Research Associate – Forest Therapy Research

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Associate in Forest Therapy Research to support interdisciplinary projects in nature-based health interventions. The successful candidate will design and implement studies under Dr. Guangyu Wang, contributing to a growing field with a focus on psychological and social benefits of forest therapy.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with at least five years of experience.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of forest therapy studies.
• Conduct data analysis for publications and reports.
• Coordinate workshops and outreach initiatives.

Skills

Research experience in nature-based interventions

Experimental design

Biometric data collection

Mixed methods research

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in forestry, environmental health, or related field

Job description

Academic

Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Research Associate – Forest Therapy Research Department Research | Guangyu Wang Lab | Department of Forest Resources Management (Guangyu Wang) Posting End Date August 11, 2025

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

Job End Date Aug 31, 2026

The expected pay range for this position is; $68,932 per annum.

The Department of Forest Resources Management at the University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver Campus invites applications for aResearch Associateposition to support the rapidly growing field of forest therapy research under the Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy (MINT). This position will be housed within UBC Forestry and contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on nature-based health interventions, particularly the design, evaluation, and implementation of forest therapy practices in Canadian and international contexts.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision ofDr. Guangyu Wangand contribute to the design and execution of forest therapy research projects, including experimental and observational studies, knowledge translation, and stakeholder engagement. The goal is to advance scientific understanding of forest therapy's psychological, physiological, and social benefits and its integration into health care and urban planning.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and implementation of field and laboratory-based forest therapy studies;
• Developing protocols for physiological and psychological data collection (e.g., HRV, cortisol, mood scales).
• Conducting data analysis and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and policy reports.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary researchers in public health, forestry, psychology, and landscape architecture.
• Coordinating stakeholder workshops, forest therapy sessions, and outreach initiatives.
• Supervising graduate students and research assistants as needed.

Qualifications required:

• APh.D. in forestry, environmental health, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with at least five year’s experience;
• Demonstratedresearch experience in nature-based interventions, preferably forest therapy or green space health studies;
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals;
• Experience withexperimental design,biometric data collection, andmixed methods researchis highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team;
• Experience working with community organizations, health professionals, or policy institutions is an asset.

How to apply:

The appointment will initially be for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. Please submit your application through the UBC Careers webpagehttp://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers/faculty-careers , and include acover letter,current CV, andcontact information for three references.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process, we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates). Accessibility requests or other accommodations are available on request for all applicants. To confidentially request accommodations, please contact the Faculty of Forestry Associate Dean Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Hisham Zerriffi ([e-mail]).

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, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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