Postdoctoral fellowship: boreal forest peatlands and wildfire

Postdoctoral fellowship in modeling peatland wildfires in the boreal forest of eastern Canada

Position summary

The high latitude peatlands of the Northern Hemisphere are among the fastest warming regions of the world and a major carbon sink regulating earth’s climate. However, a warmer and drier climate puts these peatlands at risk of wildfire, a process poorly understood in this region which could release a carbon “bomb” and put isolated communities at risk. Understanding these ecosystems brings together aspects of wetland ecology, climate science, permafrost dynamics, and wildland fire. We seek to assess how the peatland fire regime changes with climate warming, exploring carbon release and risks to communities.

This project is funded through NRCan’s Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative and led by the Ontario Forest Research Institute, part of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and involves collaboration with researchers at Lund University, Sweden. As part of this project, the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment at the University of Calgary is seeking a motivated and skilled postdoctoral fellow to join our multidisciplinary research team ideally in the second half of 2026.

Research Focus

The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead research on the development and application of a computer simulation model of peatland-wildfire dynamics. The study domain covers the forested and non-forested peatlands of eastern Canada. Tasks will include improvements to model capabilities, data assembly and management, analysis, experimental design, and analysis and visualization of model output. The work will be desk-based but may include trips to project field sites in the boreal forests of Ontario.

Minimum qualifications

• Experience with computer simulation and programming in a high-level language (R, Python, C, Fortran, etc.).

• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills.

• Fluency in English listening, reading, and writing.

Preferred qualifications

• A Ph.D. in a STEM field and significant research experience leading to authorship on one or more publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Coursework in ecology, climate science, global change biology, geography and related fields.

• Skills in scientific computer programming and GIS.

• Demonstrated experience of research work both independently and in a team.

Location and start date**

This position requires full-time, in-person presence at the University of Calgary main campus, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Secondments with project partners elsewhere in Canada and Sweden may be part of the work.

The starting date for this position can be as early as 1 September 2026 and will be subject to arrangement with the selected candidate.

Funding and support

This position includes a competitive salary based on skills and experience that may be augmented with additional fellowships, and includes support for travel, conferences, and other research expenses. Support is for a minimum period of 2 years, contingent on satisfactory progress and funding.

How to apply

Applicants should submit the following materials as a single PDF file at this link:

• A one-page statement describing your research interests and experience, and career goals.

• A short CV that includes a list of your relevant research skills and background.

• Scans of your university transcript(s).

• Scans of your IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, or equivalent language test results, if English is not your mother tongue.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Consideration will be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research group, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Review of applications will commence on 15 May 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Please note that due to the high number of applications received only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.