About the Sentinels of Change Alliance Project
The Sentinels of Change Alliance brings together Hakai Institute scientists, University of British Columbia scientists, and local communities to deepen our understanding of Salish Sea biodiversity change at an unprecedented scale and resolution. Our goals are to implement standard observation systems for biodiversity across a range of taxa (e.g. light traps, ARMS, MARINe Biodiversity monitoring and other systematic observation and experimental systems), to conduct experiments to test hypotheses about the causes of diversity change, and to integrate knowledge from observation and experimental systems into a sustainable ongoing biodiversity observation system for the Salish Sea. Project personnel use state of the art data science and statistical approaches in the context of emerging frameworks for detecting and attributing biodiversity change. Sentinels postdoctoral researchers will be co-advised by UBC professors and Hakai scientists to develop projects that synthesize the information coming in from the monitoring program, as well as provide complementary theory development, mechanistic experiments, and monitoring. For more information, see https://sentinels.hakai.org.
Focal project
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join a collaborative, community-driven project investigating the impacts of climate change on larval marine invertebrate recruitment and nearshore biodiversity patterns in the Salish Sea. This position will build and expand on a unique, multi-year dataset obtained from a network of community-run light traps, which has a specific focus on Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) larvae, although research directions are not limited to this focal species. This network is part of a larger trans-boundary collaboration between the Hakai Institute and the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG).
The fellow will be encouraged to develop and test novel research questions that leverage data that have been or can be collected through this program. Possible research directions include:
Creative applications of ecological questions to expand on the existing light trap program. For example, evaluating larval recruitment dynamics and the physiological impacts of changing temperature and ocean acidification on early life stage demographics and condition.
Make use of existing biodiversity data collected through experiments and field sampling conducted by the Hakai Institute and a diverse network of community partners. Numerous species are found in the light traps, although past quantitative sampling of by-catch has not been network-wide.
Engagement in collaborative synthesis as part of an international working group focused on climate impacts to Dungeness crab recruitment and molt timing, contributing directly to adaptive management recommendations for one of the region’s most valuable fisheries.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape emerging research directions, while expanding upon existing collaborations. The postdoctoral fellow will work alongside the diverse community of scientists, Indigenous Nations, state and tribal co-managers, NGOs, and fisheries stakeholders playing an active role in interdisciplinary working groups, regional summits, and science-to-management knowledge transfer.
Description of Data Collected
Since 2022, the Hakai Institute has led a network of light traps spanning the BC coast from Prince Rupert to Sooke, with a strong focus on the Salish Sea. Traps are deployed annually from April 15 to September 1 (and sometimes into October), with lights programmed to operate during dark hours. Community partners service the traps every two days, collecting the following data: overhead photographs of each sample (including bycatch), counts of Dungeness megalopae and juveniles, photographs of up to 30 Dungeness megalopae (when present) for digital measurements, and counts of bycatch species—though consistency and rigour in bycatch identification vary by site.
Ideal candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas: larval ecology, fisheries oceanography, climate impacts on marine systems, experimental physiology, biodiversity science or food web ecology. Strong skills in quantitative analysis and collaborative science are an asset.
This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher interested in combining ecological science with real-world fisheries management challenges in a rapidly changing coastal ocean.
Postdoctoral responsibilities and requirements
Collaborate with the Sentinels and PCRG scientists, postdocs, field and data technicians
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals a timely fashion
Employ excellent communication skills with colleagues, collaborators, and mentors about all aspects of the projects (design, interpretation, challenges, solutions, timelines, and progress)
The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Experience with experimental approaches in marine ecosystems preferred
Experience conducting field work is an asset (but not required).
Required experience with statistical analysis in R.
Project advising team
UBC PI - Dr. Chris Harley https://www.zoology.ubc.ca/harleylab/
Hakai PI - Dr. Alyssa Gehman https://gehmana.weebly.com/
Light Trap Network Lead - Heather Earle
Additional details
Equity and diversity are essential to research excellence. 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. Candidates of any nationality are encouraged to apply.
The position is based at the Vancouver campus of the University of British Columbia, which lies on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam people. Hakai is an independent research organization based in British Columbia with many scientists studying the fish, invertebrates, microbes, and seaweeds of coastal ecosystems. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to be able to travel within the Salish Sea Region to participate in experimental work, and accommodation at field stations will be provided.
We hope to fill the position for a start date in early 2026. The position is for two years, with a performance review after one year.
Contact Alyssa Gehman alyssa.gehman@hakai.org, Chris Harley harley@zoology.ubc.ca, or heather.earle@hakai.org with questions.
How to apply
To apply, please email Michelle McEwan (sentinels@hakai.org) with the following:
cover letter*,
CV,
two reference letters, emailed directly to sentinels@hakai.org, subject: “PDF job LightTraps [your surname]”
Two sample research publications
Applications close at 11:59pm (23:59H), on Sunday, November 26, 2025
*Your cover letter should address your main research interests and how they would apply to the context of this project and the Salish Sea. Please describe a research angle that would interest you, along with the particular skills and experience you can bring to the work.