We are looking for a PhD student to study “Contributing areas and nutrient transport in near-level landscapes of the Lake Winnipeg Basin”. Details about the PhD opportunity can be found in the position ad below.
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Position: The Watershed Systems Research Program (WSRP), the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Manitoba, and the National Hydrology Research Centre (Environment Canada, Saskatoon) invite applications for a PhD position in hydrology and biogeochemistry. We seek a highly-qualified PhD student to explore the link between runoff dynamics and nutrient export mechanisms in flat Prairie regions. Runoff contributing areas are known to vary on an event, seasonal and annual basis, although it is unclear how processes such as sheet flow on frozen ground, water losses in high infiltration capacity soils, slough and wetland connectivity, and enhanced drainage via man-made structures rank or interact to determine those contributing areas at different timescales. The PhD student will deploy hydrometric instruments in selected watersheds in Manitoba and develop a dynamic model of overland flow connectivity toward a time-dependent delineation of contributing areas in the downstream portion of the Lake Winnipeg Basin. The PhD student will also develop a better understanding of the movement of nutrients through near-level watersheds as a function of variable contributing areas. The PhD position will be associated with extensive travelling between Manitoba and Saskatchewan as the successful candidate will be working in two interdisciplinary environments at the University of Manitoba (lead: Dr. Genevieve Ali) and the National Hydrology Research Centre (lead: Dr. Chris Spence). The position is available to start immediately.
Qualifications: Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in a natural resources or engineering field, with an emphasis on hydrology or water quality. The successful applicant should be a motivated individual with a good inclination for problem solving; s/he should have previous field experience, proficiency in at least one programming language, and excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in MATLAB and GIS will be considered an asset. The successful applicant should also meet the requirements for acceptance into the PhD program in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University Manitoba.
Funding: This PhD position is fully funded by Environment Canada for a period up to 4 years; a competitive remuneration will be offered to the successful applicant to aid in the completion of the PhD program.
Deadline: Review of applications will begin on May 10, 2013 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Applications should include a cover letter, a CV, and contact information for three referees. For further information or to submit an application, please contact:
Dr. Genevieve Ali, BSc Hons, PhD
Junior Chair, Watershed Systems Research Program
Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences
Center for Earth Observation Science (CEOS)
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba
Email: Genevieve.Ali@ad.umanitoba.ca