Assistant/Associate Professor in Forest Hydrology

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta (UofA) invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of forest ecohydrology. We seek a candidate eager to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, shifting natural disturbance pressures (such as wildfire and flooding), and anthropogenic impacts (such as forest harvesting), including the evaluation of potential adaptive forest management practices in Alberta.

The successful applicant will be expected to conduct cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of forest hydrology and supports the development of strategies to enhance terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem resilience, as well as the sustainability of water and aquatic resources. Crucially, this position comes with a substantial $3,000,000 research endowment. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program, supervise undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, and secure external research funding in the field of forest hydrology. Crucially, they will play a pivotal role in sustaining the department’s strong legacy of field-based research, stepping in to oversee, maintain, and advance our extensive network of active, long-term field monitoring and instrumented research sites located across the Rocky Mountains and Eastern Slopes Foothills of Alberta.

In addition to research, the successful candidate will play a key role in undergraduate and graduate teaching within the Forest Ecology and Management (graduate level), Forest Science, and Forest Business Management (undergraduate) programs at the UofA. This includes delivering core courses in:

• Physical Hydrology (REN R 350)
• Forest Watershed Management (REN R 452)

This position reports to the Director of the Alberta School of Forest Science and Management (Chair, Department of Renewable Resources). The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the strategic goals and development of the Department, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES), and the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Furthermore, the candidate will actively engage with stakeholders through extension activities, including forestry professionals, government agencies, and community groups, to communicate research findings and promote the practical application of watershed management, forest conservation, and aquatic ecosystem health. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as is a demonstrated commitment to mentoring, access, community and belonging.

• Candidates for this position must possess a PhD in forest hydrology, ecohydrology, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise integrating hydrologic processes with vegetation conditions (encompassing factors such as snowpack dynamics, interception/transpiration processes, stand/catchment water balances, runoff generation, and surface water/groundwater interactions).
• Field Research & Legacy Management: Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record in empirical, field-based hydrologic research (at the plot, hillslope, stream-reach, or catchment scale) over purely modeling-focused prior research. Applicants must demonstrate the technical and logistical acumen required to manage complex physical field sites, ensuring the continuity, operation, and growth of the department's existing long-term monitoring infrastructure in montane and foothill environments.
• Financial & Project Stewardship: Demonstrated ability or strong potential to strategically manage large-scale funding, including the position's accompanying $3,000,000 research endowment, to drive high-impact environmental research and maintain field infrastructure.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates must demonstrate strong potential for high-impact scientific publishing, securing competitive research grants, and working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Teaching & Curriculum Development: Evidence of high-quality post-secondary teaching is highly desirable, as is direct experience with course design and curriculum development.
• Sector Engagement: Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to engaging with governmental, industrial, and producer sectors involved in natural resource management. Those to be considered at the Associate Professor level must demonstrate a proven track record of active collaboration with these stakeholders.
• The successful applicant will also be expected to develop an internationally recognized research program, supervise undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers and obtain external research funding in the field of forest hydrology.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• CV: Including relevant publications and research projects.
• Cover Letter:  A cover letter outlining research interests, teaching philosophy, and how the candidate’s work aligns with the responsibilities of this position.
• Academic Referral Letters: Names and contact information of at least three references who can speak to the candidate’s scholarly and community engagement experience.
• Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness: For example, course evaluations, sample syllabi, etc.

The successful candidate will be offered a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, including a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule A of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.