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 6, 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 a Research Associate position 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 of Dr. Guangyu Wang and 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:A Ph.D. in forestry, environmental health, landscape architecture, or a closely related field with at least five year's experience; Demonstrated research experience in nature-based interventions, preferably forest therapy or green space health studies; A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals; Experience with experimental design, biometric data collection, and mixed methods research is 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 webpage http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers/faculty-careers, and include a cover letter, current CV, and contact 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 (Hisham.Zerriffi@ubc.ca).
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 will be given priority.