The expected pay (or pay range) for this position is $10,000 - $11,667/month.

Wheaton Precious Metals Professorship in Mine Economics and Innovation

We acknowledge that the Vancouver Campus of The University of British Columbia (UBC) is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam).

The Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering (the “Department”), part of the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the area of mine economics and innovation at the rank of Assistant Professor. In addition to the tenure stream appointment, the successful candidate will hold the honorific title of Wheaton Precious Metals Professorship in Mine Economics and Innovation for a specified term, renewable subject to a renewal process. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The starting salary range is $120,000–$140,000 annually.

The UBC’s Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering offers a broad professional degree program, integrating courses on engineering principles, earth and mineral sciences, mining and mineral processing case studies, health, safety and environmental issues, social sciences and management, as well as economics and business. Emphasis is on providing students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills to succeed in the industry. Our faculty members are active within the industry through research, consulting activities and involvement in professional societies. Further information is available at www.mining.ubc.ca.

Applicants must hold a PhD and a Master’s degree in engineering, business, economics, or policy, as well as an undergraduate degree in engineering. They will have demonstrated expertise in mineral resource economics and development, evidenced by research publications and/or relevant industrial experience. They will also have demonstrated ability to establish a successful research program along with strong communication and teaching skills and clear potential for excellence both areas. In addition, applicants must be registered or be eligible to register as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC). Registration is required within five years of appointment. For more information, please visit www.egbc.ca.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent, multidisciplinary and internationally recognized research program, seek funding, both as an individual and in collaboration with others, from Government and industrial sources, participate in the teaching activities of the Department, and provide mentorship and training to undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate learners. The incumbent will also be expected to provide service to the University and the broader academic and professional community.

Expertise in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

1. Canadian and global metal supply chains, including management, security, and future development
2. Collaboration across engineering, science, business, and social sciences
3. interdisciplinary approaches to technological, organizational, educational, and social innovation in mineral resource management and metals supply.
4. Organizational innovation, including:
5. Buyer–producer partnerships
6. Public–private partnership
7. Novel business models for mining and mineral processing services
8. Public engagement in mineral resource management and metals supply
9. Entrepreneurship in mining and metal supply sectors, including startup creation and innovation ecosystems
10. Undergraduate and graduate educational initiatives related to entrepreneurship and innovation in mineral resources
11. Environmental stewardship, Social responsibility, and corporate Governance (ESG) assessment and integration
12. Development of novel, non-financial methods for assessing ESG value in mining and metals businesses
13. Mine project finance, development, and financial modeling
14. Risk analysis, management, and mitigation methods
15. Stakeholder engagement and Indigenous community relations
16. Decision-making in complex, interdisciplinary or high-risk mineral resource contexts

The successful candidate must embrace productive relationships across cultural differences and develop an equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and research approach that promotes a respectful environment for all students, staff and faculty. Collaboration with a variety of researchers on and off campus will be essential. The strategic plan of the Mining Engineering Department specifies diversity and inclusion as key priorities. We welcome colleagues with experiences and competencies that can contribute to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout campus life.

All applications must be submitted to the UBC Faculty Careers website and include:

1. a cover letter. (To comply with the Government of Canada's reporting requirements, the University gathers information about applicants' status as either a permanent resident of Canada or Canadian citizen. Therefore, all applications must include one of the following statements in their cover letter: 1. I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada; or 2. I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.)
2. a detailed Curriculum Vitae,
3. a five-year research program plan (up to 4 pages),
4. a statement of teaching and training philosophy (up to 4 pages),
5. a diversity statement, including a statement describing their experience working with a diverse community and a plan for creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion on campus or within their discipline (1 page).
6. a list of current journal publications and conference papers/presentations,
7. a copy of at least 3 significant research publications/presentations, and
8. the names and contact information of four references.

Review of applications will begin April 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the recruitment can be directed via e-mail to Dr. W. Scott Dunbar (Chair of the Search Committee) at: scott.dunbar@ubc.ca.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized and integrated into current structures, planning and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process, UBC will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in the selection process. To request confidential accommodation, please contact Amber Simpson (amber.simpson@ubc.ca)

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 B.C. 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, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. We particularly welcome candidates with experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities, or whose research or teaching meaningfully engages with Indigenous knowledge systems, governance, or rights, especially in relation to natural resources. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.