Seeking a Post Doctoral Fellow with research interests and experience in permafrost watershed organic carbon dynamics and geochemistry. The objective of the research is to gain a better understanding of how different hydrogeomorphic conditions (e.g., polar desert vs. wetland) and hydrological inputs (e.g., snow vs. rain, vs. subsurface flow) affect the size distribution, abundance and molecular composition of DOM in aquatic systems in the High Arctic.

The research will involve the use of ultrafiltration techniques, to size fractionate DOM from surface waters collected from permafrost watersheds.  The work will require laboratory analyses and laboratory experiments to be conducted in the FaBRECC lab at Queen’s University for approximately the first half of the appointment followed by data analyses and interpretation. Analytical skills that are required include the operation of high temperature combustion TOC analyser (Shimadzu TOC-L) and an Aqualog spectrofluometer.

The successful candidate should have strong quantitative skills including experience with MATLAB or similar software for statistical analyses and data processing. The PDF will also have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Myrna Simpson at the UofT Scarborough, to use NMR analyses to characterize the molecular structure of DOM by size fraction.

It is expected that this work would result in at least one publication submitted within the term of the appointment. The position will also afford the successful applicant the opportunity to participate in other research endeavors and to assist in supervision and training of students in laboratory according to their interests and qualifications.

Supervision and Academic Unit:

Dr. Melissa Lafrenière, Department of Geography and Planning

Remuneration:

$54,000 per year. Plus benefits

Start Date and Duration of Appointment:

July 1, 2022.  1 year duration, possibility of extension

Required Qualifications:

PhD in a relevant discipline and analytical experience with water quality analyses, preferably in the quantification and characterization of dissolved organic matter.  Ability to design a robust research plan and carry out the laboratory analyses and research largely independently. Strong record of publication in peer reviewed literature.

Required Documentation:

Please submit a cover letter including a statement of your current and prospective research interests, a CV, and the names of three referees.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed and considered until May 29th, 2022,

Please submit your application to Dr. Melissa Lafrenière at melissa.lafreniere@queensu.ca. For information about the facilities, and research group see Dr. Lafrenière’s web page.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY: The University invites applications from all qualified candidates. Queen's is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. For more information about Post Doctoral training at Queen’s University, please visit the Office of Post Doctoral training web site: https://www.queensu.ca/postdoc/

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