PhD/MSc Position in Urban Nature, Technology, and Human Behaviour at University of British Columbia
The Urban Nature Design Research Lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is recruiting one graduate student (MSc or PhD) to begin in September 2026. The research focuses on technology-based studies of human interaction with urban parks, emphasizing the use of sensors and computer vision. The successful candidate will lead an independent thesis or dissertation and collaborate with lab members and external partners, including campus units, municipalities, and community organizations. The lab encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
Research topics will be tailored to student interests and lab priorities, including sensor-based studies (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy) to measure human movement and behavior in urban nature, computer vision or vision-language models to analyze human activities and human-nature interactions from imagery or video, and reliability and validity testing with spatio-temporal analysis to support rigorous behavioral inference.
Applicants should have a background in urban planning, urban forestry, landscape architecture, geography, computer science, or related fields. Strong Python programming skills with experience in sensors and/or computer vision are required, and GIS experience is an asset. Interest in urban nature design and human-environment interaction is expected, along with excellent English communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams. Preferred assets for PhD applicants include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, fieldwork experience, and theoretical grounding in behavioral research or environmental psychology.
The position offers a competitive funding package: 2 years for MSc and 4 years for PhD, plus a computer, lab space, and conference travel. Students will be supported in applying for external funding. To apply, email Dr. Keun Park ([email protected]) by January 2, 2026, with a 1-page statement of research interests and motivation, CV/Resume, unofficial transcripts, one writing sample, information on external funding applications (if any), and contact information for 2–3 references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Key academic keywords include urban nature, technology-based research, human-nature interaction, sensors, computer vision, urban parks, urban forestry, spatio-temporal analysis, environmental psychology, and GIS. The University of British Columbia is a leading institution in forestry and urban nature research, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment for graduate students.
