Posted November 23, 2010

The Project:
Two post-doctoral fellowships are available immediately for highly motivated and organized individuals to help design and coordinate a new multi-investigator interdisciplinary research program on oil sands management and environmental risk assessment. This project is a key element of the Sustainable Development of Natural Resources theme of the $30 million Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Water Security, and integrates world-class expertise at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in areas including hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, aquatic toxicology, environmental risk assessment and process technology. One successful candidate (post A) will work with a team of six principal investigators and several graduate students and technicians on a large scale experimental and modeling program, aimed at developing new science and risk assessment tools. The second (post B) will work on the development of new process technologies for oil extraction. The positions are guaranteed for two years, pending a successful annual review. The salary/salary range is CDN $40,000 – 60,000.

The successful candidate for post A will oversee and coordinate activities within this Oil Sands Reclamation research program, liaise with stakeholders internal to the U of S and industry partners, and help represent the group at national and international meetings. The candidate will also conduct his/her own research to support one of four component areas: large-scale field hydrological/geochemical monitoring and experimentation; advanced geochemical analytical methods development and the use of synchrotron technology; pollutant toxicity and effects on environmental and human health; integrated decision-support tools for risk assessment and remediation of contaminated land and water, including biodegradation and sequestration of pollutants. The successful candidate for post B will work on the development of technologies to improve efficiency and reduce and treat wastes in the oil industry. Both will help oversee and guide related graduate student research.

Qualifications:
For post A, candidates must have a Ph.D. (or have a Ph.D. defense date set) in hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, aquatic toxicology, risk assessment modeling or a closely related field. Strong communication skills and an ability to work in a team setting are required. Evidence of internationally-recognised research capability in one of the four component areas defined above is essential, and a demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary research. For post B, a PhD in civil or chemical engineering or a closely related field is required. In addition, the successful candidates should have: good problem-solving skills; good interpersonal skills; excellent organizational skills; attention to detail; and strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Deadline:

Applications will be accepted immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. Should multiple high quality applications be received, considerations of additional appointments will be made.

How to Apply:
Applications must include a full Curriculum vitae, a list of three references who have each agreed to submit a letter of reference on behalf of the candidate if requested, complete academic transcripts (copies are acceptable), and a cover letter that addresses how the candidate meets the job qualifications and is suited for the responsibilities described above. Please send applications or direct inquiries to:

Canada Excellence Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan
Attn: Kate Wilson
National Hydrology Research Centre
11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3H5, CANADA
Tel: (306) 966-8014, Fax: (306) 966-1193, E-mail: kate.wilson@usask.ca