Application Deadline: May 22, 2023
Project Start: September 2023 / January 2024
The geography and justice of renewable energy transitions lab at University of Victoria is seeking applications for a master’s student. The position will ideally start in September 2023, but could start as late as January 2024. The position will be supervised by Dr. Christina Hoicka, Canada Research Chair in Urban Planning for Climate Change and Associate Professor in the departments of Geography and Civil Engineering. UVic geography offers minimum funding packages, and funding will be competitive for the successful candidate.
Details about the graduate program in Geography at the University of Victoria are found here: https://www.uvic.ca/socialsciences/geography/graduate/prospective-students/index.php
University of Victoria
The University of Victoria is a public research university in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, located in the municipalities of Oak Bay and Saanich. It is the first post-secondary institution established in the province of British Columbia in 1903. UVic is one of Canada’s leading universities. It is widely recognized for leadership in research, inspired teaching and community engagement. UVic provides innovative programs and dynamic learning experiences in the diverse and welcoming West Coast setting.
You can find more information on the University of Victoria website https://www.uvic.ca
Lab
Our lab researches the diffusion of low-carbon and renewable energy technologies and innovations at the intersection of communities and energy systems. We examine under what institutional and policy conditions communities and organizations adopt these technologies and innovations, and whether they lead to just outcomes, such as improved socioeconomic benefits.
Learn more about Dr. Hoicka and the lab at https://socialexergy.com
Our lab strives to practice equity, diversity and inclusion in our practices https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2023.102964
Project
The successful applicant will be working with a larger interdisciplinary team of researchers and students in a project led by the University of Toronto, with participation from University of Victoria, Yukon University, Dalhousie University, University of Winnipeg, University of Calgary, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia and Carleton University.
Position Description
The qualified applicant will study how low-carbon technologies are developed are selected and implemented into socio-technical systems to benefit both communities and energy systems, and the important role that energy geography, and institutional and regulatory frameworks play in this process.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and have a strong interest in, and potentially work experience in the geography of renewable energy transitions and justice.
Applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., geography, environmental studies, public administration, science and technology studies or a related discipline) completed prior to the start date.
Be open to interdisciplinary research;
Interested in learning approaches and theories of energy and sustainability transitions, diffusion of innovations, and justice;
have an interest in policy analysis, sustainability, justice, and energy system transformation;
are familiar with social science methods such as such as desk research, qualitative interviews, surveys and/or statistics;
are proficient in English;
have excellent scientific writing and planning skills.
Are motivated to work independently.
Are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workspace.
Diversity
UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.
The lab encourages applications from all underrepresented groups considering research careers without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age.
How to Apply
As soon as possible, interested applicants should send to Dr. Christina Hoicka (cehoicka@uvic.ca subject line “2023 energy transitions master’s position application”):
A cover letter detailing how they meet the above listed qualifications for this master’s position. Cover letters should explicitly identify how previous academic and/or work experience are related to the skills required for the advertised position.
A CV detailing academic achievements, conferences and publications (including links where possible), and
Unofficial transcripts
Only those candidates of interest will be contacted for an interview, so we ask that you do not send follow-up emails regarding the status of your application. We will review applications until the position is filled.