Postdoctoral Researcher - Circular Economy and Intelligent Industry - AI & Biogas Study
Top Benefits
About the role
Location: British Columbia with preference for Victoria or Vancouver B.C. (includes funded travel to the island of Saaremaa in Northern Europe)
Salary: CAD $70,000 per year
Application Deadline: For full consideration please submit by Tuesday March 10th, 2026. Position open until filled.
ABOUT THE ESTONIAN ISLANDS ENERGY AGENCY
Established in 2023, the Estonian Islands Energy Agency (EISEA) is a socially oriented non-profit operating on six islands in western Estonia: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, Ruhnu and Kihnu. EISEA helps local authorities, communities and businesses to implement projects aimed at more sustainable energy use and production, and which help reduce carbon emissions.
The founding members of EISEA are the rural municipalities of the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Kihnu and Vormsi, the entrepreneurs’ associations of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, the Saare Development Centre and the Tallinn University of Technology. EISEA’s activities are funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme, by EISEA’s founders and through the provision of various services.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The ACET Initiative, led by the University of Victoria in collaboration with the EISEA and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research in biogas, biochar, artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centre energy optimization and heat recovery, organic waste reutilization, and circular economy opportunities applied to island industries. This position offers joint supervision and the opportunity to work within a strong international research network focused on practical pathways for energy transformation.
A core component of the role is leading a case study on a biomethane (CH₄) plant under development on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. The study will examine the plant’s technical inputs/outputs, operational and systems models, financing and partnership structure, policy environment, and social and environmental outcomes.
The Saaremaa biogas plant, located in Tahula village, is part of a national effort to expand Estonia’s renewable-gas capacity. Supported by the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) and the EU’s NextGenerationEU fund, the facility will convert locally sourced agricultural waste into renewable biomethane while leveraging waste heat from a nearby data centre. The project is designed to reduce emissions, strengthen local energy security, and advance circular-economy practices on the island.
A key component of this position is facilitating two-way knowledge exchange between Canada and Estonia by:
- Sharing Canadian expertise abroad to support effective renewable-energy project development.
- Bringing insights, case findings, and innovations from Estonian partners back to Canada.
- Contributing to workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, and public-facing communications that support shared learning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and coordinate the case study on the Saaremaa biomethane plant, including data collection, analysis, and engagement in coordination with ACET and EISEA.
- Conduct research and produce outputs related to biogas, biomethane, circular economy, and energy system transformation.
- Collaborate with research teams at UVic ACET, EISEA, and TalTech on research design, methodology, and analysis.
- Participate in knowledge-exchange and mobilization activities, including workshops, conferences, and meetings with industry, government, and community partners.
- Contribute to academic publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.
- Develop further phases of collaboration with ACET and EISEA related to bioproduct valorization, circular economy applications, data centre waste heat reutilization, and renewable energy system integration.
- Collaborate with ACET’s Research Manager and Engagement teams to align project delivery with broader initiative goals.
- Uphold ACET’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and safe workplaces through our EDI Action Plan and Code of Conduct
- Travel to Estonia as required for fieldwork, partner engagement, and knowledge-exchange activities (funded by ACET).
- Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, or Energy Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field relevant to energy systems, completed by the start date.
- Strong research record in energy transition, renewable energy systems, biogas/biomethane, AI infrastructure, computer vision on the scale of methanogenesis, data centre heat recovery or related interdisciplinary areas.
- Experience conducting case studies and engaging with industry or community interest holders is an asset.
- Ability to manage complex research projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate among diverse partners.
- Experience in applying systems approaches and/or systems modelling is an asset.
- Interest and/or experience in knowledge mobilization or international collaboration is highly desirable.
- Commitment to ongoing training to advance Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Commitment to continued training and implementation of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion through research design and workplace practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to speak or willingness to learn some Estonian would be considered an asset.
- Ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate international time zones.
Ability to travel internationally and work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
SALARY & WORK CONTEXT
- Salary: CAD $70,000 per year.
- This is a one-year, full-time position with the opportunity to extend based on project requirements and impact.
- This is a hybrid position based in British Columbia (ideally either Victoria or Vancouver B.C.).
- Funded travel to Estonia will be required.
- Opportunities for professional development, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
ACADEMIC SUPERVISION
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be jointly supervised by ACET and EISEA, with academic collaboration through Tallinn University of Technology.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit the following materials to contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line “Biogas and Intelligent Circular Industry – Postdoctoral Application”
- Cover letter outlining relevant research experience and interest in biogas, circular economy, artificial intelligence, data centre waste heat reutilization, knowledge mobilization, and international collaboration (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum vitae.
- One writing sample (e.g. a research article or report).
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.
For more information and to read our Equity and Accessibility statements, please visit: Employment opportunities - ACET - UVic
About Accelerating Community Energy Transformation
Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations.
Established at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2023, ACET builds on three decades of knowledge and innovation developed by UVic’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) with industry, non-profit, government and community partners.
With support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, ACET is a collaboration between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Yukon University, led by the University of Victoria.
