1- Year Early Career Postdoctoral Research Position in MicroPlastics Modelling

Dr Jill Crossman’s Microplastics lab is seeking an early career postdoctoral researcher (graduated from their PhD within the last 5 years) to apply a state-of-the-art process-based model of microplastics transport and fate, to three watersheds in Ontario. No previous experience in microplastics research required. The researcher will calibrate and validate the model using new knowledge of microplastics transport processes made available from an associated monitoring program. The postdoctoral researcher will run management simulations through the calibrated model, in collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, to identify effective and realistic measures of reducing the quantity of microplastics transmitted to rivers and lakes in Ontario.

The Microplastics Lab at the University of Windsor is quantifying the sources, transport and fate of microplastics in soils and stream environments. Funded by NSERC as part of an International WaterWorks Joint Projects Initiative, the lab is investigating sites across Ontario to quantify movement of microplastics to and from soils and rivers, via throughflow and surface runoff, stormwater drainage and wastewater treatment plants. International partners include the Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA), and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

This position provides opportunities to travel to and work with European team members, specifically with SLU.

Job description:

• Apply new INCA microplastics model to three watersheds in Ontario
• Identify any shortcomings in model structure, and work with the international team to resolve model issues
• Calibrate and validate model, using new knowledge of process interactions made available from monitoring programs
• Develop management scenarios in collaboration with stakeholders and international partners
• Quantify transport and fate of microplastics under various management strategies

Salary and eligibility

Annual salary of between $40,000-$45,000 CAD commensurate with experience, plus full health benefit coverage. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Members of minority groups are encouraged to self-identify.

The University of Windsor is a comprehensive research and teaching institution with more than 15,500 students. We are a welcoming community committed to equity and diversity in our teaching, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of the University’s Employment Equity Plan, members from the designated groups (Women, Aboriginal Peoples, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and Sexual Minorities) are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.

How to Apply

Please forward your resume, contact details of three referees, and letter of research interests (cover letter) as soon as possible to the University of Windsor project leader, Dr Jill Crossman