We invite applications for a PhD student to participate in a research project in the Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG) at the University of Waterloo. The project will advance the quantitative and predictive understanding of the hydrologically driven deposition, transport, and degradation of organic matter (OM) in the hyporheic zone of large river systems. It is well recognized that biogeochemical activity in riverbed sediments is much higher compared to the water column, because the concentrations of OM and microorganisms are several orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding concentrations in the water column. That is, the riverbed represents a hot spot of biogeochemical cycling at the terrestrial-aquatic interface.

The PhD student will conduct controlled sediment column experiments under fluctuating river stage conditions to replicate the hydro(bio)geochemical environment of near-surface riverbed sediments and determine the processes and rates of in situ riverbed OM degradation. The PhD student will also co-develop a reactive transport modeling module to simulate the fate of OM in the hyporheic zone and the associated riverbed geochemistry.

This is a joint project between ERG, the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The PhD student’s work will therefore align with complementary experimental, field and modeling efforts at the collaborating institutes. At Waterloo, the PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen and Dr. Fereidoun Rezanezhad. Applicants must have a degree in the natural sciences, engineering or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated quantitative skills and practical experience in (bio)geochemistry and environmental sciences. To learn more about ERG, visit: uwaterloo.ca/ecohydrology.

For further information or submitting your application, contact Dr. Fereidoun Rezanezhad (frezanez@uwaterloo.ca). Please include “Hyporheic_yourname” in the subject line. Your application should be submitted as a single PDF file containing:

• Your relevant training and experience, your research interests and motivation for applying to the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of academic transcript(s)
• Contact information for up to 3 references

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