Research Associate

The University of British Columbia; Canada; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a Research Associate in planetary geophysics to support and expand research efforts in this exciting field. The role involves analyzing data from planetary missions and collaborating with a diverse team on innovative projects. Candidates should possess an MSc specialization and relevant experience in planetary data analysis and software development. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in an inclusive and equitable academic environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with analyzing and modeling large planetary geophysical data sets.
• Strong record in developing transferable software.
• Experience in research design and execution.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research in planetary science at the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science.
• Collaborate with students and faculty members in planetary science and geophysics.
• Provide educational activities engaging students in real-world applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

MSc in planetary geophysics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate

Department

Research | Johnson, C | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science (Catherine Johnson)

Posting End Date

August 6, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jul 31, 2026

We are seeking a research associate in the field of planetary geophysics to contribute to and expand research in planetary science in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Science.

The position will involve quantitative analyses and modeling of large planetary data sets including visible and near-infrared imagery, synthetic aperture radar imagery, radar altimetry and LiDAR. The selected candidate will collaborate with students, postdocs, and faculty members in the planetary science and geophysics groups. The selected candidate may also be asked to provide educational activities that engage upper year and graduate students in real world applications of planetary science data sets in a classroom and/or laboratory environment.

We seek a researcher with demonstrated experience in the analysis and modeling of planetary data sets. This individual should have exceptional communication and organizational skills, and a strong record in developing transferrable software.

The following are all required:

• An MSc. with a specialization in planetary geophysics.
• Demonstrated experience with analyzing and modeling large planetary geophysical data sets from Mercury and Venus.
• Demonstrated experience with planetary LiDAR data.
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively in a team environment including with science team members on active planetary missions.
• Demonstrated experience in research design and execution including coding in MATLAB and Python.
• Demonstrated experience in publishing in the peer-reviewed literature, both as first-author and as a substantive contributor to team / multi-author publications.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of teaching and learning materials.
• A minimum of four years of experience in geophysics post BSc, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; strong inter-personal skills and the ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.

The following are all strongly desired: experience in effective classroom teaching, experience in mentoring and supervising students, willingness to learn new data science methods, and willingness to expand the research directions of the planetary science group further in analyses / applications of SAR data.

The candidate will work creatively with minimal supervision, will make independent decisions, will contribute to and lead the writing of papers for the peer-reviewed literature, will have wide latitude in task scheduling to deliver any products needed to meet firm deadlines, and will discuss progress, results, and suggestions with their supervisor on a weekly basis.

This position is for a 1 year term, renewable contingent on funding. The expected pay range for this position is $70,00-$75,000 per annum.

UBC - One of the World's Leading Universities

As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

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, and/or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail] .