Description
The Multimodal Mobility Systems Lab at UBC Civil Engineering Vancouver is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher. Our group investigates questions about how long-distance, multimodal transportation systems and their components operate, and how to plan systems that are responsive and resilient to extreme events and are adaptive to the growing impacts of climate change. The selected candidate will characterize the impacts, on community connectivity and accessibility, of transportation disruptions due to natural hazard and extreme events. The work will require expertise in transportation operations and network modelling, accessibility analysis, data analysis (statistics and/or machine learning methods), and spatial mapping. Because the work will involve multiple years of daily disruptions data and network analysis, the candidate should have a strong background in network modelling and coding.
The selected candidate will also have excellent leadership ability/potential and strong communication skills. Their primary responsibilities will be to 1) work both independently and with other researchers, including mentoring graduate student researchers, 2) disseminate high-quality outputs in the forms of journal publications, conference presentations, and reports, and 3) lead project administration, including communications with research partners and project stakeholders, and deliverables. The candidate should be independent and have the ability to develop and pursue new, creative research ideas. The position is funded through the NSERC Discovery Grants program.
Qualifications
- PhD and related experience in civil engineering, operations research, and/or computer science with a focus on transportation, completed within the last 3 years.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
- Strong dissemination record (emphasizing publication quality over quantity).
- Experience with network models and network analysis.
- Excellent data skills (dataset screening and cleaning, descriptive statistics, data management). Comfort handling large and diverse datasets.
- Strong coding skills (R and/or Python), with experience using a high-performance computing platform (e.g., Digital Research Alliance of Canada) a plus.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is desired.
- Ability and willingness to coordinate and manage projects, including leading team meetings, overseeing day-to-day tasks (both research and administrative), meeting deadlines, and working with government and community stakeholders.
- Ability to independently make day-to-day decisions in alignment with the purpose and objectives of the research project, and to know when to escalate issues to the supervisor.
Expected Responsibilities
- Data analysis and management, including within a geographic database format.
- Independent execution and management of research project(s).
- Communicate directly with government partners and stakeholders in gathering data and other information, and co-developing research directions.
- Coordinate and collaborate with researchers from other relevant disciplines.
- Write and publish peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts.
- Prepare written project communications including reports, memos, and presentations, and maintain clear records of all project activities.
- Define and deliver on deadlines.
- Ensure ethical research practices and standards are followed at all times.
- Mentorship of junior project participants, including graduate and undergraduate students.
Work Location and Terms
- The primary work location is UBC Vancouver Campus.
- The position is a 1-year appointment renewable to 2 years subject to performance. Review of applications will begin immediately.
- Salary will be determined based on experience; it will be competitive against the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The Department and Faculty
The Department of Civil Engineering at UBC-Vancouver is a top-ranked academic unit, with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching, and strong links to professional practice. As a Department, our strategic priorities are to ensure civil and environmental engineering education and research creates opportunities for the betterment of society, nature, and the built environment. In doing so, we are committed to the following: 1) fostering inclusive work, research and learning environments where respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion is embedded throughout; 2) building meaningful, sustainable, and supportive relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, 3) leading cutting-edge research that addresses increasingly complex global challenges, 4) transforming education to equip the next generation of civil engineers with innovative problem-solving and technical knowledge to thrive in a diversity of careers; and 5) delivering dynamic and integrated learning experiences that inspire students to become equitable and informed leaders who will advance the boundaries of engineering knowledge.
How to Apply
Please send the following to amykim@civil.ubc.ca, with “PDFO-58639,
- Cover letter, describing your motivation in seeking this position, how you meet the position requirements, research interests, and your commitment to a respectful workplace (EDII).
- Current CV
- 3 references (names, position and affiliation, contact information)
- 2-3 sample journal publications, preferably those with first authorship
Applications will be reviewed until August 31 2025, or until 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.
