Aurora

Employment & Opportunities

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Continental Shelf Dynamics - Hakai Coastal Initiative

Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship (PDF) to study the dynamics of the continental shelf off the coast of British Columbia Canada using a diverse collection of in situ ocean observations including ocean glider, mooring and ship-based data.

Background:

Queen Charlotte Sound (QCS) is a large semi-enclosed body of water off the central coast of British Columbia Canada north of Vancouver Island. The region is a vital commercial and subsistence fishing ground, and hosts many of western Canada’s Marine Protected Areas. Unlike much of continental shelf of British Columbia, the shelf here is very wide, relatively shallow, and incised by a large number of canyons with egress to the open ocean. Similar to much of the west coast of the Americas, wind-driven upwelling plays a dominant role in the regional dynamics. However, QCS has very strong freshwater forcing from the surrounding mountain ranges and vigorous mixing, implying that lateral buoyancy-driven (estuarine-like) circulation is also important in driving cross-shelf transports. On the landward side, QCS is surrounded by fjords that are home to commercially-important salmon populations. Some of these fjords are deep with annual deep-water renewal; an important implication is that fjord waters periodically go hypoxic. Better understanding of QCS shelf circulation will allow us to better understand how these productive fjords renew, and improve our ability to predict how they will be impacted by future change.

Project Goals: The project aims to address the following research questions.

• What are the dominant transport pathways in Queen Charlotte Sound?
• How do these pathways connect the open ocean to British Columbia’s central coast? What are the dynamical processes involved in these connections?
• How do these pathways and processes impact properties that are important for the marine ecosystem (e.g. water temperature, oxygen, pH, and primary production)?

Position Responsibilities: The fellow will be responsible for the following tasks within the context of the overall project as described above.

• to work with the project team on processing, analyzing and interpreting existing observational data;
• to participate in the continued collection of in situ observational data in the region;
• to work with the regional modelling community on comparing observations and model simulations to better understand the fidelity of the models in capturing coastal processes;
• to write high-impact manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements:

• a PhD in physical oceanography
• experience working with observational datasets, as evidenced by the candidate’s publication record
• willingness to work collaboratively with a group of scientists with diverse expertise and experiences in oceanography
• capacity to lead projects with collaborators, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated ability to finish projects on time

This is a limited term, two-year PDF position paid at a rate of $55,000 CAD per year plus Mandatory Employment Related Benefits. There is an opportunity for renewal given satisfactory performance and funding availability. A research budget is also available. We seek a candidate who has completed a PhD within the last five years (special allowances will be made for career interruptions and personal circumstances) and who shows evidence of strong quantitative skills and an understanding of coastal oceanography.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and two research publications to Dr. Stephanie Waterman by email (swaterman@eoas.ubc.ca). Your cover letter should address your motivation to excel in this project, and the skills and experience you can bring to the work. Review of applications will begin on February 1 2021. Start date is negotiable with a preferred start of spring or summer 2021.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

2021 Field Season Intern Geologists - Dahrouge Geological Consulting

Dahrouge Geological Consulting is currently accepting applications to fill multiple roles for Intern Geologists for the upcoming 2021 field season. These are 4-month contract terms anticipated to start May 2021.

Successful applicants will be working alongside senior and project geologists to complete tasks outlined below in key responsibilities. Applicants should be willing to travel and spend 50% of their time in field. A valid Canadian or US passport may be required for some projects. Prior field experience and familiarity working in remote locations with helicopters or small fixed wing planes is considered an asset.

Key Responsibilities

• Project planning and preparation.
• Assist in the planning and execution of soil and rock sampling surveys.
• Complete ground geophysical surveys.
• Core logging and sampling adhering to QA/QC protocols.
• Comply with regulatory and health and safety guidelines.
• Data entry, compilation, analysis, and interpretation.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a geoscience program with an accredited university.
• Entering or completed the 3rd year in a geoscience program having covered basic clastic and carbonate sedimentology.
• Valid class 5 (or provincial equivalent) driver’s license with clean abstract.
• Strong organization skills with attention to detail.
• Able to carry loads of 50 lbs for extended periods.
• First aid with level C CPR and AED is considered an asset.
• Strong English oral and written communication; fluency in a second language may be considered an asset.
• Experience with industry software (ArcGIS, QGIS, Leapfrog, Vulcan, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.) is an asset.

Application Details

Please indicate year of study in your application and cite “2021 Field Season Intern Geologist” in the subject line of your email. Submit your resume and cover letter to careers@dahrouge.com by February 19th, 2021.

News & Events

MSc Thesis Defense: Xueying Li

Title: Reactive transport modeling of waste rock weathering in permafrost environments

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 20th at 1:00pm

Place: Zoom

Graduate Student & Postdoc Research Carnival

Come and and hear an inspired set of LIGHTNING talks from our students and postdocs and learn about some of the neat work being carried out within EOAS. 

Date & Time: Thursday, January 21st at 11:00am

Place: Zoom Room