Postdoctoral Scholar, Faculty of Science

Description

Postdoctoral Scholar position

Area:   Advanced oxidation and bubble mixing optimization for a novel irrigation water
conditioning system
Duration:  One year, with possibility of renewal
Start date:  July 1, 2025
Salary:   minimum of $50,000 CAD per year, plus Alberta Blue Cross Plan C Health Insurance benefits

Drs. Kimura-Hara and Kusalik in Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in advanced oxidation and bubble mixing optimization for a novel irrigation water conditioning system.

Job Description:
Agriculture plays a significant role in Canada's economy, and in 2023, Canada ranked as the 8th largest agricultural exporter globally. In modern agriculture, sustainable and efficient farming practices are essential for farmers as demand for higher crop yields grow and water resources remain limited. Our industry partner specializes in novel irrigation treatment systems to improve plant growth and soil properties. Their system utilizes advanced oxidation to condition irrigation water that can decrease soil compactness leading to higher hydraulic conductivity and substantial water savings by reducing water overflows. 

In this project, the position will work in collaboration with three other UCalgary research groups and our industry partner to 1) characterize the mechanisms by which the water conditioning system enhances soil properties and its effect on soil microbial community and 2) optimize the system¿s parameters (i.e., nanobubble/microbubble size, mixing, configuration) to maximize its effects. This project will provide fundamental understanding of the water conditioning technology and identify opportunities for an improved system for commercialization that can benefit both commercial farms and small-scale residential and commercial operations in Canada and globally. The position of Postdoctoral Scholar reports to Drs. Susana Kimura-Hara and Peter Kusalik, Principal Investigators in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science.  Position requires judgement and decision making, working on multiple different analytical procedures with simultaneous and/or multiple deadlines each week (position requires multi-tasking). Position is responsible for scheduling its own work day/week according to the job duties assigned, the deadlines and any specific assignments from Drs. Kimura-Hara and Kusalik, and requires excellent time management skills so that deadlines are met.  Work is carried out with moderate supervision. Position operates in an environment requiring interaction and teamwork with other staff to achieve goals.  The lab strives for continuous improvement and changes to policies, procedures, equipment, staff, projects and priorities do occur regularly.  Work requires possible exposure to dangerous materials and/or situations and is conducted in an area with constant background noise from instruments and gas tanks pressure relief valves. 

The position will work closely with graduate and undergraduate students who will also be part of the small team focused on the project. The position will participate in various laboratory experiments and data analyses associated with the project, and will also be responsible for project oversight and reporting progress updates for funding agencies. Additionally, the position will interact, collaborate, and coordinate with other research groups and industry partners. 
The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewable for a second year contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Qualifications:

• The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. (obtained in the last 2 years) in Science or Engineering from a relevant discipline, such as chemistry, chemical engineering, or environmental engineering, and will have demonstrated exceptional strength in relevant experimental approaches and research productivity (e.g. strong publication record). Clear interest in innovation and interdisciplinary work should be expressed in the cover letter in relation to the proposed work. 
• Demonstrated experience and technical background in chemical and physical analysis of aqueous solutions using analytical and/or physical chemistry methods is required. Preference will be given to those with direct experience with advance oxidation processes, acoustic measurements, (nano)particle size analyzers, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, and the design and building of instruments, prototypes or experimental equipment.
• English language skills in reading, writing and oral communication are required.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs are required. Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team environment, and organizational and time management skills are required.  Experience in research literature searching, including libraries, web sites and other media is also required.
• Ability to multi-task and to be self-reliant and work effectively with minimal supervision, focus on attention to detail when performing tasks, produce high quality work with accuracy and speed, prioritize and maintain a flexible schedule based on needs and to maintain organized work area and work tasks, and mentorship skills (to undergraduate/graduate, junior staff and collaborators) are required.

Application details:  

Please email your application as a single PDF document via email to [email protected]  All applications must include:

• a cover letter including date of availability, suitability and motivation for the role, including a brief summary of past, current and future research interests and accomplishments. The cover letter should clearly explain your interest and relevant background & experience for this position, no more than 2 pages long, single-space and 12 pt font. For applicants whose native language is not English, please comment on your English-language skills.
• a current curriculum vitae (CV), of at most 5 pages with 12 pt font, that includes
  ¿ List of Publications
  ¿ One-page outline of previous relevant research achievements;
• official or unofficial copy of diploma(s)/university certificate(s);
• the name and contact information including email addresses for at least three (3) referees who have knowledge of your research and academic experience.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the application deadline of 11:59 PM MST, May 15, 2025, or until the position is filled. Applicants from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply.

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted further. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, although others are encouraged to apply.

Please review the Postdoc Eligibility Guidelines for more information prior to applying for this position.

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada¿s leading next-generation university ¿ a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation¿s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada¿s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit  ucalgary.ca.

Additional information
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.  

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders ¿ in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour¿s drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.