Research Associate

The University of British Columbia; Electoral Area A; On-site; CAD 37,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in British Columbia is hiring a part-time Research Associate to work on Sustainable Biomass Systems and Carbon Certification. This role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of bioenergy. The position is set for a one-year duration with a salary of $36,500 per year (50% FTE), and emphasizes community engagement and fieldwork responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience working in field settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test field protocols for carbon removal.
• Conduct life cycle assessments using sensor data.
• Engage with community and policy stakeholders.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Excellent writing and communication skills

Knowledge of bioenergy

Familiarity with carbon accounting

Education

Ph.D. in relevant field

Job description

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Profile

Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Department

Cao,Yankai | Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range

$1.00 - $500,000.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 19, 2025

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

Job End Date

Oct 31, 2026

The expected pay for this position is $36,500/year (50% FTE).

Research Associate in Sustainable Biomass Systems and Carbon Certification

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver campus)—situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation—invites applications for a part-time (50% FTE) Research Associate position in Sustainable Biomass Systems and Carbon Certification.

This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal, subject to funding and work performance. The anticipated start date is November 1st, 2025. The annual salary is $36,500/year (50% FTE).

Chemical Engineering was established at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1915, as the first Canadian chemical engineering program west of Ontario, and a separate Department of Chemical Engineering was established in 1954. The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (www.chbe.ubc.ca) was established in 1999, and reflects the growing need for engineers in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical and bio-resource engineering.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team developing innovative, small-scale biomass reactors for rural and underserved communities. These systems transform local crop and forestry residues into valuable bioproducts, such as biochar, through oxygen-lean torrefaction. A key component of this work is establishing reliable, field-deployable methods to track, document, and certify carbon removal outcomes, enabling communities to participate in carbon credit markets.

The Research Associate will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and test field protocols for carbon removal tracking and certification

• Conduct life cycle assessments (LCA) using real-world deployment and sensor data

• Engage with community partners, carbon credit organizations, and policy stakeholders

• Prepare technical documentation and guidelines for certification (e.g., for Puro.earth)

• Contribute to academic publications, field reports, and stakeholder communications

• Participate in field visits across BC and, optionally, to international project sites

Applicants must meet the requirements below.

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability, or related field

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Knowledge of bioenergy, biomass systems, or biochar production

• Familiarity with carbon accounting methodologies and certification platforms

• Experience working in field settings or with community-based research

Review of applications will begin on August 21, 2025. Only completed applications will be considered and must include the following documents:

- cover letter stating the research interests;

- detailed curriculum vitae;

- names and contact information of three references

All applications must be submitted online through the UBC Workday Careers website https://hr.ubc.ca/careers.

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.

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

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world.

Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

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] .