The Department of Wood Science, UBC-Vancouver Campus seeks a Research Associate to develop new economic models for application in the evaluation of Genomic tree-breeding programs for Alberta. This will include, but is not limited to, cost-benefit analysis of alternative silviculture regimes, growth and yield modeling, non-market evaluations, trade modelling, conjoint analysis, and the development and execution of other surveying techniques. The objective of this research is to support the economic and social analysis proposed in the Genome Alberta and Genome British Columbia large-scale applied research project Resilient Forests (RES-FOR): Climate Pests & Policy – Genomic Applications. The research will be conducted under the supervision of Drs. Julie Cool and Chris Gaston.
Responsibilities include:
- Perform extensive literature reviews related to the economics of silviculture, trade modelling, and competitive analyses;
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis of alternative silviculture regimes from the perspective of foresters and end-users as well as evaluate economic impact analysis of pests and climate change;
- Assist in field- and web-based survey activities;
- Assist in project management and planning, model development, and analysis;
- Assistance in field- and web-based surveying
- Present results at national and international meetings;
- Prepare internal quarterly reports and manuscripts for publication in high quality peer reviewed journals.
Qualifications required
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Forest Resource Economics and 5 years of postdoctoral research experience in the fields of forest economics. Specifically, expertise in cost-benefit analysis, economic impact analysis of forest-related events, forest products markets and trade analysis, and economic valuation of forest goods is required. Candidate should be familiar with the Canadian wood products industry, silviculture modeling (both growth and yield and economic), as well as general and partial-equilibrium modeling. The candidate should have strong IT skills and knowledge of the following programs: GAMS, Shazam, SPSS, GIS, TIPSY and/or GYPSY, and MS Excel (including their associated plug-ins). Other requirements for successful applicants include excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to work in a dynamic research team, and the ability to work on a project with defined milestones and timelines.
How to apply
The appointment will initially be for one year, with options for renewal subject to funding sources effective May 16, 2018. Please direct inquiries, and applications consisting of cover letter, current CV and contact information of three references to:
Julie Cool, Assistant Professor
4024- 2424 Main Mall
Department of Wood Science
Faculty of Forestry
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
e-mail: julie.cool@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.