Research Associate

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 37,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research university is seeking a part-time Research Associate specializing in Sustainable Biomass Systems. This role involves developing innovative methods for tracking and certifying carbon removal in rural communities, engaging with various stakeholders, and contributing to academic research. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in a related field and possess excellent communication skills. The position offers an annual salary of $36,500 for 50% FTE.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test field protocols for carbon removal tracking and certification.
• Conduct life cycle assessments using real-world deployment and sensor data.
• Engage with community partners, carbon credit organizations, and policy stakeholders.

Skills

Ability to work independently

Excellent writing and communication skills

Knowledge of bioenergy

Familiarity with carbon accounting

Experience with community-based research

Education

Ph.D. in relevant engineering or sustainability field

Job description

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate

Department

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

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