Research Associate

The University of British Columbia; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fire Ecology and Remote Sensing Lab at UBC Okanagan seeks a full-time Research Associate to support a broad research program in fire behaviour modelling, climate downscaling, and remote sensing.

The successful candidate will design analyses, process remote sensing data, and contribute to grant proposals while collaborating with national partners. Travel across Canada may be required; starting December 1, 2026 is anticipated.

Qualifications

• PhD in wildfire science, forestry, atmospheric or climate science, geography, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with fire behaviour modelling systems (e.g., Canadian FBP/FWI, FARSITE, Prometheus, FlamMap, QuicFire or comparable tools).
• Experience with climate modelling or downscaling for fire-weather or fire-danger prediction.
• Experience applying remote sensing methods (satellite, UAV, LiDAR) to fire/forest research.
• A strong research record with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Programming/geospatial analysis (Python, R, GIS) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage fire behaviour and fire-weather/climate modelling analyses.
• Analyze remote sensing datasets (satellite, UAV, LiDAR) for fire and landscape research.
• Develop machine learning/deep learning approaches for fire prediction and data analysis.
• Create reproducible workflows and data products for lab research and partners.
• Contribute to grant applications and research funding proposals.
• Prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations for publications.
• Provide mentorship and training to graduate students and lab staff.
• Collaborate with external partners and multidisciplinary teams.
• Perform related duties; may teach undergraduate/graduate courses as needed.

Skills

Python

R

Machine Learning

Communication

Education

PhD in wildfire science or related field

Tools

FARSITE

Prometheus

FlamMap

QuikFire

Job description

Academic Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title Research Associate

Department UBCO | Faculty | Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences | Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science (Kevin Hanna)

Posting End Date October 9, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date November 30, 2028 Salary is expected at $6400.00 monthly

Research Associate Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science UBC Okanagan

The Fire Ecology and Remote Sensing Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus, is seeking a full-time Research Associate to support an active research program spanning fire behaviour modelling, fire-relevant climate modelling, and remote sensing.

The intial appointment is for 2 years, subject to work performance and funding, with the possibility of extension. Working under the direction of Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais, the successful candidate will bring expertise in fire behaviour and climate modelling, remote sensing, and machine learning to a multidisciplinary research program that spans prescribed fire operations, fire behaviour modelling, IoT sensor networks, ecological restoration, and climate downscaling, with active collaborations with fire management agencies, government, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

While based at UBC Okanagan, the research associate will be required to conduct field work and meetings with collaborators throughout Canada. International travel (United States, Australia, and Europe) may also be required depending on the project. The successful candidate will contribute to scientific publications, the preparation of competitive grant applications, and the advancement of the lab's research program. The anticipated starting date is December 1, 2026 or a date to be mutually agreed upon.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage fire behaviour and fire-weather/climate modelling analyses supporting the lab's research program.
• Analyze and interpret remote sensing datasets (satellite, UAV, and/or LiDAR-derived) relevant to fire, fuels, and landscape-scale research questions.
• Develop and/or adapt machine learning and deep learning approaches for fire behaviour prediction, climate downscaling, or remote sensing data analysis.
• Develop reproducible computational workflows and data products to support lab research and agency partners.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive grant applications and research funding proposals.
• Prepare figures, reports, manuscripts, and presentations for scientific publications and research meetings.
• Provide technical expertise, mentorship, and training to graduate students and other lab personnel.
• Collaborate with external partners and other multidisciplinary research teams.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• The primary focus is research; however, the individual may be provided with an opportunity to teach undergrad and graduate courses as a Sessional Lecturer and will be compensated accordingly.

Applicant must have

• A PhD in wildfire science, forestry, atmospheric or climate science, geography, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with fire behaviour modelling systems (e.g., the Canadian FBP/FWI system, FARSITE, Prometheus, FlamMap, QuicFire or comparable tools).
• Demonstrated experience with climate modelling or downscaling methods relevant to fire-weather or fire-danger prediction.
• Demonstrated experience applying remote sensing methods (satellite, UAV, and/or LiDAR-based) to fire, forest, or landscape-scale research questions.
• A research record, including peer-reviewed publications, commensurate with career stage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Operational wildfire experience, experience working within the Canadian wildfire management context, and advanced programming/geospatial analysis (e.g., Python, R, GIS) skills are considered an asset.

To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University gathers information about applicants’ status as either a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen. Therefore, all applications must include one of the following statements in their letter of interest:

• I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada; or
• I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Only completed applications will be considered by the search committee.

This English-speaking position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits.

The expected pay (or pay range) for this position is $6400.00/mth.

The position is subject to budgetary approval.

Application deadline is October 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Inquiries about the position may be directed to Dr. Mathieu Bourbonnais at [e-mail].

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

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.

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.

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