Postdoctoral Fellow – Labor Economics (Immigration and Urban Economy) Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellows (PDF)

This position has an initial appointment of 2 years.

Location – This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Feng Qiu and Dr. Xingfei Liu at the University of Alberta. The position focuses on empirical research in labor economics, with particular emphasis on immigration, labor market adjustment, and urban economic outcomes. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to a research program examining how immigration shapes labor market outcomes, local economic development, and housing markets in Canada.

A central component of the research will involve working with confidential administrative data available through the Statistics Canada Research Data Centres (RDC), particularly the Immigration Database (IMDB). This postdoctoral fellowship is part of the larger research initiative “Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides,” funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) (PI for this sub-project: Xingfei Liu). The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment and will have opportunities to develop independent research within the broader project framework.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to several empirical research projects examining the interaction between immigration, labor markets, and local economic outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting empirical research in labor economics and urban economics
• Working with confidential administrative data accessed through Statistics Canada RDC
• Analyzing immigrant employment, wages, and occupational mobility
• Preparing academic manuscripts for journal submission and conference presentations

Qualifications

• Educational Background: PhD in Economics, Urban Economics, or Labor Economics
• Econometrics: Demonstrated expertise with advanced skills in statistical/econometric analysis using recognized statistical software such as R or Stata
• GIS Software: Familiarity with tools like ArcGIS or QGIS
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in labor economics, immigration economics, or urban economics
• Experience working with large administrative datasets
• Prior experience working with restricted-access administrative data (e.g., Statistics Canada RDC)
• Familiarity with Canadian administrative datasets such as the Immigration Database (IMDB)

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• One sample of academic writing
• Academic transcripts
• Contact information for two references
• Letter of recommendation (optional; if provided, referees may email the letter directly to fq@ualberta.ca)

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply directly through the online application system. If you experience any difficulties submitting your application online, you may alternatively email your complete application package to Dr. Qiu at feng.qiu@ualberta.ca.

The preferred start date is June/August 2026, although some flexibility is possible.

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.

About the Team

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.

About 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 First Peoples 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.