Postdoctoral fellowship at Saint Mary's University (SMU) in Halifax, Canada
We invite applications for a one-year (renewable for up to 2 additional years) Postdoctoral Fellowship to work on the project 'Integrated measurements of GHG emissions at an intermediate port', funded under the NSERC Alliance Missions Grant. This SMU-led Alliance project is a partnership that aims to connect and advance scientific capacity in atmospheric observation (SMU), ocean chemistry and microbiology (Dalhousie University, Halifax), and air-sea flux measurement technology (SMU, Dal and industry partner Eosense Inc., Halifax) to improve the understanding of marine sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the scale of an intermediate-size port, with the Halifax Port Authority also serving as a critical partner. The research will account for both direct emissions (e.g. from new ship fuels) and changing emissions from harbour waters impacted by human activity and climate change.
Focusing primarily on the powerful GHG nitrous oxide (N2O) the goals of the partnership are to: 1) establish the baseline conditions and monitor the impacts of new fuels on emissions of GHGs from the marine sector; 2) determine the magnitude of GHG emissions (fluxes) from coastal waters and their sensitivity to direct and indirect anthropogenic disturbance; 3) critically evaluate the attribution of variability in atmospheric measurements to direct vs. indirect GHG emissions; 4) provide public information about GHG sources and magnitudes within the Port of Halifax.
Responsibilities of Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF)
The successful applicant will implement a multi-gas atmospheric measurement system in Halifax using an existing open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometer system. The PDF will be responsible for the continuous field deployment of the system in flux-gradient mode (atmospheric absorption spectra recorded at two alternating heights above the ocean surface) and in combination with a new 3-D sonic anemometer, plus auxiliary low-cost sensors. They will also derive ambient atmospheric gas concentrations and air-sea gas fluxes by processing the spectra from two different heights (yielding concentrations and gradients) and by applying the turbulence parameters from the anemometer (yielding fluxes). The PDF will work with a PhD student assigned to another aspect of the project, other university faculty collaborators, industry scientists and staff from the Halifax Port Authority to meet the 4 partnership goals (above).
Qualifications
The successful applicant will hold or have completed all requirements for a PhD in Atmospheric Science or a relevant area of Physical Science, Engineering or Computer Science. They will have experience with flux measurements (by any technique) or modeling, as well as proven field research skills. Knowledge of FTIR spectrometers or trace gas retrievals is an asset. Strong scientific programming and data analysis skills in Python (or a similar language) are a must to adapt existing retrieval and flux-gradient processing codes. Finally, the applicant will have strong written and oral communication skills, as demonstrated by a successful record of peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.
Application Instructions
To apply, please email a cover letter outlining your career goals and research interests, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of two references to Prof. Aldona Wiacek (aldona.wiacek@smu.ca, http://www.ap.smu.ca/~awiacek/). Applications will be reviewed beginning on April 19, 2024, until the position is filled. Saint Mary's University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principles of employment equity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply -- particularly qualified women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
About Saint Mary's
Saint Mary's University is a public university with over 7,000 students, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is committed to serving the local, regional, national, and international communities, and integrating such activity as part of the learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students. The University has over 250 full-time faculty involved in innovative teaching, research and service. Interdisciplinary studies are a prominent feature and strength of the University, including through a Masters degree and a PhD degree in Applied Science. Saint Mary's is located in the historic port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vibrant, urban community of over 400,000 people in the Regional Municipality. Halifax is a major educational and economic centre for Atlantic Canada and is home to five universities. It is conveniently located with respect to recreational areas and other major urban centres in Canada and the northeastern United States.