PhD Opportunity in Biogeochemical Reactive Transport Modeling at University of Waterloo

We invite applications for a PhD position in the Ecohydrology Research Group at University of Waterloo, Canada, to work on biogeochemical reactive transport modeling to simulate the fate and fluxes of gases, nutrients and contaminants at key interfaces within the landscapes (e.g., agricultural, landfills, peatlands). The focus will be on the coupling of biogeochemical reactions to transport processes in near-surface environments (e.g., soils, sediments). PhD student will develop the reactive transport model of greenhouse gas emission dynamics in physically and chemically heterogeneous porous media at a variety of scales, from pore to column to field. The model will include gas transport dynamics, microbial community response, and seasonal effects, as well as thermodynamically-based modules that predict reaction trajectories of multi-functional soil microbial communities under variable physical-chemical conditions. PhD student will have the opportunity to perform laboratory-scale experiments aimed to analyze the reactive transport processes in porous media and determine rates, mechanisms and products of biogeochemical transformations of nutrients and contaminants and provide experimental datasets for model calibration/validation.

Applicants with degrees in any field of science or engineering are welcome to apply but preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated skills and experience in (environmental) chemistry, biogeochemistry, hydro(geo)logy, numerical and reactive transport modeling, and environmental engineering.

If you have any questions regarding the application process and, eligibility, or a request for accommodation during the selection process, please contact Dr. Fereidoun Rezanezhad (frezanez@uwaterloo.ca) or Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen (pvc@uwaterloo.ca). Please submit your application package electronically as a single pdf file to Dr. Fereidoun Rezanezhad (frezanez@uwaterloo.ca). In your application email, please include “PhD-RTM#_yourname” in the subject line and attach a single PDF file that contains:

• Your motivation for applying to the position and your research interests Curriculum vitae Copy of transcript(s) (unofficial transcripts will be accepted at the application stage) Contact information for up to 3 references

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The positions will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of ‎ the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometers on each side of the Grand River.

The University of Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Metis and Inuit), Black and members of racialized groups, individuals in the LGBTQ2+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.