This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an initial appointment of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

The University of Alberta invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Urban Geography to join the research project Age-Friendly Infrastructure in Canada’s Ethnic Neighbourhoods (AFICEN), led by Dr. Elmond Bandauko. This interdisciplinary project examines how age-friendly infrastructure is planned, distributed, and experienced in ethnically diverse neighbourhoods across Canadian cities, with a comparative focus on Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver. Grounded in the WHO Age-Friendly Cities framework, the project integrates GIS and spatial analysis with qualitative, community-based research to understand how age, ethnicity, and place intersect in shaping urban experiences for older immigrant adults.

This project is part of the Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides research program, which is dedicated to building a new understanding of the challenges and opportunities that migrant integration poses for Canada (and all countries) locally and across borders. The Postdoctoral Scholar will play a central role in coordinating and advancing the research agenda. This includes leading fieldwork activities, integrating mixed methods, mentoring graduate research assistants, and contributing to high-impact publications and knowledge mobilization.

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.

• Lead and support both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, including interviews, focus groups, GIS and spatial analysis, walking interviews, and participatory methods (e.g., photovoice)
• Coordinate fieldwork across multiple cities (Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver)
• Contribute to academic writing and publications based on findings from the study
• Mentor and supervise graduate research assistants
• Engage with community organizations, policymakers, and stakeholders
• Support knowledge mobilization activities, including policy workshops and public-facing outputs

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Urban Geography, Urban Planning, Human Geography, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in GIS and spatial analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Strong experience in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, participatory methods)
• Proven track record of academic publishing
• Experience with mixed-methods research design
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on urban infrastructure, migration, ageing, or social inclusion
• Familiarity with Canadian urban contexts or comparative urban research
• Experience with community-engaged or participatory research
• Ability to work across interdisciplinary teams

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit the following:

• A cover letter outlining research experience and fit with the project (files should be named as follows: Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• One writing sample (published or draft article)
• Contact information for two referees

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package*.*

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.