Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Toronto
York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) seeks to appoint a 12 month full-time post-doctoral fellow to work on a project at the intersection of climate change, housing, and poverty reduction in Ontario and British Columbia. This represents an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively between academic, private sector and civil society organizations with the goal of mobilizing research into housing equity and climate action.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. York University is committed to employment equity and diversity, and a positive and supportive environment.
The appointee will work with the Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC) and with the City Institute at York University, and under the supervision of Profs. Lina Brand Correa and Luisa Sotomayor as part of a team developing a Climate & Equity Lab. With funding provided by the Gore Mutual Insurance Company of Cambridge, Ontario, this initiative also involves the Cooperators Insurance Company and Social Innovation Canada, both based in Toronto.
The Climate & Equity Lab is now entering its second year. The postdoctoral fellow will play a key role in conducting qualitative research to explore how climate change affects housing experiences and opportunities for vulnerable groups in urban Canada. The responsibilities will include performing an environmental scan of innovative housing policies and energy efficiency initiatives across North America, assessing community challenges and assets, and conducting qualitative research through focus groups with homeowners and tenants in selected locations. The postdoc will collaborate with research participants and partners to develop potential scenarios, interventions, and prototypes in Ontario and British Columbia. Additionally, they will work closely with a team of graduate students from EUC, and are expected to be based in Toronto for the duration of the contract.
The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of national and international academic debates relating to the differentiated impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, housing as a human right, and how climate change may affect the quality, adequacy, and availability of housing and other vital urban services and infrastructures for underserved groups in Canadian urban settings. They will also have experience in research design and relevant qualitative research skills. Awareness of energy poverty would be desirable but is not essential.
Initially for a period of 12 months, there is the possibility of the postdoctoral fellowship being extended for a longer period, subject to the availability of funds. We are seeking a candidate to start as soon as possible. The salary for the position is $75,000 per annum including benefits. The position is open to both Canadian and non-Canadian applicants, but the appointment will depend upon an applicant securing the right to work in Canada. We invite qualified candidates to submit the following to Barb Wells (wellsb@yorku.ca) by November 30, 2024.
1. A full CV;
2. Statement of interest, describing relevant accomplishments and including an account of engagement with the themes to be addressed under the fellowship;
3. The names and contact details of three referees.
Only those applicants selected for consideration will be contacted.
About EUC
The Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University explicitly addresses the distinct, yet interconnected, challenges of environmental change and urbanization, with a focus on innovating diverse transitions to a sustainable and just future. EUC champions interdisciplinarity through curricular programs and scholarship; emphasizes field-based and experiential learning to enhance understanding of biophysical processes and social potentials; embraces global perspectives so that this understanding is derived from a broad range of places; and pursues community-engaged endeavours to generate meaningful scholarship and to train active citizens, innovators and leaders. As a community, we believe that making positive change requires bold and diverse thinking, ambitious action, and community engagement. We are inclusive and devoted to making the world a better place for all. EUC is currently home to five undergraduate programs leading to BES, BA, and BSc degrees, Master’s programs in Environmental Studies (MES and MES/JD), Geography (MA and MSc) and Planning (MES); and PhD programs in Environmental Studies and Geography; as well as a number of programs with certificates and diplomas. See https://euc.yorku.ca/
About CITY
The City Institute at York University (CITY) brings together urban scholars from diverse faculties to facilitate critical, interdisciplinary research. By fostering collaboration, CITY generates new knowledge and innovative approaches for comprehending and addressing the complexities of the urban arena. In addition to advancing academic excellence, the Institute plays a pivotal role in developing Canada’s next generation of municipal leaders and thinkers, with graduate students and post-doctoral fellows playing a central role in the life of the Institute. Beyond scholarship, CITY emphasizes the importance of practical engagement in urban planning, public policy, and community activism. See: https://www.yorku.ca/cityinstitute/
About York University
York University is a leading international teaching and research university, and a driving force for positive change. Empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective, we are preparing our students for their long-term careers and personal success. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet and our future. See https://www.yorku.ca/