"Research Lead - Applied Science/Engineering"

About ACET

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is an international initiative supporting community-based collaborations to advance equitable, resilient clean energy solutions. Established at the University of Victoria in 2023, ACET is a partnership with Royal Roads University, UBC, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Yukon University, with support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

About the Project

The Facilitating Community Clean Energy Transformations (FCCET) project is a multi-year collaboration between ACET and the Community Energy Association (CEA), a non-profit supporting communities across Canada since 1995.

FCCET aims to strengthen the tools and processes communities use to plan and pursue clean energy transitions. Research will be applied across areas such as community energy systems, building energy policy and programs, and transportation policy and infrastructure.

Topics may include community engagement, AI-assisted decision making, complex systems planning, peer-learning networks, and workforce development. The research agenda will be co-developed with CEA and community partners, and carried out by a team of faculty, students, and staff from diverse fields.

The Role

We are hiring two Research Leads with complementary expertise: one in applied science/engineering and one in policy/planning. Working closely together, with CEA and communities, they will design and implement an interdisciplinary research program.

In the first year, the Leads will co-develop the project plan (scoping, budgeting, recruitment) and then shift focus to leading research. The Applied Science/Engineering Lead will report to Dr. Curran Crawford (UVic), coordinate with ACET research managers, and collaborate with CEA’s research lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CEA to identify and prioritize research opportunities.
• Develop a multi-stream research agenda in consultation with community partners.
• Lead the development of a scoped ACET project focused on local government impact.
• Recruit and co-supervise student and postdoctoral researchers.
• Oversee and support parallel research streams within the FCCET agenda.
• Conduct independent and collaborative research in applied science/engineering.
• Report to the interdisciplinary Advisory Committee (ACET, CEA, government reps).
• Collaborate on communications and knowledge mobilization (presentations, briefs, academic papers, videos).
• Represent the project at conferences and community events.
• Ensure meaningful community involvement in research design and decision-making.
• Uphold ACET’s Code of Conduct and EDI Action Plan.

Qualifications

Essential:

• PhD (postdoc or equivalent work experience) in engineering, resource management, or related applied science/clean energy field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including budgeting.
• Experience coordinating research teams and mentoring students.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and with community partners.
• Knowledge of BC local government context.
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Publication and knowledge mobilization record (academic and non-academic).
• Commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and workplace practices.

Preferred:

• Experience applying AI/ML methods (e.g., agentic AI, RAG) to real-world problems.
• Knowledge of community energy and/or climate policy.
• Experience implementing technical clean energy solutions.
• Management experience (budgets, research teams).

Core Competencies:

• Supervision of junior researchers
• Technical research, modelling, and data analysis
• Application of AI to clean energy/community contexts
• Team leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration

What We Provide

• Salary: $80,000–$100,000 depending on experience
• 20 vacation days plus statutory holidays and UVic closure over Christmas/New Year
• Access to employee-funded extended benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Potential adjunct professor appointment at UVic
• Funded travel to participating communities

Working Conditions

• One-year, grant-funded full-time position with renewal potential
• Hybrid-remote, with some in-person presence in Victoria expected
• Preference for applicants based in or willing to relocate to Victoria
• Applicants must be legally permitted to work in Canada

How to Apply

For a fuller description of the job position, please visit the ACET website - Employment opportunities - ACET - UVic

Send applications to contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line “Community Energy Association Study.”

First review begins October 11, 2025; position open until filled. Include: Cover letter, CV, Short writing sample (e.g., publication, thesis excerpt, policy document, or knowledge mobilization piece – optional but encouraged).

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to shape real-world energy transformations by supporting local governments and First Nations in BC and beyond. You’ll be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team dedicated to creating impactful research and building resilient local economies.

Accessibility and Equity

ACET is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and will provide accommodations during the hiring process.