations.

The project is split into 3 phases – we are currently in the first phase:

• Listening: Learning what type of education is needed from educators, scientists, Indigenous scholars, and Indigenous communities, via focus groups and interviews
• Creating: Build educational materials that fulfill the needs from the “Listening” phase
• Piloting: Pilot educational materials in post-secondary courses or professional training programs, and making improvements based on feedback and observations

Your work might include engaging with Elders / Knowledge Holders, professors, and public servants, using Indigenous research methodologies, supporting curriculum development, qualitative research, thematic analysis, and workshop design, all depending on your interests and project direction.

About the Overall Project

Transforming Chemical Risk Management with Indigenous Expertise which seeks to re-envision chemical risk management with Indigenous expertise. Chemical risk management is not confined to chemistry or toxicology —it involves navigating public policy, regulating the production and use of chemicals, responding to environmental and human harms of exposure, and empowering communities who are experiencing these harms.

Other subprojects in the larger project are also hiring this year. If you are a good fit for another position, we may forward your contact information to another project lead (with your permission). If any of the other projects interest you, please let us know!

Job Details

Both positions will be full-time and hybrid, meaning there will be a couple days each week where there will be in-person meetings. There is some flexibility; we can accommodate full remote work for periods of time.

The compensation for the postdoctoral fellowship is $70000 (CAD), with benefits. The compensation range for the research assistant position is $54000 to $64500 (CAD), with benefits, depending on experience.

Application Details

If you are interested, know of anyone who may be, or have any questions, please reach out to the Research Manager Noah Depner ([e-mail]) or apply on the portal.

There is no formal deadline to apply - we will be having informal conversations with interested candidates between now and mid-February 2026 to see if the position would be a good fit. In early March we will begin a formal hiring process with interested candidates.