PhD Positions on Modelling Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Landscapes

Two fully funded 4-year PhD positions available, one at the University of Saskatchewan and one at University of Guelph on Modelling Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Landscapes.

We are seeking candidates for two PhD projects with a focus on scaling up large datasets on soil processes and greenhouse gas emissions to identify climate-smart soil management practices. Research will involve use of data from long-term micrometeorological CO₂ and N₂O flux and soil weighing lysimeter experiments designed to identify practices that reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, while also minimizing other environmental impacts such as nitrate leaching. These data will be used to calibrate and validate biogeochemical models (e.g. DNDC) followed by simulation scenarios aimed at assessing the impact of climate-smart soil practices on carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions for different regions of Canada. 

The students will be co-supervised by Dr. Kate Congreves (Department Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan) and Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle (School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph), experts in soil nitrogen cycling, GHG monitoring, and modelling. The project is a part of a large pan-Canadian Project called Solutionscapes: Designing Climate and Water Smart Agricultural Solutions in Complex Working Landscapes that aims to develop pan-Canadian, spatially explicit solution portfolios for agricultural landscapes that will move Canada towards a net-zero GHG future, while also prioritizing water quality and other ecosystem services. Though the project will focus on Canada, the methodologies developed would be transferable to other countries and regions. The project involves a collaboration between multiple universities (University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Saskatchewan, Pennsylvania State University), and a range of partners across Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Agriculture and Agri Food Canada, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Conservation Ontario, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Grand River Conservation Authority, Alternative Land Use Services, Canadian Biogas Association, Canadian Water Network). 

Applicants are expected to hold a masters degree in related science or engineering fields (undergraduate degree would be considered for exceptional candidates). Previous experience in coding platforms (Matlab, R) would be beneficial, though not required. We embrace equity, diversity and inclusion and seek lab members who can contribute to a welcoming, engaging environment for students and researchers of all genders, races, abilities, and backgrounds. 

Application Procedure: For further information and to apply, send a CV, transcripts, and a page describing your interests and background to Laura Klein (l3klein@uwaterloo.ca) and copy Drs. Wagner-Riddle and Congreves (cwagner@uoguelph.ca and kate.congreves@usask.ca) by January 30, 2023. Position will remain open until filled.