The Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research in the Himalayas 2026 in Canada offers a fully funded four-year research position at the University of Guelph, focusing on ethnographic and qualitative visual research to understand climate change adaptation in the Himalayan cold deserts. This role sits within the ERC-funded project ‘AdaptAIR’, exploring the social, cultural and environmental dimensions of artificial ice reservoirs as water management tools.
The University of Guelph is a leading Canadian institution known for its interdisciplinary research excellence. The Department of Sociology & Anthropology hosts this project in collaboration with King’s College London and partners in India. The scholarship supports innovative, community-engaged fieldwork that combines anthropology, visual methods, and climate science to address critical water and agrarian challenges in mountain regions.
Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research Benefits
- Minimum annual salary of $70,000 CAD
- Full-time position (35 hours per week)
- Four-year contract with flexible start date
- Extensive fieldwork opportunities in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and potentially Nepal
- Contribution to high-impact climate change research and interdisciplinary publications
- Opportunity to develop a personal research agenda within the AdaptAIR project
Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in anthropology, geography, international development, or a related field (or near completion)
- Knowledge of qualitative research methods and field research applications
- Fluency in English and Hindi
- Experience of research in Himalayan communities
- Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills
- Willingness to conduct extended fieldwork in remote Himalayan regions
- Proactive, independent time management and ability to meet objectives
- Ability to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team
How to Apply for Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research?
- Prepare a cover letter addressing each essential criterion listed in the job description
- Include your nationality, current address, and indicate if you require visa sponsorship to work in Canada
- Prepare an up-to-date CV
- Email both documents to Dr. Karine Gagné ([email protected]) and Suzanne Dodd ([email protected])
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Postdoctoral Scholarship at the University of Guelph. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, application steps, and key deadlines.
What is the duration of this Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research?
This is a four-year contract starting from a flexible start date. The position is full-time (35 hours per week) and funded by the European Research Council under the AdaptAIR project.
What are the essential eligibility criteria?
Applicants must hold a PhD (or be near completion) in anthropology, geography, international development, or a related field. Fluency in English and Hindi is mandatory, along with qualitative research experience, prior work in Himalayan communities, and willingness to conduct fieldwork in remote areas.
How do I apply for this Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research?
Submit a cover letter that explicitly addresses each essential criterion, your CV, nationality, current address, and visa sponsorship needs. Applications should be emailed to Dr. Karine Gagné ([email protected]) and Suzanne Dodd ([email protected]).
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is Friday, September 4, 2026. Ensure your application is submitted by this date to be considered.
What is the salary for this Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research position?
The minimum annual salary is $70,000 CAD. There are no additional teaching or supervision duties required; the role is purely research-focused.
Where will the Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research take place?
The research involves extensive fieldwork in Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley), Ladakh, and potentially Nepal. The position is based at the University of Guelph, Canada, with travel to project meetings in the UK and India.
What research methods will I use?
You will employ ethnographic and qualitative visual methods such as photovoice, photo elicitation, visual ethnography, participatory mapping, oral life history interviews, and focus groups to explore climate change experiences and agrarian shifts.
Is knowledge of a regional Himalayan language required?
Knowledge of a regional language (e.g., Ladakhi or a Spiti Valley language) is desirable but not essential. Fluency in English and Hindi is mandatory.
Will I be part of a team?
Yes, you will work closely with Principal Investigator Dr. Karine Gagné at Guelph and an interdisciplinary team including post docs, PhD students, and partners from King’s College London and Indian institutions.
Can I develop my own research agenda within this Postdoctoral Position on Climate Change Research?
Absolutely. While contributing to the AdaptAIR project aims, you are encouraged to build a personal research profile, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and present at conferences.
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