Multiple positions in aquatic ecology, environmental sensors, and AI
 

As part of a collaborative research project led by the Foxe Basin Kivalliq North Sapujiyiit/Guardians of the Sea Society (https://sapujiyiit.org/), we are seeking to fill the following funded positions.  All posts will work together in a highly collaborative environment with a team of researchers at Trent University, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, National Research Council (NRC) Canada, University of Florida, and Environment and Climate Change Canada and have opportunities to undertake field work in three Nunavut communities (Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, and Naujaat).

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Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) in Environmental Sensors and AI

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Lead supervisor: Prof Andrew Tanentzap (atanentzap@trentu.ca; https://www.ecosystemchange.com/)

Tentative start date: April 2024 in Peterborough, ON (part-time remote working possible)

Based at Trent University’s Water Quality Centre (https://www.trentu.ca/wqc/) – one of Canada’s premier facilities for environmental contamination research – this project will lead the validation of an optical sensors platform to monitor water quality.  The PDF will visit collaborators at the NRC Nanotechnology Research Centre in Edmonton, AB to calibrate a commercial spectrophotometer to detect dissolved organic matter and mercury.  The PDF will then build novel machine-learning algorithms to predict water quality and food web parameters from sensor data and test the performance of the system under different environmental conditions guided by traditional Inuit knowledge.  The ideal applicant will have a PhD in ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental engineering, or a related discipline with strong computational experience and a track record engaging local communities.  The starting salary is $55,000/year plus benefits.

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MSc in Lipids in Aquatic Food Webs

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Lead supervisor: Prof Milla Rautio (milla.rautio@uqac.ca; https://www.rautioaqualab.com/)

Tentative start date: Jan 2025 in Chicoutimi, QC

This project will study how lipid composition and nutritional quality in zooplankton and fish vary seasonally across multiple freshwater-to-marine gradients, and how they relate to the optical properties of water.  The ideal applicant will have a BSc degree in biology, limnology, environmental sciences, or a closely related subject, and experience in working in the laboratory and field. Knowledge of French is advantageous as some MSc courses are only given in French.

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MSc in Mercury Contamination in Aquatic Food Webs

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Lead supervisor: Prof Andrew Tanentzap (atanentzap@trentu.ca; https://www.ecosystemchange.com/)

Tentative start date: Jan 2025 in Peterborough, ON

This project will characterise seasonal variation in mercury concentrations of across freshwater-to-marine gradients to develop AI models that can predict contamination and food safety from the optical properties of water.  The ideal applicant will have a BSc with an Honours thesis (or comparable capstone project experience) in biology, chemistry, forensics, or a related subject, and relevant laboratory and field work experience.

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To apply: Contact the lead supervisor by 1 March 2024 (PDF) or 1 April 2024 (MSc) by email with a CV, explanation of why you would fit the post, and the names of two referees.  For MSc applicants, please attach a copy of your undergraduate transcript.

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