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 - Circular Economy and Intelligent Industry - AI & Biogas Study

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.

Senior Engineering Manager - Mechanical, PRIMED

Job Title: Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical

Job Location: University of Victoria, Marine Technology Centre, Victoria, BC

Salary/Wage: Full-time = $87,035 to $95,971 negotiable dependent on qualifications, previous experience and the negotiated hours of work per week

Hours of work per week: Full-time (suggested 37.5-40.0 hrs.)

Location: Marine Technology Centre Bay 111 (N. Saanich) & IESVic (MAC D202, UVic Gordon Head Campus)

Start Date: 1 April 2026

Number of Positions: 1

About PRIMED

The Pacific Regional Institute for Marine Energy Discovery (PRIMED), is a marine energy research and development hub hosted by the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems at the University of Victoria (UVic). PRIMED’s mandate is to leverage research outputs at IESVic to accelerate the development and adoption of Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) in BC Coastal Community Energy Systems.

In this role PRIMED staff:

· use computational models and field measurements to define the energy characteristics in BC’s marine winds, waves and tides

· apply computer modeling tools to assess how MRE devices convert these resources into usable forms of energy.

· support of detailed MRE project design including MRE device siting, mooring design, electrical integration, partner identification and development of operating strategies.

PRIMED’s community projects are executed with support from staff in the UVic Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) Initiative – a campus wide initiative that supports energy system innovations in small-to-medium sized communities in Western Canada; PRIMED is an independent marine energy division of the UVic ACET initiative.

Job Description / About this position

PRIMED’s projects include marine energy resource assessment, pre-feasibility, front-end engineering design and first-of-a-kind MRE construction projects. Across these activities, PRIMED works with an extensive network of community, private sector, academic and government agency partners. As a university research group, we seek to disseminate best-practices and knowledge developed in projects to the benefit of the BC MRE sector. This requires thoughtful dialogue with partners to ensure intellectual property is protected.

The advertised position will be based inside PRIMED. The primary role of the Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical is to oversee mechanical engineering design and analysis activities whilst playing a leadership role, mentoring and developing a small team of mechanical engineers.

In completing their duties, the successful candidate will: lead the mechanical engineering aspects of projects and be responsible for setting scope of engineering activities and directing progress towards deliverables. In addition, the successful candidate will provide professional mentorship and guidance for team members. The candidate is also required to interface regularly with private sector partners, project stakeholders and building excellent working relationships with these groups. The candidate will also work closely with the Operations Manager to ensure University procurement and risk processes are adhered to for all projects.

In addition, the PRIMED Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical will work closely with the Victoria Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST). COAST and UVic jointly operate the BC Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub (“The Hub”), which delivers knowledge and data services to companies developing MRE technology solutions, and provides sites for physical testing and demonstration of MRE devices.

The activities of the Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical fall into 3 categories: academic research, applied research, and activities executed in support of commercialization programs under The Hub.

Academic Research (IESVic):

Support mechanical engineering related research activities
Identify and support new institutional and industry collaborations
Provide technical and engineering mentorship for students, researchers, and junior members of the PRIMED team

Applied Research (ACET):

Provincial MRE resource assessment: data generation and curation
MRE system analyses: community energy systems, diesel displacement potential of MRE deployments, system design
MRE device performance assessments. MRE device component and assembly design

Commercialization ("The Hub")

Design and installation of equipment and test facilities in support of Innovation Challenges
Development and delivery of engineering supports for device (re)design and optimization for BC environmental conditions (winds, waves, tidal currents)
Development of scale-up strategies for the BC marine energy sector informed by knowledge of device performance and operational strategies/constraints

Responsibilities

The PRIMED Mechanical Engineering Lead will:

Provide technical leadership by
- being responsible for mechanical engineering scope, deliverables and execution on projects.
- Ensuring designs comply with applicable codes and standards.
- Reviewing CAD packages and overseeing generation of fabrication drawings and technical reports.
- Providing technical guidance to the mechanical engineering team and resolve complex engineering challenges.

Improve team productivity by
- Being a leadership figure responsible for mentoring and developing a team of mechanical engineers.
- Maintaining and enhancing a high-trust environment that drives team member engagement in assigned tasks.
- Conducting performance reviews, setting individual team member goals, and supporting career development.
- Overseeing allocation of resources to meet project timelines.
- Leading meetings with the mechanical engineering team

Execute Project & Program Management through
- Working with the PRIMED Director to develop proposals, budgets and feasibility studies.
- Developing schedules, scopes of work and budgets - for the mechanical engineering activities within assigned projects.
- Assisting in scheduling and coordination of operations and contracted services at field sites.
- Resolving project related issues with service providers/contractors.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
At least 5 years relevant professional experience working on complex mechanical systems.
At least 3 years’ experience managing a (small) team of engineers.
Preference for candidates holding an active PEng in Canada or equivalent (e.g. P.E. in the US) license; candidates without active license must be engaged in the Engineer in Training program or have a clear path to licensure with a commitment to pursuing that path.

