Advertiser: Economics, University of Victoria

Field(s) of specialization: Environmental; Energy; Ag. Econ

Position type(s): Postdoctoral Scholar

Location of job: Department of Economics University of Victoria, BEC 360 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada

Degree required: Doctorate

Job start date: 2027-08-01

Job duration: 3 years

Salary: 65,000 to 70,000 CAD

Letters of reference required: 3

Target date for applications: 15 Jan 2027

Application deadline: 15 Mar 2027 midnight UTC (accepting applications)

Posting end date: 1 Aug 2027

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted remotely by video starting February, 2027.

Ad text:

University of Victoria - Department of Economics - Solid Carbon Project

Application Review: Begins 15 January 2027; the position remains open until filled

Overview

The Department of Economics at the University of Victoria (UVic) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on the economics and policy of geological carbon storage and capture, as part of the UVic and Ocean Networks Canada Solid Carbon project. The Fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Felix Pretis and as a member of the interdisciplinary Solid Carbon team.

The position combines project research with independent research. The Fellow will deliver research outputs for the Solid Carbon project, and will also have protected time to develop their own research agenda in carbon storage, carbon dioxide removal, and climate policy.

About the Solid Carbon Project

Solid Carbon is investigating how carbon dioxide can be permanently and safely stored as rock in the basalt beneath the seafloor off the west coast of Vancouver Island. The project is funded through the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (Transformation stream) and brings together researchers in the social sciences, geosciences, ocean sciences and engineering. Its work includes ongoing research, public engagement and consultation with coastal and Indigenous communities, and a small-scale demonstration project.

The economics team studies the costs, risks, incentives and policy frameworks that will determine whether geological carbon storage can be deployed at scale. More information: solidcarbon.ca.

The Role

The Fellow will contribute economic research to the Solid Carbon project while developing their own research agenda. The project work can be shaped around the Fellow’s expertise and interests. Central economic questions for the project include:

• the costs of geological carbon storage, and how these costs are likely to evolve;
• policy design for carbon storage and removal, including carbon pricing and a carbon takeback obligation compared with alternative instruments;
• the economic impacts and feasibility of scaling up carbon storage.

The Fellow is encouraged to pursue independent research related to carbon storage, carbon removal or climate policy, and to publish in leading field and general-interest journals.

The Fellow will present at project meetings and academic conferences, and may take part in mentoring students working with the team. There may also be opportunities to gain teaching experience in the Department of Economics.

Qualifications

Required

• A PhD in Economics, Agricultural and Resource Economics, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, or a related discipline; awarded within the past five years (applicants close to completion are welcome to apply; exceptions to the five-year limit are possible for career interruptions such as parental leave or illness).
• A demonstrated interest in carbon storage, carbon removal, or the economics and policy surrounding them.
• A record of, or clear potential for, high-quality independent research.
• Strong quantitative and empirical skills.
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary team alongside engineers and natural scientists, and to communicate results to non-economists.

Desirable

• Experience with econometric or empirical methods applied to energy, environmental or climate questions.
• Familiarity with carbon markets, climate policy instruments, or energy and resource economics.
• Experience working with project-level, firm-level or policy data.
• Interest in engaging with policymakers, industry and communities.

What We Offer

• Mentorship and collaboration with the Solid Carbon team.
• Connections to Ocean Networks Canada and the wider Solid Carbon network, and to the Oxford Climate Econometrics project.
• Protected time for independent research and support for career development.
• Research and conference travel funding may be available through the Solid Carbon project.
• Extended health and dental benefits, an employee and family assistance program, and paid sick leave.
• University top-up of Employment Insurance during maternity, parental or adoption leave.
• Office space in the Department of Economics and access to UVic’s library, computing and research facilities.
• A collegial department in Victoria, a mid-sized city on Vancouver Island with a mild climate and easy access to the ocean and mountains.
• Start date: Summer 2027 with some flexibility.

How to Apply

Apply through Econjobmarket. Please submit:

• Cover letter (maximum [2] pages) that clearly explains your interest in and alignment with the research goals of the position, in particular carbon storage, and describes what you would contribute to the Solid Carbon project and the independent research you would pursue. Please also indicate if you are a Canadian citizen/permanent resident.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Two to three research papers (published papers or working papers; a job market paper is welcome - submit any of your research papers under `job market paper' if you do not have a dedicated job market paper).
• Three letters of reference, submitted directly by your referees through EconJobMarket.

Optional:

• You may submit a video summary of one of your research papers (e.g. job market paper)

Review of applications will begin on 15 January 2027 and continue until the position is filled. We expect to hold online interviews in late January to March 2027. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Questions about the position can be sent to Dr. Felix Pretis at fpretis@uvic.ca.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The University of Victoria is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in our teaching, research and service, and to fostering a respectful and welcoming environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.

We recognise that career interruptions and personal circumstances can affect a research record, and we encourage applicants to explain any such interruptions in their cover letter; they will be taken into account in assessing the application.

International applicants are welcome. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada by the start date; UVic’s immigration consultant may be able to support international candidates with work permits.

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.