Job Description

Department

Faculty of Science - Earth & Atmospheric Sciences

Posted date

Closing date

September 16, 2025

Position Type

Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

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This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of 18 months, with the possibility of extension at a partner university in British Columbia, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.


This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -

This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.


The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.


Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Community Housing Canada is a partnership of university researchers and non-market housing providers dedicated to increasing the capacity and sustainability of social and affordable housing in Canada. Since 2019, we have advanced knowledge and informed policy in areas such as the human right to housing, housing vulnerability, sustainable operations, building performance, and tenant wellbeing. We have also contributed to the training and development of Canada's housing workforce.


The partnership is based in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, where it is led by Director Dr. Damian Collins. The Department is home to three social science programs (Human Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, and Environmental Studies), which have a particular strength in housing research.

Position Summary

Canada urgently needs to increase its stock of social and affordable housing in order to address housing needs and prevent homelessness. As such, an initial focus for the position will be identifying and analyzing opportunities and barriers to increasing supply, as well as mechanisms to ensure that this supply meets adequacy standards. It is expected that this research will engage with wider debates around supply and demand factors, housing affordability, and related public policy settings.


Subsequent research may focus on issues such as the measurement of housing vulnerability, the assessment of tenant outcomes, and/or the development and implementation of sustainable energy systems in community housing.


The salary for this position is $70,000 per annum. The preferred start date is between October 2025 and January 2026.

Duties

Design, conduct and report on research contributing to the objectives of Community Housing Canada. Collect and analyze diverse forms of primary and secondary data related to social and affordable housing. Collaborate with the Director, academic Co-Investigators, and community housing providers. Prepare, submit and revise scholarly manuscripts, including as lead author. Communicate findings to non-academic audiences, for example, through reports, workshops, podcasts and/or media commentaries. Contribute to the growth and development of the research partnership, both on and off campus.

Minimum Qualifications

A PhD awarded within the last 5 years in a relevant discipline (such as Geography, Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, or Environmental Science/Studies). Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research as well as contribute to a team environment. Experience in housing research and/or professional employment in the housing field. An emerging record of peer-reviewed publications in high-quality scholarly outlets. Understanding and appreciation of the importance of social and affordable housing. Excellent written and oral communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in collaborating with community organizations, such as nonprofits. Ability to utilize both qualitative and quantitative social science methods

.

Working knowledge of contemporary scholarship in housing studies. Working knowledge of Canadian public policy


At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.



The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.



L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.

Note:

This opportunity will be available until midnight September 16, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.