Technical Competencies

Knowledge of mechanical design principles, fabrication and manufacturing.
Experience with CAD (e.g. Solid Works) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
Experience with structural analysis and FEA (e.g. ANSYS).
Experience with fluid mechanics and CFD (e.g. ANSYS, ProteusDS).
Familiarity with project management methodologies and engineering documentation.
Ability to understand and review mechanical design part and assembly drawings - including dimensions, tolerances, materials, weld symbols, and finishes.
Experience leading design reviews with cross-functional stakeholders.
Knowledge of recognized Project Management principles and methodologies.

Soft Skills and Leadership

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to respectfully engage with internal and external stakeholders through email, conference calls and face-to-face meetings.
Ability to work between project stakeholders to problem solve.
Ability to lead, mentor and coach other engineers.
Ability to chair team meetings and provide feedback and guidance to other engineers.

Desired but not essential

Familiarity with construction project management, particularly marine-based infrastructure.
Experience in Marine/Offshore engineering (Offshore Structural Engineering, Naval Architecture).
Proven experience in construction management (particularly marine/offshore infrastructure).

Contact and Application

Interested candidates should email primed@uvic.ca by March 1st 2026 with the subject “PRIMED Senior Engineering Manager – Mechanical”, and attach:

A detailed curriculum vitae.
A one-page cover letter describing your relevant experience and motivation for applying for the position.

Administrative and Communications Coordinator - SESIT

Organizational Unit

University of Victoria-> Research Centers-> Sustainable Energy Systems Integration & Transitions Group

Posting Close Date

March 20^th, 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$55,000 – $65,000

Category

Accounting/Accounts Payable, Administrative and Support Services, Financial Accounting, Human Resources/Recruiting

About the Employer

The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada's best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria's diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.

The Sustainable Energy Systems Integration & Transitions (SESIT) Group develops and applies models to understand the sustainable energy system transition. SESIT works closely with the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic), a multi-disciplinary research centre whose mission is to chart feasible paths to sustainable energy systems. lESVic is known for its vibrant culture with many alumni active in energy technology innovation, policy development, and sustainability initiatives.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Administrative and Communications Coordinator has an integral role in the administration of SESIT . The role ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the research group and contributes to the strategic direction and implementation of the group’s projects. The position is actively involved in strategic and budget planning administration of the SESIT budget, research grants, contracts and partnership agreements, human resources, operations communications and event coordination.

Job Requirements

This position requires an undergraduate degree plus 1-2 years of related experience years of related operational, budget and financial administration, communications and events experience in an academic (or equivalent) environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

An interest in energy systems and/or climate change solutions that contributes to the overall mission of SESIT will be considered an asset.

Experience requirements:

Experience creating and managing complex accounting spreadsheets, record keeping, and creating and reconciling budgets.
Proven ability to produce high quality external-facing deliverables (updating website, formatting reports, compiling content for proposals, drafting letters).
Proven strength in written and oral communications.

Competency requirements:

Budget management

Superior computer skills using Microsoft Office (Word and Excel)
Familiarity with university administrative systems (FAST, Cascade, Connect, FMIS, Outlook calendar) or demonstrated ability to learn new administrative systems.
Maintain the group budget (incoming contracts, staff salaries, travel expenses, etc)
Manage contract & invoicing processes
Manage staff contracts (salaries and benefits)

Communications:

Strong communication skills across multiple platforms and with multiple audiences; manage the team's LinkedIn and Website, and other social media platforms as needed

UVic internal services

Support group in drafting accessible summaries of their work

Executive Assistant:

Scheduling meetings internally and with projects partners
Circulate meeting notes and follow up on action items
Organize events: group meetings and occasional larger events with researchers
Handle administrative tasks, including job appointments, purchasing requisitions, travel arrangements, reimbursements, and other admin tasks.
Provide operational support including: updating CV, assembling & submitting expense reports,
Ability to make decisions independently, prioritize and consistently meet deadlines.

Team support:

Assist with administrative tasks associated with on-boarding and orientation of new employees, including: ensuring that required documentation is completed for the employee, setting up payroll and benefits, allocating keys, visa applications, purchasing computers, etc.
Connecting staff and students to supports across campus to address various needs and solving problems as they arise
Must have a willingness to learn.

To apply

Please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications by email to Jessica Hartley at jessicahartley@uvic.ca. We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the lakw,HJan peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and '(YSANEC peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

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

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact uviccareers@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

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.