Aurora

Employment & Opportunities

PhD position in Urban Climate Modelling and Heat‑Island Mitigation - Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) 

Start Date: As early as possible
Funding: CA$ 24 000  per year guaranteed, with up to an additional  $5 000 performance‑based top‑up annually

Project Overview

You will join an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Francesco S.R. Pausata (UQAM) and Prof. Julie M. Thériault (UQAM), in close partnership with the Ville de Montréal. Your doctoral research will develop and apply cutting‑edge spatio‑temporal methods - including fieldwork and high‑resolution atmospheric modelling - to:

• Quantify and analyze urban heat islands (UHI) across Montreal using fixed and mobile sensor networks, drone thermal imagery, and in‑situ measurements.
• Optimize the design and deployment of temperature sensor arrays to maximize coverage in vulnerable neighborhoods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of heat‑mitigation strategies (green roofs, urban greening, cool materials) through advanced simulations at resolutions down to 100–250 m.
• Deliver actionable tools and maps for municipal decision‑makers, integrating results into Montréal’s resilience planning and open‑data portals.

Candidate Profile

- Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Environmental Physics, or a closely related field.
- Strong skills in Python or equivalent for data analysis; experience with atmospheric/oceanic modeling frameworks (e.g., WRF, GEM, CESM) is an asset.
- Background in spatial analysis, sensor network design, or urban climate studies highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills; ability to liaise with academic and municipal partners.

What We Offer

• A funded PhD position ($24 000 CAD per year), with the opportunity to earn up to $5 000 CAD more annually through performance‑based top‑ups and research grants.
• Hands‑on fieldwork alongside Ville de Montréal experts, access to unique urban sensor networks and high‑performance computing resources.
• A stimulating, collaborative environment bridging academia and municipal practice—your findings will directly inform city policy on heat resilience.

How to Apply

Please send a  single PDF including:
1. A cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with this project
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for at least two academic referees

to  Prof. Francesco  Pausata (pausata.francesco@uqam.ca) and Prof. Julie Thériault (theriault.julie@uqam.ca) by August  29,  2025, with “PhD  UHI Modeling Application” in the subject line.

Why Montréal?

Montréal is a truly cosmopolitan city—home to over a million students from around the world, it pulsates with cultural diversity, art festivals, cafés and live music on every corner. Its comprehensive public transit network—subway, buses, commuter rail, bike‑share, car-share—makes getting around effortless and eco‑friendly. Green corridors like Mount Royal Park and riverside paths offer daily respites in nature. You’ll enjoy world‑class research facilities, vibrant student life, and a safe, affordable urban lifestyle where English and French mingle seamlessly. Here, your work won’t just advance science—it will shape the future of one of the most dynamic and eco‑friendly cities in North America.