BC First Nations, Clean energy transition

Position: Research Associate or Postdoctoral Fellow — First Nations Utility Study
Organization: Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET). University of Victoria
Location: Victoria BC / Hybrid

About ACET

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) is a multi-partner international initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through local, community-based collaborations.

Established at the University of Victoria in 2023, ACET is a partnership between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, and Yukon University, supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

About the First Nations Utility Study Project

The First Nations Utility (FNU) Study is a collaborative research project designed to support participating First Nations in exploring the long-term financial sustainability of different FNU business models in B.C. This project is grounded in the principle that all research and analysis will incorporate the priorities and needs identified by participating First Nations.

The scope of work includes examining various ownership structures, operational models, and governance approaches, which will be shaped by the unique contexts of each participating community. The output of the project will be a tailored business case analysis for each participating First Nation, which they may use to inform the future development of their utility model/proposal.

In December 2024, the Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities initiative requested an Expression of Interest (EOI) from First Nations interested in forming a utility that would be regulated by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) as a public utility1. A Steering Committee made up representatives from ACET, the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, and First Nations members of Clean Energy BC, selected participating communities from among those who submitted EOIs. These communities will contribute to guiding the direction and scope of research based on their priorities and interests.

About the research team approach:

For this project, we seek to hire one Research Associate or Postdoctoral Fellow with complementary skills and experience to our current research team, with a strong focus on financial modeling for infrastructure and renewables investments (and economic analysis as an asset) to support feasibility analysis and business case development. The researchers are expected to work in close collaboration with one another over the course of the project under the co-supervision of Professors Curran Crawford (ACET Executive Director) and Basma Majerbi (ACET- Business and Finance Research Lead). Although the research team will be provided with a high-level project framework, they are expected to work independently to establish a detailed research plan and will have considerable control over how research is undertaken within the multidisciplinary team and with guidance from participating Nations.

What the research team will do:

• Co-create detailed research design, analytical frameworks, and methodological approaches with the research team and participating First Nations that will deliver on the practical research goals of the project and ensure applicability to the communities it intends to serve.
• Build relationships and work in conjunction with each of the First Nations participating in the project in coordination with the First Nations Utility Working Group (FNUWG).
• Undertake a community energy utility feasibility study with each of the participating First Nations that assesses the long-term (e.g. 20 year) sustainability and potential profitability of the proposed energy unitality and business model.
• The study should include consideration of the community’s objectives (including non-financial), the obligations of a traditional public utility to their customers, capital expenditures, operation expenditures, financing, and estimate of customer rates to recover cost of service and earn a reasonable rate of return on equity. It should also consider the expectations of the customer base, commercial feasibility/economic risks, human resources (including local training), customer base, revenue generation options, cultural appropriateness and potential community benefits and challenges.
• Complete a business case analysis for each participating First Nation incorporating results from the feasibility study. The analysis will be co-developed and informed by the priorities of each First Nation.
• Work collaboratively with team members to integrate financial modelling with policy, governance, and community priorities
• Collaborate with ACET’s Communications Strategist and Research Impact Officer on communications, storytelling and knowledge mobilization (such as presentations to Chief and Council, policy briefs, brochures, or videos) to highlight research impact to the community, as well as preparation of academic manuscripts.
• Participate at conferences, seminars, and community events to promote knowledge sharing both within and outside the community.
• Ensure community members are brought alongside the research and participate in decision-making processes related to research design and deliverables.
• Uphold ACET’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safe workplaces.
• Other duties as required.

What you will bring:

• Experience working with First Nations communities (ideally within British Columbia).
• Strong experience in financial analysis and modelling for infrastructure, utilities, energy systems (e.g., long-term financial projections, and exposure to cost-of-service modelling or utility rate design is an asset).
• Understanding of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including their financial and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to work collaboratively on research design and co-create knowledge in interdisciplinary and community-based research settings.
• Commitment to ongoing training to advance Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
• Proven quantitative research abilities, including financial modelling, scenario analysis, and business case development, with complimentary qualitative research skills.
• Experience writing, publishing, and producing research tailored to various audiences.
• Commitment to continued training and implementation of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion through research design and workplace practices.

Preferred qualifications:

• Senior PhD Candidate, PhD Graduate, or equivalent with experience in business, engineering, applied science, resource management, economic development, or other relevant disciplines. Preference will be given to First Nations scholars from B.C.
• Experience in working with BC First Nations communities
• Strong experience in financial feasibility analysis and business case development.
• Knowledge or experience in electricity systems and utility regulations
• Knowledge or experience in analysis of community benefits
• Knowledge or experience with developing Indigenous data sovereignty models, including but not limited, the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP)
• UVIC Indigenous Cultural Acumen Training (or equivalent)

What we provide:

• Salary range: $50,000 - $100,000 annually. This broad range ensures flexibility based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, degree status, and level of commitment (e.g., part-time vs. full-time or project-based vs. ongoing roles), post-doc/research associate appointment category.
• 20 vacation days in addition to statutory holidays and UVic Christmas-New Years closure period
• Access to employee-funded extended benefit plans
• Professional development opportunities

Working Conditions:

• This is a one-year, part-time or full-time position with opportunity to extend based on project requirements, impact, and funding
• This is a hybrid-remote position with expectation of some in-person time in Victoria BC
• Travel to participating First Nations Communities is also expected and will be funded through ACET
• Applicants must be permitted to work in Canada and be available to begin by June 2026 (flexible)

How to Apply:

• If you are ready to take on this exciting and impactful research opportunity, please submit your application to contactacet@uvic.ca with subject line “First Nations Utility Study” by April 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Include the following in your application: a cover letter, CV, and a short writing sample (i.e., published article, thesis excerpt, policy document, knowledge mobilization piece; not mandatory, but will strengthen application).

Why Join Us?

• This role offers an opportunity to make real-world impacts by supporting First Nations communities in BC to achieve energy sovereignty and build resilient local economies.

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