University of British Columbia
Faculty of Forestry
Department of Wood Science
Professorship in Advanced Wood Protection Systems
The University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry offers a Professorship (all three ranks, tenure- track or tenured) in Advanced Wood Protection Systems within the Department of Wood Science. Individuals appointed to higher rank will be expected to have an international reputation in the field.
We invite applications for a dedicated and visionary faculty member to lead our research and education in wood protection and service life extension. This vital field enhances wood products' durability and aesthetic appeal while improving sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By advancing techniques that extend the longevity of wood, you will contribute to reducing maintenance costs and preserving our natural resources and heritage. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while furthering your career in a key area of environmental stewardship.
Candidates must possess a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in wood science or related disciplines alongside compelling evidence of teaching, mentoring, and research excellence. Experience in translational research and working with the forest products industry is a strong asset. The successful applicant will engage in both fundamental and applied research, as well as instruction, in one or more of the following domains:
- Surface wood protection systems and bio-based coatings.
- Development of innovative wood preservatives and preservation techniques.
- Novel technologies to enhance the durability of composites used in large buildings and other infrastructure.
- Detection and repair strategies of decay in buildings.
- Biomimetic approaches to the protection of wood and bio-based materials.
- Decarbonization of wood protection systems, including coatings.
- Computational simulation of decay processes to reduce the development time of wood protection systems.
- Stabilization-modification of wood by chemical and physical processes.
- Large-scale carbon sequestration by enhancing low-quality wood's durability (residues, fire and insects-killed trees, and demolition waste).
- Developing innovative methodologies to prolong the service life of wood and wood products.
Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, and securing funding from external entities, such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, MITACS, and other governmental and industrial organizations to support an active, interdisciplinary research program. Service to the academic community and industry is essential to this position.
The Department of Wood Science comprises 28 faculty members collaborating across various disciplines. It administers the Bachelor of Science in Wood Products (WP) program—the most extensive program in North America—promoting direct engagement with industry stakeholders through an active co-op program. Additionally, the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) establishes significant connections with Canadian wood products manufacturers and fosters opportunities to collaborate with established and emerging companies through its extension and applied research initiatives. The Department also offers the Bachelor of Science program in Forest Bioeconomy Sciences and Technology (BEST), a pioneering program in Canada that provides a multidisciplinary education addressing the political, scientific, and economic challenges posed by the burgeoning bioeconomy and the imperative for a sustainable future.
The Faculty of Forestry is one of the largest globally, comprising more than 100 faculty members and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration with premier researchers. It offers a comprehensive array of traditional research degrees and an expanding suite of course-based master's programs that attract students from around the globe. For further details regarding the Department, CAWP, and the Faculty of Forestry, please visit www.wood.ubc.ca, www.cawp.ubc.ca, and www.forestry.ubc.ca.
The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2026, or until the appropriate person is identified. The salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and qualifications. All appointments at UBC are subject to final budgetary approval. The successful applicant will also be considered for a British Columbia Leadership Chair position under the Department's auspices and with approval from Innovate BC.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. For additional/other diversity language, refer to the Guide to Equitable Hiring Practices: Faculty Recruitment on the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office website. https://equity.ubc.ca/resources/consultation-request-form/. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Your application package should include
- a cover letter,
- your Curriculum Vitae,
- a statement of research and teaching interests relevant to the position, evidence of working with industry,
- four letters of reference,
- and up to five recent publications highlighting your most important contributions to the field.
Indicate in your application if you are a Canadian or permanent resident of Canada. Applications outside the specified job description will not be considered. Please email your application package in a single PDF file to [email protected]
The expected pay range for this position at the Assistant Professor level is $120,000-$130,000, at the Associate Professor level is $150,000-$160,000+, and Professor is $160,000-$180,000+. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, subject to budgetary approval.
The deadline for receiving applications, including reference letters, is September 1, 2025.
Questions should be directed to Professor Philip D. Evans, Chair of the Search Committee [email protected]
