sessional lecturer – BEST 400 Part-time

Sessional Lecturer – BEST 400

The Department of Wood Science in the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Stewardship (Feng Jiang) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver campus is seeking a part-time sessional lecturer for BEST_V 400 (3 credits): Biomimicry and Biocomposites for the 2026 Winter Session Term 1 (September–December 2026).

The course introduces students to bioinspired material design, natural structural systems, and biocomposites, covering topics such as structural color, adhesion, antimicrobial materials, nacre-inspired materials, fibers, self-healing materials, rheology in nature, stimuli-responsive systems, superwettability, water harvesting, living materials, and lightweight materials.

The successful candidate will deliver core lectures, coordinate guest lectures, lead class discussions, supervise teaching assistants, provide feedback on student work, hold weekly office hours, and assess quizzes, reports, presentations, and final project papers. The course includes student projects focused on developing biomimetic designs for practical applications.

Qualifications include a strong background in biomaterials, bio-based composites, biomimicry, polysaccharides, (bio-)fabrication and rheology. Experience in teaching, mentoring students, and assessing written and oral assignments is preferred.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:

• Prior teaching or teaching assistant experience in biomimicry, biocomposites, or closely related courses
• The ability to connect fundamental concepts with current research developments in bio-based materials
• Extensive research experience in biomimicry system related to the lecturing topics
• Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments involving materials science, engineering, and biological systems
• Familiarity with the BEST program or similar interdisciplinary curricula, with prior teaching assistant experience in BEST courses considered an asset

A completed PhD (or current PhD candidate) in Forestry, Materials Science, Chemical/Biological Engineering, Polymer Science, Wood Science, or a related discipline is mandatory.

Applicants should include with their letter of application a teaching philosophy statement, CV and the names and email addresses of two references.

All positions are subject to enrolment and funding, and will be governed by UBC's Agreement on Conditions of Appointment for Sessional and Part-time Faculty Members.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.