The University of British Columbia

Research Coordinator

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of two years of related experience or equivalent education and experience.
  • Commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and enhancing awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • PhD or nearing completion in Civil, Structural, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field is preferred.
  • Experience with finite element analysis and computational modeling software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS).
  • A record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant engineering fields, especially in structural and materials engineering.
  • Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for simulations.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising or mentoring graduate students or research staff.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct independent and collaborative research in structural and materials engineering.
  • Develop and apply advanced numerical models using computational mechanics.
  • Perform numerical simulations to evaluate structural performance under various loading conditions.
  • Analyze computational and experimental data to generate new engineering solutions.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports, journal articles, and conference papers.
  • Present research findings at national and international conferences and meetings.
  • Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of students in research projects.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education.
  • Participation in multidisciplinary research initiatives with academic and industry partners.
  • Engagement with diverse research projects focused on resilient structural systems.
  • Potential for involvement in cutting-edge technology transfer and research dissemination.
  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborative environments.
Full Job Description
Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A

Job Title
Research Coordinator

Department
UBCO | Research Support | Alam | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range
$5,692.25 - $8,179.50 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
August 30, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date
August 31, 2027

Job Summary
This position will conduct advanced research in structural engineering with a focus on resilient, sustainable, and high-performance infrastructure systems. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing numerical models, performing computational simulations, and conducting detailed analyses to investigate the behavior and performance of structural materials, components, and systems under various loading and environmental conditions.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

Work Performed
Conducts independent and collaborative research in structural engineering, materials engineering, and infrastructure resilience.

Develops, calibrates, validates, and applies advanced numerical models using finite element, computational mechanics, and other simulation-based approaches.

Performs numerical simulations and parametric studies to evaluate structural performance under static, dynamic, seismic, wind, fire, thermal, durability, and multi-hazard loading conditions.

Analyzes and interprets computational and experimental data to generate new scientific knowledge and engineering solutions.

Integrates numerical, analytical, and experimental findings to support the development of innovative structural systems, materials, and design methodologies.

Prepares high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and research presentations.

Presents research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, and meetings with academic and industry partners.

Contributes to the supervision and mentoring of students involved in research projects.

Assists with the preparation, development, and submission of research proposals to federal, provincial, and industry funding agencies.

Collaborates with faculty members, research staff, industry partners, and international collaborators to advance multidisciplinary research initiatives.

Supports knowledge mobilization activities, including technology transfer, industry engagement, standards development, and dissemination of research outcomes.

Participates in laboratory activities, project management, and other research-related duties as required to ensure the successful completion of funded projects.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in judgment, analysis, numerical modeling, data interpretation, research reporting, or project execution may result in inaccurate research findings, delays in project deliverables, rejection of publications, loss of research funding opportunities, compromised scientific integrity, increased project costs, and potential reputational impacts on the research group, department, university, and funding partners. Significant errors could adversely affect research outcomes, industry collaborations, and the development of engineering recommendations and design methodologies.

Supervision Received
This position works under the general direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or Faculty Supervisor (Prof. Alam). This position is expected to exercise a high degree of independence in planning and conducting research activities, developing methodologies, managing project tasks, and achieving project objectives. Guidance is provided on overall research direction, strategic priorities, funding requirements, and major technical decisions, while day-to-day activities are carried out with considerable autonomy.

Supervision Given
This position may provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, visiting scholars, and laboratory personnel. Responsibilities may include assisting with research planning, overseeing numerical and experimental activities, reviewing analyses and technical reports, providing feedback on manuscripts and presentations, and supporting the coordination of research projects. The position may involve leadership of specific research tasks and project teams.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

PhD preferred.

PhD (or near completion) in Civil, Structural, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Demonstrated experience with finite element analysis and computational modeling software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, OpenSees, LS-DYNA).

Record of peer-reviewed publications in structural engineering, materials engineering, or resilient infrastructure.

Experience with experimental and laboratory testing of structural components, materials, or systems.

Proficiency in programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for numerical analysis and simulation.

Experience preparing or contributing to research grant proposals (e.g., NSERC, provincial, or industry-funded programs).

Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring graduate students, undergraduate research assistants, or research staff.

Familiarity with relevant building codes and standards (e.g., CSA, NBCC) related to structural design and performance.

Experience collaborating with industry partners or engaging in knowledge translation and technology transfer activities.

Demonstrated strong technical expertise, scientific creativity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary research teams.

About The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, UBC is British Columbia's oldest university. The university is ranked among the top 20 public universities worldwide and among the top three in Canada. UBC is a research-intensive university and has an annual research budget of over $600 million. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of academic fields. UBC has a diverse student population, with over 65,000 students from over 160 countries.
Learn more about The University of British Columbia
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