Postdoctoral Fellowship - Low Carbon Resilience: Theory to Action

Posting Expiry

 

The ACT (Adaptation to Climate Change Team) in the Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University (SFU), is offering a post-doctoral opportunity that will support research on the empirical investigation of planning and implementing low carbon resilience (LCR) in diverse BC communities, contributing to the shift from theory about integrated climate responses to evaluating integration in practice.

Over the past two decades research has speculated on the many benefits of integrating adaptation and mitigation in practice. The assumption is that both emissions reduction (mitigation) and adaptation seek to avoid the potential damages of global climate change, and both seek to support the development of present and future communities in a sustainable manner; yet, these two streams of climate action have been pursued as discrete policy, decision and implementation processes in practice. Current and projected impacts and costs of climate changes in BC has made it imperative to develop practical approaches that use an LCR lens, integrating adaptation and mitigation assessment and strategy-building into local government decision processes. Few, if any, institutional frameworks exist for how to do this type of integration in practice.

ACT was formed in 2006 as the only university-based think tank on adaptation across the spectrum in North America, with the goal of translating science on climate change impacts and sustainable responses, into language and policy options decision-makers can use. ACT is seeking a post-doctoral fellow (PDF) to support the application and evaluation of LCR in practice, with the goal of developing a practical LCR framework for action that can be mobilized across diverse BC communities and beyond.

The PDF would join ACT’s Integrated Climate Action for BC Communities Initiative (ICABCCI), working with Executive Director, Deborah Harford and ICABCCI Research Lead, Dr. Alison Shaw and the ICABCCI team to move theory about integrated climate action, or LCR, to practice. The PDF will help to empirically evaluate the benefits, challenges, and trade-offs of planning and implementing LCR at the local government scale. The candidate will work closely with Dr. Shaw and with staff in diverse BC communities to co-develop LCR strategies that fit within each community context, including planning-to-implementation pathways and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strategies. The goal is to develop a leading-edge LCR framework for action
that can be applied broadly and accelerate integrated climate action in BC communities and beyond.

This research opportunity will contribute to both scholarship and practice in important ways, and will require a unique blend of research and practical competencies. The successful candidate will:

  • Work with Dr. Shaw and ICABCCI research team, and municipal representatives to cocreate practical LCR planning-to-implementation pathways in diverse BC communities, including the development of relevant M&E strategies;
  • Develop a practical and effective framework for LCR action that highlights key LCR pathways that can be mobilized and tested within other communities;
  • Work with ICABCCI team to test and refine an LCR framework for action in case communities to ensure its replicability and effectiveness;
  • Co-author both peer-reviewed journal articles, grey literature, and use innovative communication strategies for mobilizing LCR in theory and practice;
  • Conduct independent research to expand the scope and reach of the initiative;
  • Develop grant applications to support the expansion of the initiative in Canada and internationally;
  • Curate and manage communications and materials for our LCR partner network (e.g. social media, mailchimp, etc.);
  • Organize LCR events such as workshops and webinars.

Qualifications

  • Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree by August 31, 2019 in one of the following fields: public policy administration, climate change adaptation and/or mitigation, government decision processes, environmental studies, resource management, geography;
  • Excellent writing ability and successful publication and grant record;
  • Experience and interest in climate action and mobilization strategies with public and/or private sectors;
  • Candidates with a research background, expertise, and/or experience in the subject area, climate change policy, adaptation and/or mitigation planning, response, implementation, framework and M&E development, and/or other effective climate action areas; familiarity with integrated climate action would be ideal;
  • Ability and willingness to work productively in a fast-paced and often demanding environment, with deadlines;
  • Experience working independently and in a team environment; and
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.

Location: British Columbia, ideally Vancouver or Kelowna.
Starting Date: As soon as possible (September) 2019
Length: 2 years
Funding: Available

  • The candidate will receive a $60,000 fellowship (plus benefits).

Applications will be judged on the basis of the how the applicant can demonstrate:

  • Evidence of scholarly ability and achievement (e.g. publications, awards, grants).
  • Experience working with government agencies; in particular local governments.
  • Expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and/or comparative analysis methods; in particular framework development.
  • Expertise and/or experience in the subject area, climate change policy, adaptation and/or mitigation planning, response, implementation, framework and M&E development, and/or other effective climate action areas; familiarity with integrated climate action would be ideal.
  • Outstanding communication skills and ability to work independently and in a team.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should create a single PDF file that contains:

  1. A cover letter addressing your qualifications as they relate to the specific duties and qualifications described in the position description (1-2 pages).
  2. A full-length curriculum vitae (CV).
  3. 1 or 2 representative publications.
  4. The names and contact information (email, telephone and mail) of two referees who may be contacted on short notice.

Please email your PDF application package to actinfo@sfu.ca by September 15th, 2019 with title of email: ICABCCI Post-Doctoral Position.

Simon Fraser University is an institution whose strength is based on our shared commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is an underlying principle of our Strategic Vision, which pledges SFU to “foster a culture of inclusion and mutual respect, celebrating the diversity reflected among its students, faculty, staff, and our community.” SFU is committed to ensuring that no individual is denied access to employment opportunities for reasons unrelated to ability or qualifications. Consistent with this principle, SFU will advance the interests of underrepresented members of the work force, specifically Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, and women; embrace gender and sexual diversity; ensure that equal opportunity is afforded to all who seek employment at the University; and treat all employees equitably.