Date Posted: Tuesday February 27, 2024
The Mercury and Ecohydrology Research Laboratory is looking for a two (2) year Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research group. The candidate must have a PhD in environmental science, earth science, geography, biogeochemistry, restoration ecology, or related fields. The ideal candidate will broadly have experience in peatland restoration, ecohydrology, hydrochemistry, trace metals, and/or solute transport. The position is part of a NSERC Alliance Mission Grant (Mining atmospheric CO2: Assessing the efficacy of novel landscape carbon sequestration strategies in smelter damaged ecosystems to achieve net zero GHG emissions) led by Dr. McCarter at Nipissing University engaging local industrial (Vale Inc) and government (City of Greater Sudbury) partners. The multidisciplinary grant works with a large interdisciplinary team, consisting of Dr. Ellie Goud (Saint Mary's University), Dr. Nathan Basiliko (Lakehead University), Dr. Peter Whittington (Brandon University), Dr. Florin Pendea (Lakehead University), Dr. Peter Beckett (Laurentian University), and Dr. John Gunn (Laurentian University). The diverse research team encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration, allowing for mentorship and exchange opportunities within the wider research team.
Sudbury, Ontario is one of the world’s largest metal mining centres, and historically has been the largest global point source of sulfur dioxide and metal particulate pollution. Subsequently, ecosystem reclamation has become a prominent goal of the regional community through the City of Greater Sudbury’s Regreening Program, of which Vale Canada LTD is an important contributor. Both the City and Vale have a new goal of net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, and potential nature-based carbon sequestration technologies are critical to achieving this goal. While regionally >30,000 have been reforested (including liming of the landscape to decrease the acidity of the uplands), sequestering an estimated 500,000 Mg of carbon, there are ~6,000 ha of valley-bottom peatlands that are the densest current, and potential, carbon store in this landscape. Yet, many of these peatlands are contaminated with decades of legacy industrial emissions from smelting resulting in degraded functionality and a loss of ~100 years of sequestered carbon. Notably the keystone Sphagnum “peat mosses” that drive net carbon sequestration and limits greenhouse gas emissions cannot tolerate high levels of cationic elements (nickel, copper, or calcium/magnesium) or sulphur. These peatlands, which are normally carbon-sequestering powerhouses are no longer operating as atmospheric carbon sinks in this contaminated landscape and there are no currently known methods to restore metal impacted peatlands.
We are looking for a candidate to run a novel peatland restoration trial on trace metal (nickel, copper, mercury, etc.,) and sulphur contaminated peatlands. Experimental work will consist of both field-scale and greenhouse experiments, with opportunities to explore personal research priorities. The candidate will primarily run a greenhouse experiment testing several potential restoration techniques to accelerate the return of Sphagnum (peat) mosses to contaminated peat. Within this experiment, the candidate will be responsible for mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, while exploring their own research interests in the context of the experimental work. A secondary role within the project will be to assist on field-scale trials of potential restoration techniques in a small, contaminated peatland.
The Mercury and Ecohydrology Research Laboratory is led by Dr. Colin McCarter, Canada Research Chair in Climate and Environmental Change. Our research focuses on how the interactions and feedback between ecohydrological, biogeochemical, and soil physical processes control the transport and transformation of contaminants, such as mercury, and carbon in northern landscapes. We use a mixture of experimental and numerical modelling methods at a variety of spatial scales (soil pore to catchment scale) to answer our research questions. Our research priorities are currently focused on: 1. Novel peatland restoration in metal contaminated landscapes, 2. Evolution of organic soil structure’s impact on solute transport, and 3. Interactions between wildfire, trace metals, and peatlands. We are also involved with several international collaborations researching potentially toxic metals and metalloids in peatlands. Inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Colin McCarter (colinmcc@nipissingu.ca).
The position is located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, though some remote work is possible. North Bay is Ontario’s Gateway to the North and is nestled within a bounty of lakes, forests, and wetlands. North Bay is an ideal place to live and work, particularly for those who love being close to nature and outdoor activities.
The two year fully funded position (annual salary will range from $52,900 CAD-$60,000 CAD plus 4% vacation pay) can start as early as May 1st, 2024, with a flexible start date. Application review will begin March 25th, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, and one (1) example of their research that they feel best represents their qualifications for the position to Human Resources (careers@nipissingu.ca). Please include “Mercury and Ecohydrology PDF Application” in the email subject line.
Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a covering letter from Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities.
Nipissing University must gather information from applicants to determine eligibility to work in Canada. Please include a statement in your application to identify whether you are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or are otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada. The search committee would like to thank all applicants for their interest in Nipissing University.
Nipissing University will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at access@nipissingu.ca.
The search committee would like to thank all applicants for their interest in Nipissing University. Please note that only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.