Postdoctoral Fellowship in Climate Change, Housing and Equity in Urban Canada – Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University

York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (EUC) seeks to appoint a shortterm (8 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 climate action.

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 infrastructures for underserved groups in Canadian urban settings. They will also have experience in research design and relevant quantitative and qualitative research skills.

The appointee will work with the Dean’s Office, and under the supervision of an EUC faculty member, 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 VanCity Credit Union of Vancouver, and Social Innovation Canada, based in Toronto. The initiative to develop a Climate & Equity Lab is at an early ‘discovery’ stage and the role of the postdoc will be to engage in exploratory research to generate insights into the current state of knowledge on how climate change is impacting the most vulnerable communities in urban Canada. In addition to an extensive review of existing research literature, and a jurisdictional scan of existing programs and stakeholders, the postdoc will be involved in research design, scoping reviews, and facilitated discussions with participants in Ontario and British Columbia. The postdoc will also work closely with a small team of EUC graduate students in the Climate & Equity Lab, and is expected to be based in Toronto during the duration of the contract.

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.

Initially for a period of 8 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, and ideally for September 1st 2023 – April 30th 2024. The salary for the position is $75,000 per annum, pro-rated for the relevant period of employment.

How to Apply

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 Thierry Sienche (sienchet@yorku.ca) by August 15, 2023.

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. Learn more about EUC: https://euc.yorku.ca/

About York

York 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.

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