Assistant Professor in Climate and Energy Policy

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) at The University of British Columbia (Vancouver) invites applications for the President’s Academic Excellence Initiative (PAEI) tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Climate and Energy Policy to begin on July 1, 2022.

We seek a scholar who engages in applied research on climate and energy policy. We are particularly interested in scholars who work at the intersection of climate change, energy policy, and economics, including, but not limited to, net-zero energy transitions, carbon pricing and regulations, investment and innovation for renewables, and accessible clean energy for all. Experience contributing to or influencing climate change and energy policy through an economic lens will be considered an asset. Geographic specialization is open.

Candidates should have demonstrated excellence or have promise of excellence in research and have a strong commitment to teaching.  The successful candidate will be expected to develop and support a research program, including active public policy and community engagements.  Candidates are expected to teach courses such as economics for policymakers, quantitative policy analysis, and quantitative methods in the professional Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA).

Candidates for this position must have a completed Ph.D. in Economics, Public Policy, or related fields; applications from those with a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary programs are also welcome. Those who have progressed to the point where completion of the PhD is imminent and who demonstrate clear and superior promise of excellent research and teaching may also be considered. The successful candidate is expected to have a Ph.D. for the start of the appointment. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2022.

Applicants should be prepared to upload by the closing deadline of November 25, 2021 in the following order and in a single PDF (maximum size 15MB):

• A cover letter (up to 2 pages) that contains:
  • A description of current and proposed research;
  • Teaching interests and accomplishments;
  • Experience of contributing to, or influencing, policy.
• A curriculum vitae that lists the names and contact information for at least four potential referees from whom confidential letters of assessment can be obtained;
• A statement about the applicant’s experience working with a diverse student body and contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion (up to 1 page);
• Evidence of teaching ability and effectiveness, including sample syllabi (may include teaching evaluations, teaching statement and teaching dossier);
• One electronic sample of research or publication similar in length to a journal article.

Applicants will be asked to complete an equity survey. The survey information will not be used to determine eligibility for employment, but will be collated to provide data that can assist us in understanding the diversity of our applicant pool and identifying potential barriers to the employment of designated equity group members. Your participation in the survey is voluntary and confidential. This survey takes only a minute to complete. You may self-identify in one or more of the designated equity groups. You may also decline to identify in any or all of the questions by choosing “not disclosed.”

Questions may be directed to assistant to the Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, Aaron Posehn (aaron.posehn@ubc.ca).

Further Information:

UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) is an interdisciplinary and collaborative hub that contributes to developing policies and solutions to complex global and local issues. The School offers the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA), a 2-year professional global public policy program with particular expertise in Asia Pacific and sustainability. For more information on the SPPGA visit https://sppga.ubc.ca/

The President's Academic Excellence Initiative (PAEI), or Academic Renewal, will increase the complement of our research faculty through a carefully developed plan for growth that will significantly enhance the university's research capacity, and provide supports for our new and existing faculty members and graduate students.

UBC-Vancouver’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Musqueam people, with whom UBC shares a framework Memorandum of Affiliation. For information on Indigenous initiatives at UBC, visit: http://indigenous.ubc.ca/. SPPGA is committed to increasing Indigenous engagement within its curriculum.

We are actively seeking to recruit from a diverse pool of applicants. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous scholars and from minority groups underrepresented in post-secondary institutions in North America. 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 of Canada will be given priority.

UBC welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For requests, contact SPPGA Acting Manager, Ian Taylor (ian.taylor@ubc.ca). The University committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce, and in particular, for its employees with disabilities. An inclusive work environment for employees with disabilities presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. For contact information regarding UBC’s accommodation and access policies and resources (for faculty and staff as well as students), please visit the Centre for Accessibility.

Given the uncertainty caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must be prepared to conduct interviews remotely if circumstances require. A successful applicant may be asked to consider an offer containing a deadline without having been able to make an in-person visit to campus if travel and other restrictions are still in place. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.