Join our team

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. You can learn more about us here or through our stories.

We're looking for talented, motivated and value-driven professionals to help advance our mission. See below for our current employment opportunities!

Postdoctoral Researcher or Equivalent - ACET Canada-Estonia Wind Energy and Worldviews

Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher or Equivalent 

Location: British Columbia with preference for Vancouver or Victoria (with funded travel to Estonia) 

Salary: $70,000 /year  

Term: 1 year (with potential for extension) 
Application Deadline: Sept 13, 2026 

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 Research Project 

Major Energy Projects in Island Communities: worldviews, engagement, and community benefit of offshore wind  

This research position will examine how large-scale renewable energy projects—particularly offshore wind—are reshaping social, economic, and political dynamics in island communities in Canada and Estonia. Focusing on the Estonian islands of Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, and Kihnu, it explores how worldviews, attitudes, and perceptions of fairness shape community responses to the potential of major offshore wind development projects.  

Rather than viewing resistance simply as opposition, this project approaches it as a complex response rooted in worldviews — reflecting people's values, attitudes toward trust, participation, and whether they see direct benefit from the energy transition. 

To ensure the research captures social and systemic dynamics, candidates will also incorporate technical analysis of energy system flows and local benefits. This includes examining where electricity is produced versus consumed, how local financial or resilience benefits are distributed, and how these factors intersect with perceptions of fairness and support for projects. By combining social insights with energy systems understanding, the project will contribute to identifying potential opportunities and challenges for pathways to offshore wind development, that are both technically viable and socially accepted. Co-developed with the EISEA and local communities, the research would:  

• Analyze the relationships between perceived and actual community benefits, including energy, economic, cultural, and environmental outcomes; and  
• Identify participatory strategies that align renewable energy development with local worldviews and community resilience.  
• Possibly contribute to comparative analysis between Estonian and Canadian Island Communities  

By grounding the analysis in lived experience and co-design, based on regional energy attributes, the project would generate practical insights for inclusive energy transitions in Canada and Estonia. It may also offer lessons for other island and coastal regions navigating similar social and political dynamics.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Scope a detailed research project (including work plan, budget, site visits, methodology, and interdisciplinarity contributions) based on the themes outlined above in collaboration with ACET, EISEA, and community partners including academic institutions in Estonia. 
• Build a foundational understanding of Estonian Island energy and electricity context including offshore wind development, policy instruments, and energy markets, including analysis of how local financial and resilience benefits are distributed. 
• Design and secure behavioural research ethics approval. 
• Conduct independent research as well as carry out collaborative research across other streams of the project. 
• Collaborate and co-lead on communications and knowledge mobilization (presentations, briefs, academic papers).  
• Represent the project at conferences and community events.  
• Ensure meaningful community involvement in research design and decision-making.  
• Collaborate with ACET’s Research Manager and Engagement teams to align project delivery with broader initiative goals. 
• Uphold ACET’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safe workplaces. 
• Travel as required to Estonia for fieldwork, partner engagement, or other project activities. 
• Other duties as required.  

Qualifications 

• Doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent in public policy, planning, geography, political science, environmental studies, regional/urban studies, environmental or ecological economics, or a closely related field. “All But Defence” candidates would be considered. The UBC Postdoc eligibility criteria includes that the candidate is within five years of receiving their PhD. However, if a prospective candidate is outside the five-year envelope, the Hiring Committee may consider them for a Research Associate position. 
• Qualitative research skills required, and quantitative research skills is an asset. 
• Understanding of energy and electricity systems, offshore wind energy, and associated quantitative processes is an asset. 
• Knowledge of and experience in community-engaged research approaches.  
• Applied knowledge of worldview dynamics in community energy transitions or in regard to energy infrastructure. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a team-mindset.  
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and with community partners.  
• Proven ability to apply effective project management in the context of research projects. 
• Publication and knowledge mobilization record (academic and non-academic).  
• Ability to work effectively within intercultural and international teams where English is a second language. 
• Commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.  
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and workplace practices.  
• Language skills in Estonian are an asset but not a requirement. 

Working Conditions, Salary & Benefits 

• $70,000 /year base salary This is a one-year full-time, with potential extension. 
• Applicants must be legally permitted to work in Canada and willing to be located in Vancouver or Victoria. 
• Must be available to travel to Estonia for short periods of time (up to 1 month). 
• Opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration. 

Academic/Professional Supervision 

This position will be under a combined supervision with faculty from UBC and UVic. 

