The Nippon Foundation-Nereus Program in the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia is looking for a postdoctoral fellow to join our interdisciplinary team of researchers to develop an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) for the global oceans. The Nereus IAM aims to couple models of indirect and direct environmental, human and policy drivers (e.g., population and economic growth, trade, climate change, conservation policies), marine ecosystems and benefits to human society. The Nereus IAM will be used to evaluate future scenarios of global change and the implications for achieving sustainable development goals for the oceans. The postdoctoral fellows will be responsible for (1) expanding the economic models linking fisheries and direct/indirect human drivers; (2) coupling the economic models with the biophysical components of the IAM; (3) modelling future projections of food provision and economic benefits from the global oceans using the IAM.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in economics, environmental sciences, environmental engineering or related fields. Experience in economic modeling is required. The candidate should be proficient in quantitative modeling and fluent in one or more computer programming languages. Knowledge in natural resource management, ocean and fisheries science is a plus. The candidate should have good communication skills and be able to work in an interdisciplinary team, with oceanographers, biologists, economists and social scientists. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to present research findings in publications and conferences.

The position will be based in the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, the University of British Columbia (Vancouver Campus). Initial appointment is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. Some international travelling for meetings with Nereus Program partners and attending conferences are expected.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Note that if the successful applicant is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada, he or she must be issued a work permit prior to commencing the position.

Interested candidates should submit (1) a cover letter, (2) research statement (no more than two pages) and (3) CV to [email protected] with the subject “Nereus IAM Postdoctoral Fellow”. Please also provide full name and email address of three references. We will start reviewing applications by 30 April 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. William Cheung, Director (Science) of Nippon Foundation-Nereus Program by email: [email protected].

Nereus Program is an interdisciplinary ocean research initiative established in 2011 by the Nippon Foundation and the University of British Columbia. The program is built on three core objectives: to conduct collaborative research across the natural and social sciences to understand the future of global oceans; to develop a network of experts that can engage in discussion of complex and multifaceted questions surrounding ocean sustainability; and to transfer these concepts to practical solutions in global policy forums. For more information, please visit www.nereusprogram.org.