An interdisciplinary group of researchers are inviting candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to be based at The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. They will work on a project that will challenge the dominant decision-making approach for copper exploration and mining design decisions which tend to focus on economic and technical priorities. While social, ecological, and cultural values are increasingly acknowledged, they are still poorly understood and weakly embedded in decision-making across mining policies, practices, and processes. This knowledge gap results in mistrust, conflict, delay, and potential failure. To address this, this research will co-design innovative socio-environmental-technical frameworks by working directly with local communities—alongside engineers, policymakers, and scientists.
The ideal candidate for this postdoctoral position will ideally have a Ph.D. in mining engineering, geology, geosciences, or other relevant field. They will work closely with a second postdoctoral candidate with expertise in social sciences. Candidates with interdisciplinary Ph.D.s with a track record of working across the technical and social sciences are also encouraged to apply. Prior experience with working on topics listed above is welcome but not required. Candidates with some industry experience are particularly welcomed.
The selected candidate will work most closely with Prof. Erik Eberhardt (Head of Earth and Ocean Sciences) and Prof. Shaun Barker (Director of the Mineral Deposit Research Unit). They will also be supported by Prof. Allison Macfarlane (Director of The School of Public Policy & Global Affairs at UBC) and Dr. Nadja Kunz (The University of Queensland in Australia; Affiliate at UBC). The project is funded through the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials (https://futurematerialscentre.com/) and will also involve collaboration with researchers from the partner universities involved in this particular project: Australian National University (Australia), Imperial College London (UK), and Wits University (South Africa). Selected candidates should be well organized with strong communication skills. Ideally, they will also have experience (or an interest in learning) grant program management as this will be a key responsibility within the postdoctoral duties.
Appointments are for up to three years maximum (renewable annually subject to performance) , with a starting date that is mutually acceptable, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding. The salary will be dependent on experience but will be in the range of CAD70,000-75,000 per annum in addition to benefits.
Please apply to Ailish O’Sullivan with a cover letter, an academic CV, a relevant writing sample, and the names and contact information of two or three individuals who can provide letters of reference. Evaluation of applications will start on April 2, 2026 but incoming applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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.