Application Instructions 

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF to contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line “Canada-Estonia Wind Energy and Worldviews Application”: 

• Cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest, as well as a clear statement on your eligibility for working in Canada. 
• Curriculum vitae. 
• One writing sample (e.g. a research article or report). 
• Applications will be accepted until 12 midnight on September 13, 2026 

Accessibility and Equity Statements
Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

Strategic Research Area (SRA) Manager - Indigenous Community Energy Systems

Location: University of Victoria (Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ territories). This position is eligible for a hybrid flex working arrangement. 

Reports to: ACET Partnerships Manager  

Salary: $88,155 - $114,671 

Deadline: Open until filled 

The Opportunity 

Are you a relational leader dedicated to Indigenous energy sovereignty? The Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) initiative is seeking an Indigenous Strategic Research Area (SRA) Manager to bridge the gap between academic research and community-led energy futures. 

In this role, as part of ACET’s Strategic Research Area (SRA) 5, you will advance integrated energy systems and ACET projects which are co-designed with Indigenous communities through a culturally grounded, sustainable, and self-determined approach. 

Position Summary 

The SRA5 Manager (Indigenous) position is a hybrid research and project/people management role and will report to the Partnerships Manager, ACET. The role will work closely with the ACET core team at UVic, and with regular communications and coordination across the other eight ACET SRA Managers. 

The SRA Manager will have an understanding of both the scientific and technical stages of ACET SRAs, with a specific focus on Indigenous knowledge and research co-design. 

Relational Leadership & Community Co-Design 

Key Responsibilities 

• Project co-development: You will support project opportunity and project proposal development through true co-design, ensuring community aspirations are at the centre of every research plan. You will help lead ACET project co-design with members of the ACET core team, researchers, project partners and SRA Leads, with a focus on Indigenous inclusion, interdisciplinarity, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), knowledge mobilization and other project criteria. 

• Partnership Management: You will help coordinate activities with cross-sectoral partners, the ACET core team, and institutional partners, including UBC, Yukon University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Royal Roads University. 

• Cultural Safety: Along with ACET’s Strategic Advisor, Indigenous, you will ensure researchers are trained to engage with communities respectfully and safely. 

• Mentorship: Where appropriate, you will provide research oversight and mentorship to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates, building partnerships within and beyond the University of Victoria. 

• Road-mapping & Strategy: You will work with project partners, community representatives, and Strategic Research Area Leads to align research with ACET’s strategic priorities and UNDRIP standards. 

• ACET Collaboration: Taking direction from the ACET Strategic Advisor, Indigenous, you will ensure that researchers are properly trained and screened prior to working with Indigenous communities; taking direction from the ACET Strategic Lead, People & Culture, you will ensure that projects apply an equity lens and follow best practices in project team management throughout their lifecycles. 

• Project Lifecycles: Support the management of multiple research projects, including budgets, work plans, and timelines. You will support project leads to evaluate the impact of changes to project scope and schedule. 

• Knowledge Mobilization: Translate complex research into "storytelling" and accessible communications in collaboration with the ACET Communications Team. 

• Track and share communications around engagement and opportunity development. 

• Contribute to formal reporting for CFREF. 

• Ensure formal onboarding of personnel onto ACET projects. 

• Engagement: Participate in events, seminars, and conferences to support the mobilization of knowledge to government, industry, and Indigenous partners. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Education: Master’s degree or above (or an equivalent combination of education and significant community leadership/traditional knowledge). 

• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with Indigenous communities in project management. 

• Subject Expertise: Knowledge of energy systems or climate change from a technical, policy, social science, or governance perspective. 

• Relational Skills: Demonstrated ability to build broad networks and tailor communication for diverse "knowledge users" (from Elders to academic experts). 

• Project Tools: Experience tracking evaluation metrics, managing funder relationships, and writing with analytical clarity. 

Our Commitment 

Guided by the UVic Indigenous Plan, we recognize our responsibilities to the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples. We operate as guests on these lands and are committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion into every project lifecycle. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your application, including a cover letter and CV, to contactacet@uvic.ca with the subject line: "ACET SRA 5 Manager: Indigenous." 

Limited Hiring: In accordance with the university's equity plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be limited to Indigenous Peoples. Our search committee will review the pool of applications from those who self-identify as Indigenous. Candidates must self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit in their cover letter to be considered for this position. 

Indigenous Identity: UVic has developed a process to affirm declarations of Indigenous identity for positions of material gain. Successful candidates will be required to complete the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD) process for this and future opportunities.

Accessibility and Equity Statements
Information about our accessibility and equity policies can be found below and/or accessed using the navigation menu on the left.

Equity Statement

ACET and the University of Victoria are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Read UVic's full equity statement at www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement

Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, the Musqueam people, the fourteen Yukon First Nations, Atikamekw and other Indigenous People on which ACET partner institutions stand, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.