Postdoctoral Researcher - Circular Economy and Intelligent Industry - AI & Biogas Study
Top Benefits
About the role
Location: British Columbia with preference for Victoria or Vancouver B.C. (includes funded travel to the island of Saaremaa in Northern Europe)
Salary: CAD $70,000 per year
Application Deadline: For full consideration please submit by Tuesday March 10th, 2026. Position open until filled.
ABOUT THE ESTONIAN ISLANDS ENERGY AGENCY
Established in 2023, the Estonian Islands Energy Agency (EISEA) is a socially oriented non-profit operating on six islands in western Estonia: Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, Ruhnu and Kihnu. EISEA helps local authorities, communities and businesses to implement projects aimed at more sustainable energy use and production, and which help reduce carbon emissions.
The founding members of EISEA are the rural municipalities of the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Kihnu and Vormsi, the entrepreneurs’ associations of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, the Saare Development Centre and the Tallinn University of Technology. EISEA’s activities are funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme, by EISEA’s founders and through the provision of various services.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The ACET Initiative, led by the University of Victoria in collaboration with the EISEA and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research in biogas, biochar, artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centre energy optimization and heat recovery, organic waste reutilization, and circular economy opportunities applied to island industries. This position offers joint supervision and the opportunity to work within a strong international research network focused on practical pathways for energy transformation.
A core component of the role is leading a case study on a biomethane (CH₄) plant under development on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. The study will examine the plant’s technical inputs/outputs, operational and systems models, financing and partnership structure, policy environment, and social and environmental outcomes.
The Saaremaa biogas plant, located in Tahula village, is part of a national effort to expand Estonia’s renewable-gas capacity. Supported by the Estonian Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) and the EU’s NextGenerationEU fund, the facility will convert locally sourced agricultural waste into renewable biomethane while leveraging waste heat from a nearby data centre. The project is designed to reduce emissions, strengthen local energy security, and advance circular-economy practices on the island.
A key component of this position is facilitating two-way knowledge exchange between Canada and Estonia by:
- Sharing Canadian expertise abroad to support effective renewable-energy project development.
- Bringing insights, case findings, and innovations from Estonian partners back to Canada.
- Contributing to workshops, stakeholder engagement activities, and public-facing communications that support shared learning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and coordinate the case study on the Saaremaa biomethane plant, including data collection, analysis, and engagement in coordination with ACET and EISEA.
- Conduct research and produce outputs related to biogas, biomethane, circular economy, and energy system transformation.
- Collaborate with research teams at UVic ACET, EISEA, and TalTech on research design, methodology, and analysis.
- Participate in knowledge-exchange and mobilization activities, including workshops, conferences, and meetings with industry, government, and community partners.
- Contribute to academic publications, technical reports, and policy briefs.
- Develop further phases of collaboration with ACET and EISEA related to bioproduct valorization, circular economy applications, data centre waste heat reutilization, and renewable energy system integration.
- Collaborate with ACET’s Research Manager and Engagement teams to align project delivery with broader initiative goals.
- Uphold ACET’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and safe workplaces through our EDI Action Plan and Code of Conduct
- Travel to Estonia as required for fieldwork, partner engagement, and knowledge-exchange activities (funded by ACET).
- Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, or Energy Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field relevant to energy systems, completed by the start date.
- Strong research record in energy transition, renewable energy systems, biogas/biomethane, AI infrastructure, computer vision on the scale of methanogenesis, data centre heat recovery or related interdisciplinary areas.
- Experience conducting case studies and engaging with industry or community interest holders is an asset.
- Ability to manage complex research projects, meet deadlines, and coordinate among diverse partners.
- Experience in applying systems approaches and/or systems modelling is an asset.
- Interest and/or experience in knowledge mobilization or international collaboration is highly desirable.
- Commitment to ongoing training to advance Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Commitment to continued training and implementation of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion through research design and workplace practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to speak or willingness to learn some Estonian would be considered an asset.
- Ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate international time zones.
Ability to travel internationally and work effectively in a cross-cultural environment.
SALARY & WORK CONTEXT
- Salary: CAD $70,000 per year.
- This is a one-year, full-time position with the opportunity to extend based on project requirements and impact.
- This is a hybrid position based in British Columbia (ideally either Victoria or Vancouver B.C.).
- Funded travel to Estonia will be required.
- Opportunities for professional development, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
ACADEMIC SUPERVISION
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be jointly supervised by ACET and EISEA, with academic collaboration through Tallinn University of Technology.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit the following materials to contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line “Biogas and Intelligent Circular Industry – Postdoctoral Application”
- Cover letter outlining relevant research experience and interest in biogas, circular economy, artificial intelligence, data centre waste heat reutilization, knowledge mobilization, and international collaboration (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum vitae.
- One writing sample (e.g. a research article or report).
Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 10th, 2026.
For more information and to read our Equity and Accessibility statements, please visit: Employment opportunities - ACET - UVic
About Accelerating Community Energy Transformation
Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations.
Established at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2023, ACET builds on three decades of knowledge and innovation developed by UVic’s Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) with industry, non-profit, government and community partners.
With support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, ACET is a collaboration between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Yukon University, led by the University of Victoria.