Cold Regions Hydrology Research Opportunities at CH

Posted on by

There are several research studentships and positions with Professor John Pomeroy, Director of the Global Water Futures Programme (GWF) and of the Centre for Hydrology at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask. & Canmore, Alberta. GWF is the largest freshwater research programme in the world and is transforming our ability to understand and predict cold regions water security. Exceptional students may also be considered for a $45,000/year GWF Excellence Scholarship (see www.usask.ca/water)

GRADUATE STUDENTS

  • PhD Student – Cryospheric representation in large scale hydrological models
  • PhD Student – Contributing Area and Streamflow Dynamics

RESEARCHERS

  • Canadian Rockies Hydrological Observatory Research Scientist / Coldwater Laboratory Manager
  • Cold Regions Sensor Design and Construction – PDF or Electrical Engineer or Electronic Technologist

PhD Studentships

PhD Student – Cryospheric representation in large scale hydrological models
The successful candidate for this position will have a MSc in hydrology with experience in hydrological model development, excellent mathematics, computer coding and environmental physics skills and an understanding of cold regions hydrology: glaciers, snow, permafrost, frozen soils. This student will be working within the Integrated Modeling Program for Canada (IMPC) project of Global Water Futures on advancing the representation of glacier and snow dynamics, and heat and mass transfer in frozen ground in large scale hydrological models used in the GWF programme. The student will review, develop, encode and test advanced algorithms describing these processes in Environment Canada’s MESH hydrological model. Test sites in the Canadian Rockies, Prairie and North are available for model validation. This research will help quantify the impact of climate warming on cold regions hydrology with particular reference to quantifying pan‐Canadian changes in water supply and water security.

Co-supervised by Dr. John Pomeroy (Geography & Planning) and Dr. Al Pietroniro (Civil Engineering). Interested applicants should contact Dr. Pomeroy (centre.hydrology@usask.ca) with a cover letter explaining their motivation, academic CV, unofficial transcript and contact details for three academic references. http://artsandscience.usask.ca/geography/graduates/welcome.php

PhD Student – Contributing Area and Streamflow Dynamics
The successful candidate for this position will have a MSc in hydrology with experience in both field work and numerical hydrological modelling and excellent quantitative physical environmental science skills. A background in agricultural hydrology and knowledge of cold regions hydrology is an advantage. The student will be working within the Prairie Water Project of Global Water Futures on investigating the dynamics of Prairie streamflow as it relates to variations in basin contributing area. The student will use a combination of field and modelling studies to evaluate the contributing area-streamflow relationship and determine the influence of geomorphology, climate and wetland distribution. This research will contribute to knowledge that will inform land management decisions as it pertains to sustainable water management and water and nutrient transport to water bodies. The PhD will be expected to collaborate with others to evaluate the influence of best management practices on the health of Prairie water bodies.

Co-supervised by Dr. John Pomeroy and Dr. Chris Spence (Geography & Planning). Interested applicants should contact (centre.hydrology@usask.ca) with a cover letter explaining their motivation, academic CV, unofficial transcripts and contact details for three academic references. http://artsandscience.usask.ca/geography/graduates/welcome.php

RESEARCH POSITIONS

Canadian Rockies Hydrological Observatory Research Scientist / Coldwater Laboratory Manager
A rare opportunity exists for a post-doctoral scientist to be a field-based research scientist working in close collaboration with Professor John Pomeroy in conducting cold regions hydrology studies in the Canadian Rockies Hydrological Observatory, UAV-based hydrology studies with the Smart Water Systems Laboratory, and managing the GWF Coldwater Laboratory in Canmore, Alberta. This is part of the Global Water Futures programme. The successful candidate for this job will have a top-rated PhD and substantial publication record and evidence of leading successful field programmes in mountain snow and cold regions hydrology plus interest in leading a UAV and field station based measurement programme in the Canadian Rockies. Proven capability to conduct research outdoors in extreme conditions, exceptional leadership skills and training in wilderness first aid are essential for this position. Experience piloting UAVs and/or in hydrological modelling is an asset. Employment as a Research Scientist is directed only towards those with a valid Canadian work permit. International candidates may be considered for Post-Doctoral Fellow (PhD within 5 years of appointment) or Visiting Professorship (must take leave from home institution) appointments in support of this function.

Based in the Canadian Rockies town of Canmore, Alberta, your primary duties will be:

  • Advance scientific knowledge of mountain hydrological cycling
  • Conduct research towards a better understanding of mountain hydrology sensitivity to change
  • Contribute towards modelling glacier, alpine and forest hydrology in the Canadian Rockies
  • Conduct UAV-based investigation of mountain surface characteristics.
  • Engage with stakeholders and users of research in the Canadian Rockies
  • Write scientific papers, progress reports, conference presentations
  • Assist in mentoring MSc/PhD students, researchers and technicians at the Coldwater Lab.

Cold Regions Sensor Design and Construction – PDF or Electrical Engineer or Electronic Technologist
The successful candidate for this post will have extensive experience in developing and making circuit boards, assembly and contribution to design of environmental sensors, and deployment and testing of environmental sensors in testing facilities and outdoor environments. This post is in support of the Smart Water Systems Laboratory of the Global Water Futures programme at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. The candidate will work with a research scientist in development, construction and deployment of new snow, streamflow, micrometeorology, gas flux and soil moisture sensors for cold regions. International candidates are welcome to apply at the PDF level (5 years or less since PhD). Others should have a valid Canadian work permit.